What Does Gonorrhea Smell Like?

Gonorrhea can cause abnormal vaginal or penile discharge, but the discharge does not have a specific or reliable smell. A strong fishy odor is more commonly associated with other conditions, such as bacterial vaginosis, although testing is needed to identify the cause. Men may notice urethral discharge, but its odor cannot reliably identify gonorrhea. However, up to 50% of women and 10% of men with gonorrhea experience no symptoms at all, including no noticeable odor. The smell alone cannot diagnose gonorrhea, as other STIs and infections can cause similar odors. If you notice unusual discharge with a strong odor, especially combined with burning during urination or pelvic pain, seek medical testing immediately for accurate diagnosis and treatment.