Which condition is indicated by a "fishy" smelling discharge?

The condition associated with a "fishy" smelling discharge is bacterial vaginosis. This condition results from an imbalance in the normal bacterial flora of the vagina, leading to an overgrowth of certain bacteria. The characteristic odor, which often becomes more pronounced after sexual intercourse or menstruation, is due to the release of amines from the bacteria involved in the infection.

In bacterial vaginosis, the discharge is typically thin, gray or white, and has this distinct fishy smell, making it a common clinical presentation that healthcare providers look for during evaluation. In contrast, other conditions like chlamydia and gonorrhea typically present with different types of discharge, such as purulent or yellowish-green discharge, and are not associated with the fishy odor. Trichomoniasis can also cause an unpleasant odor, but it's often described more as a foul-smelling discharge rather than specifically fishy and is accompanied by other symptoms like itching and irritation. Thus, bacterial vaginosis is correctly identified by the fishy smell of the discharge.