What Does Bacterial Vaginosis Discharge Look Like?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) discharge is usually thin, watery, grayish in color, and often comes with a strong fishy odor, especially after sex. It’s one of the most common signs that something’s off with your vaginal microbiome.

While vaginal discharge is totally normal — it’s your body’s built-in way of keeping things clean and balanced — changes in color, consistency, or smell can be a signal that an infection like BV is present. That’s where something like Evvy’s vaginal health test can make a big difference. By analyzing your unique vaginal microbiome, it can help detect BV-causing bacteria (and other imbalances) early, even before symptoms fully show up.

Keep reading to learn what BV discharge looks like, how to tell it apart from other types of discharge, and what steps you can take next.

What is bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal infection that occurs when there's a change in the balance of bacteria in the vaginal microbiome. 

Typically, the vagina has a healthy mix of good and harmful bacteria. Protective bacteria, predominantly Lactobacillus, help maintain an acidic environment and keep bad bacteria from overgrowing and causing infection. However, in bacterial vaginosis, there's an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria such as Gardnerella vaginalis and Prevotella species, which can lead to symptoms like unusual discharge and vaginal odor. 

The cause of bacterial vaginosis isn't well understood, but anything that disrupts the natural balance of bacteria present in your vagina could lead to bacterial vaginosis. Research has also found that you're at an increased risk of developing it if you have unprotected sex, have new or multiple sex partners, smoke, or use douches.

What does BV discharge look like?

Bacterial vaginosis doesn’t always cause noticeable symptoms, but when it does, abnormal vaginal discharge is the main one. Discharge with bacterial vaginosis often has distinct characteristics:

• Color: gray or whitish
• Consistency: thin and watery
• Quantity: excessive, or more than usual.

In terms of appearance, normal vaginal discharge is typically clear or milky-white and may vary in consistency from thin and watery to thick and sticky, depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle. It's usually odorless or has a mild, slightly “earthy” smell. 

While some variations in vaginal discharge are normal (such as during ovulation) any drastic changes in color, consistency, amount, or odor may indicate an infection. It's important to pay attention to your vaginal discharge and get acquainted with what “normal” looks for you. That makes it easier to spot when something isn’t quite right. Any unusual or persistent changes should warrant a visit to your healthcare provider, especially if accompanied by symptoms like itching, irritation, burning, or discomfort.

BV discharge during pregnancy

During pregnancy, it’s normal to experience an increase in vaginal discharge. Healthy discharge (known as leukorrhea) is typically thin, milky white, and mild-smelling or odorless. This increase is caused by hormonal changes and helps protect against infections by keeping the vaginal environment balanced. However, if the discharge becomes gray or off-white, thin and watery, and has a strong fishy odor, it could be a sign of BV. It's important to pay attention to these signs, as untreated BV during pregnancy can increase the risk of complications like preterm labor. If you notice unusual discharge or odor, talk to your healthcare provider and consider testing your vaginal microbiome to better understand what’s going on.

What does BV smell like?

A healthy vagina typically has a mild, slightly musky or tangy scent, something that can vary slightly throughout your cycle but is generally subtle and not unpleasant. In contrast, BV is known for producing a strong, fishy odor that’s hard to miss. 

This fishy odor is caused by an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria in the vaginal microbiome. These bacteria release compounds called amines, which are responsible for the characteristic smell associated with BV. 

The odor often becomes most noticeable after sex, during your period, or when wiping after going to the bathroom — times when the vaginal pH shifts and activates these compounds. Unlike the natural scent of a healthy vagina, the smell of BV is more pungent, sour, and persistent. If you’re noticing a strong, fishy odor that lingers or seems to worsen in specific situations, it could be a sign of BV. Evvy’s vaginal health test can help identify the bacterial imbalance responsible, giving you clarity and a path forward.

What else can cause abnormal vaginal discharge?

Abnormal vaginal discharge can also be caused by other infections, including some vaginal infections and sexually transmitted infections (STIs):

• Yeast infection: These are caused by an overgrowth of yeast (usually Candida albicans) in the vagina. Discharge is typically thick, white, and cottage cheese-like, often accompanied by itching, irritation, and a burning sensation.
• Trichomoniasis: Trich is an STI caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. Discharge can be yellow-green, frothy, and have a strong, foul odor. It may also cause itching, redness, and discomfort.
• Aerobic vaginitis (AV): AV is an infection caused by the overgrowth of bad bacteria. It can cause a yellow-green discharge with a foul or rotten smell, along with irritation and discomfort. 
• Cytolytic vaginosis (CV): CV is a condition that occurs when Lactobacilli bacteria overgrow in your vaginal microbiome and cause vaginal discomfort. It can cause excessive or increased vaginal discharge, most often white and watery or thick and clumpy. 
• Gonorrhea: This STI can cause green or yellow vaginal discharge, along with other symptoms including pelvic pain, bleeding between periods, and a burning sensation when you pee. 
• Chlamydia: This STI can cause unusual discharge that is white or yellow and has a foul smell along with other symptoms, including painful sex, pelvic pain, vaginal itching, and a burning sensation when you pee.

It's important to note that while these infections can cause similar symptoms, they have different causes and require specific treatments. If you experience changes in vaginal discharge or other symptoms of an infection, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. They can perform tests to identify the specific infection and recommend appropriate treatment.

Bacterial vaginosis treatment 

If you suspect you have bacterial vaginosis based on changes in vaginal discharge, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider. They can perform a physical examination and may take a swab of vaginal fluid to diagnose bacterial vaginosis. 

Your healthcare provider will typically prescribe antibiotics to treat bacterial vaginosis, either as oral pills or vaginal creams, gels, or suppositories. It's important to complete the full course of treatment prescribed by your healthcare provider to effectively clear the infection and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Although you can't fully prevent bacterial vaginosis, you can also follow a few lifestyle recommendations to reduce your risk of developing it: 

• Don’t douche! Vaginal douching upsets the normal balance of bacteria in your vagina.
• Wipe front to back after going to the toilet to prevent fecal bacteria from spreading to your vagina.
• Change your period products within the proper time frame.
• Practice safe sex and use condoms or dental dams.
• Cover sex toys with a condom during partnered sex, and wash them after each use.
• Quit smoking.

FAQ

How do you know if you are having BV discharge?

You might be experiencing BV discharge if you notice a strong, fishy odor coming from your vagina, especially after sex, during your period, or when wiping. The discharge itself often smells noticeably different from your usual scent — sharper, more pungent, and persistent. While every body is different, BV-related odor tends to stand out from the mild, musky smell that’s typical for a healthy vagina. Some people also report a feeling of increased wetness or changes in how their vagina smells throughout the day. If you’re noticing these changes, it could be a sign of BV. The only way to know for sure is through testing, and Evvy’s Vaginal Health Test can help you get clear answers by identifying the bacteria associated with BV, even if your symptoms are subtle.

What does BV actually smell like?

BV typically smells like strong, rotting fish: a sharp, unpleasant odor that’s hard to ignore. This fishy smell is caused by chemical compounds called amines, which are released by anaerobic bacteria that overgrow when the vaginal microbiome is out of balance. The odor can be especially noticeable after sex (when semen raises vaginal pH), during your period, or when wiping after using the bathroom. It’s not the kind of mild, musky scent that’s normal for a healthy vagina. BV odor is more sour, metallic, or rotten-smelling, and often lingers even after washing. If you notice this kind of smell, it’s a good idea to get tested.

Can other people smell BV?

Other people may be able to smell BV during close physical contact, like sex. The strong, fishy odor caused by BV can sometimes be noticeable to partners, particularly during or after sex, when changes in vaginal pH can make the smell more intense. That said, not everyone with BV has a noticeable odor, and some people may be more sensitive to scent than others. If you're worried about the smell, it's a sign that something may be off with your vaginal microbiome. Taking an Evvy Vaginal Health Test can help you understand what’s going on and take steps to restore balance.