A healthy vulva may taste and smell a variety of ways, from salty to metallic to sour. Contrary to what many genital hygiene ads would have you believe, it doesn’t have to be all roses.
Vaginal tastes and odors can vary throughout the menstrual cycle and other factors, like changes in diet, medication or even a new bath soap can influence it. But major shifts in odor or taste can signal that something is wrong like bacterial vaginosis.
Sweet
Many vulva owners might agree that the taste of their vulva is a bit sweet. This is especially true for a healthy vagina. Some say it tastes like a ripe tomato or apple pie, while others describe it as oceanic, briny, and even metallic (think pennies)!
The sweetness of the vulva is often tied to the pH balance of the area. This is why many women swear by pineapple and citrus foods to keep their vulva sweeter, but it can also depend on the time of month, as the menstrual cycle can change the pH of the area.
Additionally, some vulva owners swear that certain spices can make their vulva smell and taste sweeter, including cinnamon and nutmeg. But, no matter what, it’s important to know that a foul-smelling or tasting vulva can be a sign of an infection, such as bacterial vaginosis. If you notice that your vulva has changed in flavor or scent, make sure to call your doctor right away. They can give you an antibiotic that will help you feel better!
Sour
This is the acidity of your vagina, which is totally normal and helps balance all the bacteria that blossom down there. It can also create a tangy, fermented or sour flavor because of the bacterial flora that release products to maintain the pH levels. The sour taste is from the same bacteria we use to make yoghurt, called lactobacilli.
Sometimes it can have a metallic taste, especially after menstruation because of trace amounts of blood (that contains iron). And it may also be salty from sweating or not washing properly after you pee. It can also have a grassy or hay-like flavor from some herbs and vegetables like asparagus, kale, wheatgrass shots, or fresh pineapple.
There’s no hard and fast rule about what your vulva will taste or smell like, but some people report that spicy foods cause their bits to taste spicier, while garlic and onions tend to make things smell more pungent. If you notice an unusual odor or a strange taste, talk to your doctor. It could be a sign of an infection such as chlamydia or trichomoniasis.
Salty
A healthy vagina secretes fluids to clean itself and keep up with the right pH balance. Those fluids can also be lubricants to make intercourse comfortable and even orgasmic. Depending on what you eat or drink, the taste of those fluids may change. For example, large amounts of garlic will affect your urine and sweat, which in turn can change the taste of your vulva.
Sweat can leave a salty taste in the vagina, as well as a sour or bitter one, and you might notice a metallic taste when you’re menstruating. That’s because the blood that’s released during this time is naturally endowed with iron.
Adding certain foods to your diet can help you maintain the health of your vagina and avoid problems like an unpleasant taste or odor. Try adding bananas (which have antioxidants to help keep bacteria away), fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, yoghurt with probiotics, and plenty of water to your diet. And remember that you should always wash yourself thoroughly with soap and water after using the restroom to avoid infections like bacterial vaginosis.
Bitter
Despite what you may have been told by genital hygiene advertisements, your vulva doesn’t really taste like roses. This is normal and natural, since the vagina secretes many different fluids to clean and lubricate. These fluids vary in taste and smell throughout the day, month and even based on what you eat.
It is normal for a healthy vagina to have a salty, metallic, or sour taste. This is because the internal canal is naturally acidic to balance bacteria that blossom down there.
A metallic taste is particularly common in the days after menstruation, when trace amounts of blood are present down there. The metallic taste is due to the iron content of the blood. A salty taste is also common, thanks to sweat from exercise or the body’s natural perspiration. Forgetting to clean yourself after peeing can leave behind traces of urine with a salty taste, too.
A musky or sweet flavor isn’t uncommon, either. This could be the result of foods or perfumes you eat, and isn’t necessarily a sign of anything bad by itself.
Metallic
Many vulvas have reported a metallic taste in their vulva, which can be attributed to the acidity of the area (which is a necessary part of the self-cleaning process) or trace amounts of menstrual blood. Alternatively, some women describe the flavor as coppery or penny-like. Regardless, the taste is normal and nothing to be ashamed of.
It can also vary depending on things like where you are in your menstrual cycle or if you had sex recently, and can even be affected by certain foods, medications, or health conditions. However, a change in smell or taste could indicate an infection, pH imbalance, or bacteria, and you should seek medical attention if you experience this.
Whether or not you’ve ever had to lick your vulva, you may have seen it depicted in porn or movies. While it’s not as sweet as honey, it is actually a very sexy scent and has been shown to turn partners on! Besides being totally normal, it’s also a sign of good hygiene, so keep up the good work, ladies.
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