What causes yellow vaginal discharge with a fishy odor?

Yellowish vaginal discharge with a fishy odor may be caused by trichomoniasis, pelvic inflammatory disease, bacterial vaginosis, or other conditions. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Trichomonas Vaginitis

When the vagina is infected with Trichomonas vaginalis, it can lead to increased vaginal discharge that appears yellow-green and frothy, accompanied by a fishy odor, external genital itching, and burning pain. It is recommended to use metronidazole suppositories, metronidazole vaginal effervescent tablets, or tinidazole suppositories locally under medical guidance to alleviate symptoms. Sexual intercourse should be avoided during treatment.

2. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

When the pelvic organs are infected by pathogens, inflammation can cause increased vaginal discharge that appears pale yellow, along with abdominal pain and an unpleasant odor. It is recommended to take oral medications such as levofloxacin hydrochloride tablets, azithromycin dispersible tablets, or clarithromycin hydrochloride dispersible tablets under medical supervision to control the infection and relieve symptoms.

3. Bacterial Vaginosis

When the vagina is infected with pathogens such as Gardnerella or anaerobic bacteria, a reduction in lactobacilli within the vagina can result in increased discharge and a strong fishy odor, particularly noticeable after sexual intercourse. It is recommended to take oral clindamycin hydrochloride tablets, metronidazole tablets, or tinidazole tablets under medical guidance to control the infection and improve symptoms.

In addition, these symptoms could also be caused by endometrial cancer. It is advised to visit a hospital for thorough examinations such as routine vaginal discharge tests and cervical secretion smears to identify the specific pathogen and receive targeted treatment.