Why BV Smells Worse During Your Cycle and How to Handle It

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is one of those things that no one really wants to talk about, but so many women quietly deal with. I’ve had my own run-ins with it over the years—more than once, unfortunately—and one thing I always wondered (and Googled frantically at 2 a.m.) was whether BV gets smellier at certain times. If you’re here, you probably know *exactly* what I mean. That strange, fishy odor that seems to come and go like a bad ex. Let’s talk about when—and why—BV’s smell gets worse.

What Causes the Odor in BV?

The odor you notice during BV isn’t in your head—it’s very real. The smell comes from volatile amines produced when the balance of bacteria in the vagina is off. Normally, *Lactobacillus* bacteria keep things in check, but when anaerobic bacteria overgrow, that’s when the fishy smell kicks in. I’ve always described it like this: you know when you open a container of fish that’s just past its expiration date? Yep—*that* smell.

Why the Smell Fluctuates

Sometimes, BV is barely noticeable. Other times, it feels like it announces its presence to the entire room. Here’s why the smell may seem worse on certain days or in specific situations:

• Hormonal fluctuations during your cycle can impact vaginal pH and make the smell stronger.
• Sexual activity—especially unprotected sex—can temporarily increase the odor.
• After your period is another common time. Blood changes vaginal pH, encouraging bacterial overgrowth. I’ve personally noticed this like clockwork.
• Heat and sweat can intensify odors in general, and BV is no exception.

There’s actually a deep-dive into how BV can worsen after menstruation, and it’s worth checking out if this is your pattern.

Does BV Smell Stronger During Certain Parts of Your Cycle?

Short answer: absolutely. Your cycle plays a big role in how BV behaves. I used to notice the odor was worse during and right after my period, but then it would taper off mid-cycle. Sound familiar?

1. Menstruation: Menstrual blood has a higher pH (around 7.4), compared to the vaginal pH (which is usually 3.8–4.5). This shift can allow bad bacteria to multiply.
2. Ovulation: Some women find symptoms flare around ovulation, possibly due to hormonal changes or cervical mucus shifts.
3. Luteal Phase: Post-ovulation, discharge might be thicker, which can trap odors and make them more noticeable.

It’s not just anecdotal. Clinical findings support this, showing that the vaginal microbiome is influenced by menstrual cycle phases (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).

Does Sex Make the Smell Worse?

For me, this was the most embarrassing part. After sex, even with my long-term partner, I’d notice the odor was more pungent. It turns out, I wasn’t imagining things. Semen is alkaline, and when it mixes with an already disrupted vaginal environment, it throws the balance further off.

There’s a reason why BV and sexual activity are so closely linked. A helpful article explains how intercourse can trigger or worsen BV. Using condoms and avoiding scented products down there helped me a ton.

Oral and Toy Play Matter Too

It’s not just penetrative sex. Oral sex and certain toys (especially if not cleaned well) can introduce bacteria or disrupt the balance. Always clean toys and consider using pH-balanced lubricants.

After a Shower… Still Smelly?

One of the most frustrating parts of BV is when you’ve just showered, and yet the odor lingers. That fishy smell seems to laugh at your lavender-scented body wash. Spoiler alert: it’s not about cleanliness.

BV is a bacterial imbalance, not a hygiene issue. Over-washing or using harsh soaps actually makes things worse. I learned this the hard way. You might want to read about why douching and “cleansing” habits backfire.

How Long Does the Smell Last?

That depends on whether BV is being treated. If you’re in the thick of an episode, the smell can last days to weeks. And sadly, for many of us, BV tends to come back. If you’re still trying to figure out whether it’s BV or something else, this article about vaginal odor differences helps distinguish it from other causes.

For those tired of the guessing game, here’s a smart move: look into the best ways to get an accurate BV diagnosis. You can even explore how reliable home tests are if you’re not ready to go to a clinic.

So, Is There a Pattern to BV Smell Getting Worse?

For many women (myself included), yes. Most commonly, BV odor worsens:

• Right after your period
• After sex
• During hot weather or workouts
• When using scented products down there

Being aware of these triggers helps. And treating BV properly (not just masking it with sprays or wipes) is the only way to really get ahead of it. Check out this solid breakdown on how long it takes to fully cure BV, especially if you’re just starting treatment.

Need the full picture of BV from causes to management? Visit the main BV page and this solid resource on BV symptoms and signs.

How Stress, Food, and Lifestyle Can Make BV Smell Worse

Here’s something no one told me early on: your lifestyle can absolutely influence how bad BV smells—and how often it comes back. I used to think I was just unlucky. But then I started connecting the dots. Stress, late-night fast food runs, barely any water… yeah, that combo wasn’t helping.

Turns out, stress can weaken the immune system and mess with your hormonal balance. That’s not just bad for your mood—it’s also bad for your vaginal flora. There’s even research that shows stress can influence BV recurrence (cdc.gov).

And food? Oh yes. Diets high in sugar and refined carbs feed the wrong kind of bacteria. I started noticing a pattern: more sweets = stronger smell. If this sounds familiar, look into how sugar affects BV—it’s eye-opening.

Foods That Help vs. Foods That Harm

• Good guys: leafy greens, unsweetened yogurt, fermented foods, water, garlic
• Bad guys: sugar, alcohol, fried foods, dairy overload, white bread

You can dig deeper into the foods that support healthy vaginal bacteria and those you should skip if you’re prone to flare-ups.

Recurring BV = Recurring Odor

If you’ve ever thought, “Wait, didn’t I just treat this last month?” — you’re not alone. Recurring BV is ridiculously common, and yep, that means the smell keeps coming back too.

Antibiotics like metronidazole or clindamycin can treat it, but they don’t always solve the root cause. I remember feeling so defeated the third time BV returned after I “cleared it.” That’s when I realized I had to treat it differently—not just with prescriptions, but with lifestyle changes too.

Here’s a helpful look at why BV relapses happen after antibiotics and what can help prevent it long term.

Things That Helped Me Keep BV From Coming Back

1. Probiotics (especially vaginal suppositories—not just oral ones)
2. Switching to cotton underwear
3. No more bubble baths or scented soaps down there
4. Cutting sugar intake drastically (sorry, donuts…)
5. Using condoms consistently—even in a monogamous relationship

There’s a full rundown of long-term solutions for recurring BV if you’re tired of the rinse-repeat cycle like I was.

When the Smell Isn’t BV

It’s easy to assume any vaginal odor = BV. But that’s not always the case. I once had what I swore was BV, but turns out it was a yeast infection with a weird twist. The symptoms can overlap, but the treatment? Totally different.

That’s why it’s important to read up on how to tell the difference between BV and yeast. Misdiagnosing yourself can make things worse—and a lot more frustrating.

In some cases, other conditions like trichomoniasis or STIs can cause odor too. If the smell is super strong, greenish, or comes with other symptoms like pain or itching, get checked. No shame in that.

BV During Pregnancy: Is the Smell Worse?

This one’s tricky. I went through a BV episode during my first trimester, and honestly, it felt even worse than normal. Hormones were all over the place, my sense of smell was on high alert, and everything just felt more intense.

Prenatal care matters here. BV during pregnancy isn’t just uncomfortable—it can lead to serious complications. The good news? It’s treatable. But yes, the smell can definitely be stronger due to increased discharge and pH changes.

If you’re expecting, please read this guide on safe BV treatment while pregnant. Your OB will probably recommend metronidazole or clindamycin as safe options.

Can You Prevent the Smell from Coming Back?

You can’t control your hormones or stop your period (unfortunately), but there are definitely ways to reduce your chances of BV making a smelly comeback. What finally worked for me was a combo of prevention tips and honest self-awareness.

If I was stressed, not drinking water, and slacking on sleep, flare-ups were almost guaranteed. But once I started being proactive—tracking symptoms, adjusting diet, and taking probiotics—the odor wasn’t a regular problem anymore.

Start with this handy list of safe sex tips to avoid BV and explore what small changes you can build into your routine.

Want a bigger-picture guide to handling BV? I highly recommend this solid resource on BV prevention strategies. And of course, the full breakdown at the main BV pillar article connects everything—from symptoms to treatment to lifestyle shifts.

Gwenna Aazee

Dr. Gwenna Aazee is a board-certified Internal Medicine Physician with a special focus on hypertension management, chronic disease prevention, and patient education. With years of experience in both clinical practice and medical writing, she’s passionate about turning evidence-based medicine into accessible, actionable advice. Through her work at Healthusias.com, Dr. Aazee empowers readers to take charge of their health with confidence and clarity. Off the clock, she enjoys deep dives into nutrition research, long walks with her rescue pup, and simplifying medical jargon one article at a time.