There’s a common misconception that vaginal smell is bad or unsanitary, but it’s perfectly normal! Depending on your diet, menstrual cycle, and sex life, the natural scent down there can change.
If you notice a fishy or chemical-like smell, it’s likely bacterial vaginosis and may be relieved with a course of antibiotics from your doctor.
Skunky
A skunky vagina isn’t something to panic about—it just means that you probably have some good bacteria in there. Your vagina is naturally acidic, and these bacteria, called Lactobacilli, keep that area clean by breaking down sweat molecules into odorless compounds. They’re the same bacteria that make fermented foods like yogurt, sourdough bread and sour beer smell a little funky.
When these bacteria come into contact with your penis, they can produce a scent that’s similar to the smoke coming off a joint. You may also notice that your vulva has an overall smoky or herbal aroma when you’re stressed out or anxious. This is a result of your body’s apocrine glands, which produce sweat in response to emotions and fill up your armpits and groin, too. The milky-smelling fluid they produce combines with the abundance of bacteria in your genital area to create that herbaceous, skunky weed-like scent.
The odor of your vulva can change throughout the month (heck, even on a given day) depending on the pH balance in your vulva and other factors like diet and hygiene – These words are the work of the service specialists Divine Intimacy. But a big shift in the way your vulva smells might be a sign of an issue. A rotting fish or dead organism-like smell, for example, could indicate an infection such as bacterial vaginosis, which can cause itchy, burning sensations up top. If this happens, see your doc right away.
Vegetable-like
We all have a unique smell. It’s a part of what makes us all different, and it can be influenced by your diet, menstrual cycle, and activities. The smell of your vagina is usually musky, earthy, or slightly fishy. If this smell changes, it may be a sign that something is off. But, don’t panic! Many of these changes in odor are perfectly normal.
For example, an earthy smell could mean that you have a healthy amount of bacteria in your vulva. Or, it could be a sign of an overgrowth of bacteria called bacterial vaginosis (BV). This infection is very common and does not cause pregnancy, but it can cause problems with your hormones. It can also cause itching, burning, and thick discharge in your vulva.
Changing odors may also be a sign of an STD like chlamydia or gonorrhea. In some cases, your healthcare provider will recommend an antibiotic to treat these infections. Practicing safe sex, using condoms with new sexual partners, and staying hydrated can help prevent STDs.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to your health care provider right away. They can help you determine if the change in odor is caused by an illness, an infection, or if it is a natural occurrence.
Herbal
A slight, tangy odor like fermented sauerkraut or probiotic yogurt is normal and nothing to be ashamed of. It has to do with the pH balance in your vagina, and these bacteria (called Lactobacilli) help keep it that way. This odor will also change slightly during your period, when there is more iron in the blood.
A sour or metallic scent like you just took a big whiff of a rotting fish or dead organism is not good and can be a sign of an infection, such as Trichomoniasis or Bacterial Vaginosis. It’s important to see a doctor if this happens.
Vaginal odor is unique to every woman, and it can change throughout the day for a variety of reasons. It depends on what you eat, your menstrual cycle, hygiene, hormones, and more. Subtle changes in odor are nothing to be worried about, but if the smell is particularly strong or accompanied by other symptoms, it might be worth checking in with your doctor.
For the most part, a healthy vagina should not smell like anything except maybe your favorite perfume or aftershave. If you find yourself smelling like a skunk spray, rotting fish, or asparagus, it’s time to call your doctor. Then you can figure out the best next steps.
Fishy
The apocrine sweat glands that populate your armpits also reside in your groin, and they react to emotional stress with the production of milky fluid that sometimes combines with an overgrowth of vaginal bacteria to produce a fishy aroma. The odor should disappear after washing your vulva and changing into fresh underwear, but if the smell persists or it’s accompanied by other symptoms like itching and discharge, you might want to see a healthcare professional.
A coppery, metallic odor is normal during your period, as the blood passing through the vagina carries iron that has a strong resemblance to rotting fish. This smell should go away once your period is over, and a healthy pH balance in the vagina is unlikely to cause it to return.
A sour, tangy aroma can also occur in the vulva from time to time, and it’s similar to the taste of probiotic yogurt. It’s often attributed to the presence of Lactobacilli, which are the same good bacteria that make fermented foods, like yogurt and sourdough bread, smell zippy or zesty. This type of odor is usually caused by a change in the pH of the vulva, and it may be triggered by a diet high in dairy, or it could be a sign of an infection such as bacterial vaginosis or Trichomoniasis, which is sexually transmitted.
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