Vaginal odor can be caused by diet, sweating, menstruation, or pregnancy. It can change from day to day during the menstrual cycle. An odor might be especially noticeable right after having sex. Sweating also can cause a vaginal odor.
The vagina has a natural odor. If you notice an unusual smell, you may be able to get rid of it by changing your hygiene practices, personal care products, or diet.
For instance, bacterial vaginosis is an overgrowth of bacteria typically present in the vagina. It’s a common vaginal condition that can cause vaginal odor.
Vaginal odor is any smell that comes from your vagina. It could be the odor produced by healthy vaginal secretion or an unpleasant, abnormal smell caused by an infection.
Your vaginal odor may change throughout your menstrual cycle or other times, like pregnancy or perimenopause.
The vagina is not supposed to smell like nothing! Just like other body parts — including the scalp, belly button, armpits — the vagina has some scent.
The scent of your vagina will vary based on things like:
- hydration levels
- recent food intake
- medications
- overall health status
- where you are in your menstrual cycle
- sexual activity
DIFFERENT TYPES OF VAGINAL ODOR
1-. FISHY VAGINAL ODOR (BV): is the most common vaginal infection among women of childbearing age. When something upsets the vagina’s complex chemistry, harmful bacteria can grow out of control, producing a fishy odor.
Bacterial vaginosis: “You get bacterial vaginosis when there’s an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria in the vagina,” says Minkin. “And these anaerobic organisms are odorous.”
Trichomoniasis: Trichomoniasis is the most common curable sexually transmitted infection and is treatable with a course of antibiotics. It’s known for its pungent fishy odor. “The trichomoniasis infection can be quite smelly,” says Minkin. “It’s a more pronounced fishy odor than bacterial vaginosis.”
In rare cases, a fishy smell can indicate a more serious condition.
2-. SWEET OR BEER-LIKE VAGINAL ODOR: A yeast overgrowth in the vagina can produce a sweet smell reminiscent of honey or cookies. The vagina might also smell like beer, flour, or bread. Sometimes the odor smells sour, but it can also be pleasant.
3-. Tangy or fermented: It’s common for vaginas to produce a tangy or sour aroma. Some compare it to the smell of fermented foods. Yogurt, sourdough bread, and even some sour beer contain the same type of good bacteria that dominate most healthy vaginas: Lactobacilli.
If it smells curiously similar to that sour IPA you had last weekend, there’s no need to stress.
Reasons for a tangy odor
Acidity: The pH of a healthy vagina of a person of reproductive age is slightly acidic, between 4.0 and 4.5Trusted Source. This value may be slightly higher if you have gone through menopause. “The Lactobacilli bacteria keep the vagina acidic,” says Minkin. “This protects against an overgrowth of the bad kinds of bacteria.”
4-. Coppery like a penny
Many people report smelling a coppery, metallic vaginal odor. This is usually nothing to worry about. Rarely, it signifies a more serious problem.
Reasons for a coppery odor
Blood: Blood contains iron, which has a metallic smell. The most common reason for blood is menstruation. During your period, blood and tissue are shed from your uterine lining and travel through your vaginal canal.
Sex: Light bleeding after sex can be common. This is usually due to vaginal dryness or vigorous sex that can cause small cuts or scrapes. To prevent this, try using lube.
5-. Chemical like a newly cleaned bathroom
An odor similar to bleach or ammonia could be a couple of different things. Sometimes, this odor may be a reason to see a doctor.
Reasons for a chemical odor
Urine: Urine contains a byproduct of ammonia called urea. A buildup of urine in your underwear or around your vulva could put off a chemical smell. Keep in mind, urine smelling strongly of ammonia is a sign of dehydration.
Bacterial vaginosis: It’s also possible a chemical-like smell is a sign of bacterial vaginosis. “A chemical smell often falls under the category of fishy,” says Minkin.
5. Skunky like BO or a smoked herbal, earthy scent
No, it’s not just you. Many people find a similarity between body odor and cannabis. There isn’t a good scientific answer for this, although Vice did take a stab at it. But thanks to the sweat glands down there, at least we do know why vaginas and body odor can smell so similar.
Reasons for a skunky odor
Emotional stress: Your body contains two types of sweat glands, apocrine and eccrine. The eccrine glands produce sweat to cool your body down and the apocrine glands respond to your emotions. These apocrine glands populate your armpits and, you guessed it, your groin.
When you are stressed or anxious, the apocrine glands produce a milky fluid. On its own, this fluid is odorless. But when this fluid contacts the abundance of vaginal bacteria on your vulva, it can produce a pungent aroma.
7. Rotten like a decaying organism
A rotten odor that makes your nose wince and your face contort is not the norm. If the smell is putrid, like a dead organism, it may not be your vagina but something in your vagina.
Some causes of Vaginal Odour include:
. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
. Trichomoniasis
. A Forgotten or Stuck Tampon
. Douching
. Poor hygiene, sweat, Diet
. Menstrual cycle
. Pregnancy
. Cervical Cancer
4 Best Natural Remedies To Get Rid Of Vaginal Odour;
- Vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- Garlic
- Pineapple
- Baking Soda
Prevention:
- Quit smoking
- Lose weight
- Try vitamin C vaginal suppositories
- Wear cotton underwear and loose clothing
- Change clothes and shower promptly after exercise
- Practice good hygiene by washing your vaginal area with warm water and nonirritating soap
- Avoid foods that might increase the odor
- Wipe front to back after urinating or making a bowel movement to prevent spreading bacteria from your anus to your vagina
- Use condoms during sex, and carefully clean sex toys to prevent the spread of STIs
- Avoid douching and feminine sprays or deodorants, which can lead to irritation
- Stay hydrated
- Eat a balanced diet
