There’s no one answer to what a healthy vagina is supposed to taste like. It may have a tangy or fermented odor, which is normal, since your body releases products to maintain its bacterial status quo.
It’s also common to have a metallic taste, especially soon after menstruation, since blood has a high iron content. But it shouldn’t have strong scents or tastes, such as fishy smells.
Sweet
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to what a vagina is supposed to taste like, because it secretes different fluids that clean themselves and help you move through your monthly cycles. But the acidic lubricant that’s produced during the arousal phase (that gets you turned on) has been described as tasting like pineapple or citrus, and a healthy vulva usually smells mild and pleasant.
The flavor of a vagina can vary throughout the day, depending on things like diet and hormones. It can also change through the menstrual cycle, with some women noticing it tastes slightly metallic or penny-like after their period. Sweat can leave the vulva tasting slightly salty, too.
Some foods have been reported to influence a woman’s vaginal taste and smell, including onions, garlic, and cruciferous vegetables. Alcohol, which can lead to increased perspiration in the groin, is also known to alter its taste and odor. If you and your partner are noticing unusual odors or tastes, it’s best to consult a gynecologist to see if there is a health issue at play.
Sour
In some cases, a vagina can taste strong. This may occur if you have recently used something that has caused an unbalance in the pH level of your vaginal canal. This could be a new bathing soap or some medication you are taking. The sour smell and taste can also be a sign of an infection.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor immediately. The bacteria in your vulva can be a serious threat to your health.
Some people report that their vagina has a slightly metallic or pennies-like flavor in the days leading up to menstruation. This is because blood has a high iron content and is naturally acidic. Other women say that their vaginas have a slight salty taste, as the organ sweats and loses water throughout the day. Some fruits and foods have been anecdotally associated with a sweeter tasting and smelling vagina. These include pineapple, citrus, and yoghurt (which contains good probiotics for the vulva). The taste and odor of your vulva can change throughout the month, especially if you have a hormonal imbalance.
Salty
Vaginas secrete a variety of fluids to clean, lubricate, and support the body’s bacterial balance. These fluids can vary based on hormonal changes or menstrual cycle. For instance, the acidity of a healthy vulva might lend it a tangy or fermented flavor that some women describe as yogurt-like or sour. And the vulva can also taste salty, a result of sweat that may build up in nooks and folds between showers.
Infections can change the flavor of your bits, too. Bacterial vaginosis, for example, can trigger a smell and taste similar to rotten fish or matzah and leave behind a dark or yellow discharge. And sexually transmitted infections like trichomoniasis can cause an unpleasant odor and an unusual taste in the vulva that some people compare to spoiled meat or old beer.
Some people also report a metallic or penny-like taste in their vulva, likely because trace amounts of blood (which naturally has a coppery or silvery flavor thanks to its iron content) can build up down there. But if your vulva’s taste or odor are uncharacteristically off, that’s usually a sign of something wrong and needs to be addressed right away by a medical professional.
Bitter
The vagina is naturally acidic, and that’s actually a good thing, because it helps balance out the bacteria that blossom down there. But the acid can give it a slightly bitter, metallic or penny-like taste (which some people call “battery”). This is especially common in the days before a woman starts her menstrual cycle, when blood can add a metallic flavor to her vulva.
The food you eat can also have a significant impact on the way your vagina tastes and smells. Incorporating fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains into your diet can make it sweeter-tasting. And drinking plenty of water can help level out the PH of your body fluids and prevent them from being too acidic, which can create an unpleasant smell or taste in your vulva.
The smell and taste of your vulva is unique to you, and that’s fine! As long as it doesn’t smell fishy or foul, and you don’t have an infection, the smell and taste of your vulva are totally normal. But if you notice any changes, it’s definitely worth getting it checked out by a doctor.
Acidic
Despite being hidden under multiple layers of clothing most of the time, a vagina is naturally acidic. This helps maintain a bacterial status quo and protects against infection. If your vulva develops a strong taste or smell, it’s likely due to a disruption in this acidity. This may be caused by a new bath product, medication or even menstruation.
When this happens, the vulva might taste tangy and fermented, with some people describing it as a metallic or penny-like flavor. The odor can also be strong, which can be uncomfortable. Fortunately, this can be treated with antibiotics.
In addition to antibiotics, Ton recommends avoiding spicy foods and drinks, including coffee (which can alter the pH balance of the vulva and cause it to be acidic), red meat, dairy, sugary beverages, and anything greasy or spicy. Keeping the area clean is also crucial. This includes washing the outside area of the vulva each time you take a bath and each time you urinate. It’s also a good idea to wear breathable underwear, and avoid scented products down there.
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