A vaginal discharge can be caused by a variety of things like STDs, and yeast or bacterial infections. If you're wondering why your sweat smells sour or like vinegar, you may have more of a specific bacteria, Corynebacterium, in your armpits, which produces putrid fatty acids, she explains. When a woman experience ammonia smelling discharge, it is rarely due to poor personal hygiene. A large amount of a thin, often foul-smelling discharge from the vagina which might be clear, white, gray, yellow or green. What is the meaning of a vaginal discharge with an ammonia odor? To prevent the disease, you should follow the simple preventive measures: As numerous reviews show, colorless, white and yellow secretions with a scent of ammonia is a common problem, which is very easy to eliminate. Yes same!!!! I tried looking up why a watery discharge would smell like ammonia. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In case of diabetes, ketones (acetone compounds) are present in the urine in too high amounts. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. Ive noticed my panty liners have been having a strong chemically odor to them after wearing them Mac perhaps maybe from discharge but I have noticed no change in color, no itching etc. Experiencing a constant strange odor, for example an ammonia smell in nose, is a common symptom, but it can be very unpleasant and worrying. Some of the most common causes of ammonia smelling vaginal discharges include: Menopause. Photo courtesy of allnightavenue by Flickr. Ammonia is a colourless, reactive gas that is lighter than air (approximately half as heavy) which dissolves readily in water. (2017). Certain foods, such as asparagus, can affect the smell of your urine. Apocrine glands tend to be more common in areas with a lot of hair follicles, including your groin. This usually isnt a cause for concern, but you may want to keep a food diary to help you track down which food is causing it. Ammonia Smelling Discharge. The discharge may change in color, have a foul or fishy smell, or be thick like cottage cheese. This may be the first symptom that you notice. You should keep in mind that soaping your vagina on a regular basis has been known to remove the good bacteria, and this may lead to a vaginal infection. What causes a urine-like smell during pregnancy? As such, the odor may probably have been caused by the concentration of urine drops on your underwear. Choose the right means of intimate hygiene: they must plant-based, free of dyes and fragrances and maintain pH balance. It is important to see a doctor to determine the cause so that the appropriate treatment can be given. . All rights reserved. Overview. Emergency medical attention is required if the abdominal pain is so tense that youre unable to sit still. There are several reasons why the vagina may smell like ammonia, including: 1. Treatments: To combat unpleasant-smelling sweat, maintain good hygiene with daily baths or . Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. Ammonia is a familiar scent associated with this type of problem. Possible causes include certain foods, supplement use, a urinary tract infection, a . Some of the symptoms that are associated with this condition include: strong smelling vaginal odor, a whitish and clumpy discharge, vaginal itchiness and dryness, and a greenish or brownish discharge between your periods. High ammonia levels are life-threatening and require immediate medical treatment. Vaginal douching as mentioned earlier may also lead to the development of these smells. This then leads to the onset of embarrassment, especially when in public places because many people tend to quickly link the ammonia odor from the bikini area with poor hygiene practices. is it deadly? Foods that have been known to contain lots of nitrogen and may cause an ammonia-like smell in your discharge include: As a woman, when you enter your menopause phase, your body will start to experience a number of changes. They eliminate surplus liquid and waste products from the blood, allowing the salt and mineral levels in the blood to remain constant, and they are involved in the regulation of blood pressure. I dont feel like Im peeing either but I have to assume or maybe just because my sense of smell is so much stronger? Pickles and ice cream! It is, however, important to remember that poor hygiene is not always the cause of the foul ammonia odor. Bacterial vaginosis happens when theres an imbalance of bacteria normally in the vagina. Prerequisite for the discharge with a smell of ammonia can be bacterial vaginosis. Here are the major causes you should look out for: It is one of the leading causes that plague the female reproductive system. Bleachy. Read below for more information on associated symptoms, other causes and foods that make your urine smell, and . In some cases, you will find that the infection is accompanied by a foul odor. After the second lumpectomy/partial mastectomy, it was completely gone. For such meds, one will need to get a prescription from a physician, as self-medicating may lead to the emergence of more serious complications. A Group Leader is a What to Expect community member who has been selected by our staff to help maintain a positive, supportive tone within a group. An ammonia-like smell in your vagina might be alarming at first, but its usually nothing serious. Ammonia-smelling discharge during pregnancy can be caused by either bacterial vaginosis or concentrated urine. The other 1 percent is made up of other substances, including ammonia. However, when the balance between the bad and good bacteria is impaired, bacterial vaginosiscan occur. Rotten smell. Why Does Menopause Increase Your Risk Of UTI And What Can You Do About It? Written by Shria Kumar, MD. I had a urine culture done two days ago and everything came back normal.Has anyone else experienced watery Hi ladies sorry for the TMI .FTM 35+5 weeks pregnant. Recurrent UTIs: Why Do I Get Urinary Tract Infections So Often? A copy of the The Facts About Ammonia (General Information) is available in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF, 63 KB, 3pg.). Create an account or log in to participate. and panty liners make me itch SO badly so even though they help with fluid and smells I hate them! In the majority of cases, ammonia smelling discharge happens due to bacterial vaginosis, which is an infection of the female reproductive system. According to WebMD, your vulva is made up of several sweat glands, and as well all know, any part of the body that has sweat glands is likely to have an unpleasant odor coming from it. These microorganisms leave behind a distinct smell in our undergarments, which is the ammonia smell. Dont neglect cold-related diseases, as they are often responsible for genitourinary diseases. The reason you smell ammonia is because the protein breakdown product urea is being produced faster than it can . There are many potential causes for an ammonia smelling discharge. It's normal for your urine to have a stronger odor during this time as well. It may be an isolated symptom, but it can also occur with any of the following: Some of the most common causes of ammonia smelling vaginal discharges include: Menopause. Severe cases that are neglected may lead to the emergence of long-term complications that may include infertility and other severe cases such as ectopic pregnancies. Bacterial presence in the urinary tract can also affect the way that the vaginal discharges smell. But, there is a general thought among many medical professionals that women who are sexually active are likely to be affected by this symptom. I have 9 more radiation treatments to go and finished my TC chemo in October, but was chemo resistant. Heres how to use garlic to get rid of the ammonia smell in vaginal discharge. Im having a vaginal discharge that smells like ammonia what can this be? Vaginal cancer: Symptoms include heavy vaginal discharge with a strong odor. Vaginal discharge is not usually anything to worry about if it: does not have a strong or unpleasant smell; is clear or white; is thick and sticky Maintaining a balanced diet with enough carbohydrate and protein is also necessary. Vaginal discharge is normal - most women and girls get it. Treatments: To combat unpleasant-smelling sweat, maintain good hygiene with daily baths or showers. Yuck. 1. Now, 2 1/2 months post-surgery, I am starting to smell that smell again and getting quite concerned that maybe cancer is coming back somewhere. Urine that smells like ammonia isn't always cause for concern, but there are some instances where it can be. We break down symptoms, treatment, and more. Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection that is caused by a parasite. You will need to drink this solution on a daily basis, Alternatively, take 150g of baking powder and place it in your bath water. The human nature is arranged so that the work of every organ is accompanied by its waste products. To use garlic, you can use it in your dishes, or choose to consume raw garlic each day. In some cases, strong, foul-smelling pee may indicate a bacterial infection, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI), which can cause serious illness if left untreated. When a baby's urine smells particularly strong, kind of like ammonia, look for signs of an infection, which include blood in urine, plus cloudy and smelly pee. Group Leaders communicate with staff moderators and escalate potential violations for review, but they dont moderate discussions. Bacterial vaginosis [Fact sheet]. I'm having constant clear discharge and sometimes an ammonia vaginal smell what could be some things that is causing that? Use a washcloth when showering to scrub the area well and remove extra sweat and skin cells, drink lots of water, and wear a panty liner. 17 weeks today and have been experiencing watery discharge for about a week. The infection can also cause discomfort during sex, vaginal itching, pain when passing urine and occasionally stomach pains. Dr. Ron Eaker answered. Hi there. Women can confuse vaginal secretion with minor urine leakage, which is a symptom of hyperactive or neurogenic bladder. Bacterial vaginosis. Dont be embarrassed lol I almost called the nurse line because I was feeling little gushes and I deduced it was urine (and not amniotic fluid). The smell of urine can change during pregnancy due to a number of different . In the case of women who normally experience regular vaginal discharge, they are likely to note an increase in the amounts of the vaginal discharge. 3 Reasons For Foul Smelling Stool And What Can You Do About It, What Every Woman Should Know About Post-Ovulatory Cervical Mucus. and the smell gets stronger when i'm sexually arroused. During the postpartum period, your vaginal scent will shift due to a number of factors like bleeding, moisture, and changes to your pH balance. Mayo Clinic Staff. Vaginal discharges do not often have a very strong odor. You likely have more discharge, which is also normal. In case of liver dysfunction, toxic substances accumulate in body, leaving it in the form of vaginal mucus. When you start your period, the first thing you might experience is increased discharge when you pee. Please specify a reason for deleting this reply from the community. This scent of discharge is diluted with a smell of rotten fish, and mucus acquires grayish shade. The use of bleach when washing or rinsing the panties may lead to the emergence of the foul ammonia smell. Ive been doing them but it hasnt stopped yet. Keep reading to learn what might be causing it and how you can manage it. Additionally, stay away from the normal toilet soap, instead opting for the non-scented wipes. A number of factors including menopause and the way the undergarments are washed can cause this condition. It . In men, trichomoniasis rarely causes symptoms. Discharge is a healthy part of vaginal health, but it can occasionally mean you're experiencing a health condition. Been having a lot of very light yellow discharge that is very wet. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. Like you, I dont feel like I'm leaking but maybe thats what it is , hey sorry just seeing this! Wear loose cotton clothing and regularly change your underwear. For it to work, you have to choose yogurt that is not flavored, and which needs to be organic. You can reduce your risk of getting bacterial vaginosis by not douching, which can upset the balance of good and bad bacteria in your vagina. Clinically, you're okay. Proceed to soak your body in the bath water for about twenty minutes, before wiping your body using a soft towel. A 18-year-old female asked: Why does my vaginal discharge smell like miknee or ammonia? Given that your genital areas contain sweat, it means that you are bound to sweat every once in a while. Consider the problem of secretions with a pungent smell of ammonia. Foul-smelling discharge from the bladder/uretha. Antibiotics may also be prescribed. I bet they will get back to you tomorrow! In many cases, women assume that the smell is coming from their vaginas, while it is, in fact, coming from their underwears. Ammonia has a strong smell, similar to urine, which can be detected . Thus, the balance between the bad and good bacteria is maintained. Usually, this phenomenon is caused by the disorders of liver that cannot cope with the processing of a by-product of metabolism ammonia. He said its normal. The two kidneys are situated immediately above the waist at the rear abdominal region on either side of the spine. there is no discharge, tested for std's. As many health professionals will inform you, the vagina is one of the most acidic parts of the body. In case of above-mentioned diseases, you can use anti-inflammatory and antimicrobials, and in severe cases antibiotics. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. DOI: Groin sweating Causes and treatments available. Your sense of smell is heightened so youre more apt to smell relatively normal smells. It can cause a foul-smelling, yellowish-green discharge. First of all, every woman should know that ammonia smelling discharge is not a life-threatening condition, but it is a very embarrassing one that also requires attention. Brownish/red Discharge At 6 Weeks - Is This Normal? Stinky urine can be caused by stinky meals. Sometimes pee leaks out sneakily without the sensation of peeing. If you have dealt with smelly vaginal discharges after your periods in the past, you will find these preventive tips handy. A doctor answers questions about treating it. About six to eight months ago, I got covid and I haven't been able to stand the smell of onions since. I am having a foul smelling almost back vaginal discharge 1 month after birth.? Some patients may be prescribed anti-convulsants, sedatives, or anti-depressants. You likely have more discharge, which is also normal. Ask the Expert: Can Bacterial Vaginosis Clear Up on Its Own? weird ammonia smelling discharge. Today, specialists have been able to group the causes of ammonia discharge after period into two main categories: Bad bathing habits have been seen to contribute to the development of this condition. Certain foods such as asparagus, brussels sprouts, onions, garlic, curry, salmon, and alcohol can cause pee to smell different. Even though it is not something that many people would like to think about, it is a proven fact that many women will experience a slight amount of discharge during the first few weeks of pregnancy. Women who take regular baths, and who make use of high-quality soaps and non-scented products are not often bothered by this condition. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. 100% Free Shipping to USA! If youre concerned about the smell of your discharge, its important to see your doctor. Everything You Need to Know About Vaginal Infections, thin, watery discharge thats white or gray, thoroughly cleaning your vulva with warm water, paying close attending to folds in your labia, wearing 100 percent cotton underwear, which makes it easier for sweat to evaporate off your body, avoiding tight pants, which make it harder for sweat to evaporate off your body, not douching, as it disrupts the balance of bacteria in your vagina, drinking plenty of water, especially when exercising, wiping from front to back to reduce your risk of getting a bacterial infection, wearing 100 percent cotton underwear and loose-fitting pants, regularly washing your vulva with warm water, wearing panty liners or frequently changing your underwear if youre prone to urine leakage. A 2014 study also found that pregnant women report an increased sense of smell during their first trimester. I noticed it the most around 16-20 weeks and got really self conscious. Whitish, clumpy discharges. Treatment at home is possible. Get your query answered 24*7 only on | Practo Consult Failure to consume enough water then causes the formation of highly concentrated urine, leading to the pungent odor. Another possible cause of an ammonia smelling discharge is a sexually transmitted infection. Group Leaders arent expected to spend any additional time in the community, and are not held to a set schedule. Urine could have foul, strong, or sweet smelling characteristics. I am just worried its an infection or something never really smelled that on me before. Ammonia concentrations in streams are rarely high enough to exhibit this odor, but water that has a foul, septic or organic-waste smell may have relatively high concentrations of ammonia. Dehydration can cause your body to produce a strong-smelling substance called ketones, which can make your discharge smell like ammonia. Urinary and Kidney Team. I have recently started a light greenish blue vaginal discharge. Apart from the fish odor, bacterial vaginosis can also be accompanied by: Until now, the primary cause of bacterial vaginosis is yet to be determined. If you think you may have bacterial vaginosis, its important to see a doctor so that you can be treated. Ive started wearing a pantyliner to keep my undies clean. Patients with liver disease often experience the following symptoms: If your symptoms persist or you are worried about them, arrange to speak with a doctor. Your email address will not be published. Urethritis, which is an inflammation of urethra, develops due to the penetration of pathogenic bacteria and viruses into a microflora. Normal? My vaginal discharge smells literally like ammonia. (1998). (2014). Very high levels of ammonia can damage . The foods you eat could be the reason why you are experiencing a foul odor down there. Short-term relief can be achieved by washing the nasal passages with a saline solution. The bacterial imbalance then leads to the occurrence of bacterial vaginosis. However, when the odor of the vaginal discharge in a woman changes and becomes foul smelling, she should visit a doctor. Sweating. Any disruption to this balance can cause too much bad bacteria, leading to an infection called bacterial vaginosis. There are many types of nasal spray and drops to ease your symptoms. It has an ammonia-like smell to it and am really worried. Sinusitis can occur due to a common cold, nasal polyps (small protrusions in the nasal lining), allergic rhinitis (a swollen nasal lining), or a deviated septum (where the nasal cavity has become shifted). Nasal congestion may be relieved with sprays containing oxymetazoline, which constricts nasal blood vessels. Ive also started using an organic roll on deodorant on my groin to help with the smell. What to Expect supports Group Black and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownership. However, if youre concerned, and the phantosmia has gone on for a while, see a medical professional. infections. Consult the urologist and endocrinologist, as these specialists usually understand the meaning of such symptoms. Finally, an ammonia smelling discharge can also be a sign of a more serious condition called pelvic inflammatory disease. This usually starts off as spotting that may transition to thick, brownish discharge with a putrid smell. So why does it occur after periods? professional will need to prescribe medication to treat this. Steroid sprays can also help. Changes in consciousness. Several changes occur in a womans body during menopause. Trichomoniasis. Along with many other, often unpleasant, symptoms of menopause, ammonia smelling vaginal discharge can also sometimestake place. Another potential cause of the ammonia smell in your urine is a condition called interstitial cystitis (IC), which is a chronic pain disorder that affects the bladder and surrounding muscles. Immediately after giving birth, your uterus is going through a process of cleaning itself out. Important notification about information and brand names, www.flickr.com/photos/allnightavenue/6084941339/. There's also a chance that the smell is actually coming from your urine, especially if you're dehydrated. We do not diagnose, treat or prescribe. When the tissue lining the sinuses becomes swollen and inflamed, this is called sinusitis. sometimes it smells fishy and other times it smells like urine or ammonia. Use contraceptives if you dont have a permanent sexual partner. In the genital area of a woman, good bacteria reside in order to fight against the bad bacteria. If the discharge starts to smell likeonion, rotten fish,iron, rot, acetone or ammonia, acquired white, grey or other unnatural color, their composition becomes nonuniform, and you note the discomfort (itching, burning or pain), this may be a sign of disorder. Normally, this discharge tends to have a mild smell and is milky in nature. If the excretion is accompanied by a burning sensation in the vaginal area, then it may have been caused by chlamydia infection. Other factors like concentrated urine, nitrogen-rich diet, excessive sweating, etc. To assist you in balancing the acidity of your vagina, consider using the apple cider vinegar at least two times a day when bathing. Some, including leaking ammonia cleaner in a confined space, can be dangerous, while other causes, like cat urine, are more of an annoyance than a danger. It is recommended to start with gynecological examinations to exclude female illnesses. Some causes of vaginal discharge can be treated with home remedies. As ovarian hormone production winds down with the transition into perimenopause, decreased estrogen levels compromise the health of the vagina. Smelling ammonia usually happens towards the end of a long or challenging workout and is a strong indicator that you have been burning protein as fuel. You could be leaking some urine. In the majority of cases, ammonia smelling discharge happens because of bacterial vaginosis, which is an infection of the female reproductive system. It's probably related to a change in diet or an infection. If you or a loved one experiences these symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible. This odor should, however,not a be foul smelling one. Learn more about, Twins & Multiples: Your Tentative Time Table. In the case of bacterial vaginosis, the woman needs to make sure that it gets treated, as it may lead to the emergence of various pregnancy-related complications that may include: Sweating occurs mostly in the armpits, but it is a natural phenomenon to sweat in your private areas. If lifestyle modifications are not enough, you may need drugs or surgery. A Group Owner is a member that has initiated the creation of a group to connect with other members to share their journey through the same pregnancy & baby stages. Follow the link to find out the reasons of pain during urination. In this article, you can find out what the discharge with a smell of ammonia mean and how to get rid of it. Mayo Clinic Staff. My vaginal discharges sometimes smell like ammonia! . However, the solution is simple. After a while it got worse, discharge would just run down my legs and stain my bedsheets. The drugs are complemented by immunostimulants and tonic preparations. Pain with urination or sex. Highly recommend!!! Lochia is postpartum bleeding and vaginal discharge. There are many potential causes for an ammonia smelling discharge. If you forget to remove a tampon, you may eventually notice an odor like rotten meat. Trichomoniasis is another STI that can cause an ammonia smelling discharge. Additional factors that have been known to cause this discomfort include: Traditionally, the vagina is known to house a number of good bacteria, whose main role is to ensure that there is an acidic pH in the vagina. You may need a prescription to help treat an underlying infection. Here are two of the most common causes: Bacterial vaginosis is a condition that occurs when the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted. During this phase, your ovaries will cease producing the progesterone and estrogen hormones. It is vital for clearing the body of harmful toxins and producing the enzymes required for digestion. Ammonia Smelling Discharge Early Pregnancy: When you are pregnant, your body goes through many changes. Concentrated urine. Coma. It has three stages and lasts up to six weeks. Your vaginal pH is an ever-changing bacterial ecosystem. Some of the symptoms that you are likely to experience during the menopause phase are: The main cause of this odor during the menopause phase is primarily due to the fact that many women do not take in enough water.