"Fishy minge" is slang referring to an unpleasant, fish-like odor from the female genital area (vagina/vulva), often associated with infections like Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) or Trichomoniasis, which cause strong smells, discharge, itching, and irritation, but it can sometimes stem from normal body odor or hygiene issues. It's a colloquial term, but medically points to imbalances or infections needing attention, like BV (overgrowth of certain bacteria) or Trichomoniasis (STI).
A foul, fishy odor from the penis may indicate an infection such as bacterial vaginosis or a sexually transmitted infection. Even with proper cleaning, underlying infections can cause persistent smells. It is important for both partners to seek medical evaluation for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
How do I know if I have BV?
Trimethylamine has been described as smelling like rotten or decaying fish. As this compound builds up in the body, it causes affected people to give off a strong fishy odor in their sweat, urine, and breath. The intensity of the odor may vary over time.
We get it — it's a common problem, but sometimes it can make you self-conscious (“wait, can other people smell that, too?!”) and affect your confidence. Inner thigh odor is caused by various factors, including excessive sweating, fungal infections, poor hygiene, and hormonal changes.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection that happens when some normal bacteria that live in your vagina overgrow, causing a bacterial imbalance. Symptoms include an off-white or gray vaginal discharge that smells “fishy.” BV is easily treatable with antibiotics from a healthcare provider.
Bacterial vaginosis treatment
Home remedies include a borax suppository, yogurt, garlic supplements, hydrogen peroxide or diluted tea tree oils. These treatments aren't well-studied, so we do not recommend trying to treat bacterial vaginosis at home with them.
Urine that smells fishy is not typical, but many of the causes are mild or treatable. Certain supplements, medications, or foods may change how urine smells. Some infections, such as UTIs or BV, can also cause this symptom.
To test for bacterial vaginosis at home, you take a sample of your own vaginal fluid by inserting a swab into your vagina. You seal the sample in a container, then mail it to a lab. It may take the lab a few days to a week to process the sample and get results, depending on the kit you choose.
Yes, bacterial vaginosis (BV) can sometimes go away on its own, as it's considered "self-limiting," but it's not recommended to wait, especially if you have symptoms, due to risks like increased susceptibility to STIs (HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea), Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), and pregnancy complications (preterm birth, miscarriage). Medical treatment with antibiotics is usually suggested for symptomatic cases to prevent these serious health issues, particularly during pregnancy, say experts from the CDC and Cleveland Clinic.
Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina that can result in discharge, itching and pain. The cause is usually a change in the balance of vaginal bacteria or an infection. Reduced estrogen levels after menopause and some skin disorders also can cause vaginitis.
BV is responsible for the fishy smell most commonly associated with unpleasant vaginal odors. The fishy smell may be especially strong after sex. Another common symptom to look out for with BV is a gray or grayish-white discharge. Trichomoniasis: A sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite.
Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection. A parasite causes it. The parasite can spread through genital touching and sex without a condom. In women, trichomoniasis can cause a foul-smelling vaginal discharge, genital itching and painful urination.
Semen is alkaline and often women find they notice a fishy smell after having sex. This is because the vagina wants to be slightly acidic, but if it's knocked out of balance by the alkaline semen, and it can trigger BV.
Treatment for a Fishy Vagina Smell Due to a UTI
Drinking plenty of water & unsweetened cranberry juice to flush the bacteria, remembering to wipe from front to back after using the bathroom, and ensuring to wash the intimate areas after sexual intercourse are some excellent preventative methods.
Differentiating between BV and UTIs:
The key differentiating factor lies in the type of discharge. BV typically presents with a thin, grayish-white discharge that has a strong, fishy odor. In contrast, UTIs may cause cloudy or bloody urine, but do not typically cause abnormal vaginal discharge.
Experiencing a strong or fishy vaginal smell? You're not alone. It could be due to low estrogen levels, urine leakage, or even a bacterial infection—common during perimenopause.
Treatment for Bacterial Vaginosis
Antibiotics are the only treatment. Studies of yoghurt lactobacilli probiotic preparations (either taken orally or inserted into the vagina) which are designed to help re-establish the lactobacilli population of the vagina, have not shown consistent results in treating BV.
You can add two cups of apple cider vinegar to a warm bath and soak for about 20 minutes. The vinegar can help neutralize odors and restore the natural pH balance of your vagina.
Topical treatments are also available, like metronidazole gel or vaginal suppositories, that you can use directly on or in the affected area.
Bacterial vaginosis symptoms can be treated at home with an internal gel or pessary, which works by helping to regulate the pH balance of your vagina. Products like Canesbalance BV Gel can help regulate the pH balance of your vagina. Canesbalance provides triple benefits: Relieves the unpleasant odour immediately.
Bacterial vaginosis can cause symptoms such as vaginal discharge with an unpleasant fishy smell. The antibiotics clindamycin and metronidazole are both effective treatments for this infection.