What does it mean when there is a lot of vaginal discharge with a fishy odor?

　　In general, increased vaginal discharge with a fishy odor may be caused by factors such as menstrual cycle effects, pregnancy-related changes, bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas vaginitis, cervicitis, and other conditions. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation and receive treatment under the guidance of a physician. Detailed explanations are as follows:

　　1. Menstrual cycle effects

　　Throughout the menstrual cycle, hormone levels in a woman's body undergo cyclical changes. For example, during ovulation, elevated estrogen levels stimulate increased secretion by the cervical glands, leading to an increase in vaginal discharge. If not cleaned promptly, prolonged retention of vaginal discharge in the vagina and exposure to air may result in a mild fishy odor. Women should maintain good menstrual hygiene, washing the external genitalia daily with warm water, keeping the area clean and dry, changing sanitary pads regularly, and wearing breathable cotton underwear to reduce odor production.

　　2. Pregnancy-related changes

　　After conception, significant hormonal changes occur in a woman's body, metabolism accelerates, and both vaginal epithelial cells and cervical glands become more active, resulting in markedly increased vaginal discharge. At the same time, changes in the vaginal environment during pregnancy may disrupt the relative balance of normally existing flora, potentially causing a fishy odor. Pregnant women should pay special attention to personal hygiene, frequently change underwear, avoid wearing tight pants, and ensure good ventilation in the external genital area.

　　3. Bacterial vaginosis

　　Bacterial vaginosis typically occurs due to an imbalance in the normal vaginal flora, with a decrease in lactobacilli and overgrowth of Gardnerella and other anaerobic bacteria. These anaerobic bacteria produce amine substances, which can lead to increased vaginal discharge accompanied by a noticeable fishy odor. It may also be associated with symptoms such as mild itching or a burning sensation in the vulva. Patients should follow medical advice and use medications such as metronidazole suppositories, tinidazole vaginal effervescent tablets, or clindamycin capsules for treatment.

　　4. Trichomonas vaginitis

　　Trichomonas vaginitis is primarily caused by infection with Trichomonas vaginalis, usually transmitted through sexual contact. The trichomonads multiply in the vagina, consuming glycogen and interfering with the glycolytic function of lactobacilli, thereby increasing vaginal pH and compromising the vagina's natural defense mechanisms, resulting in increased vaginal discharge with a fishy odor. Symptoms such as pain or dyspareunia may also occur. Patients may use medications such as compound Sophora flavescens wash, matrine gel, or nifuratel tablets under a doctor's guidance.

　　5. Cervicitis

　　Cervicitis is often caused by infection of the cervix by pathogens, with common causative agents including Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis. Inflammatory stimulation of the cervical glands leads to hypersecretion, resulting in increased vaginal discharge. The discharge may develop a fishy odor due to inflammatory exudate and pathogen activity. Other symptoms may include postcoital bleeding, intermenstrual bleeding, and cervical congestion. Patients may take medications such as cefixime capsules, azithromycin tablets, or doxycycline tablets under the guidance of a physician.

　　In daily life, it is important to maintain sexual hygiene and avoid having multiple sexual partners. Additionally, unnecessary vaginal douching should be avoided as much as possible to prevent disruption of the natural vaginal environment.