Your Guide to Vaginal Odor aka "Why Does My Vagina Smell Like..."

Chances are you already know what “normal” smells like for your vagina, though this probably changes slightly as your menstrual cycle goes through the motions. 

But, sometimes things can smell a bit… off. Maybe stronger, unusual, or abnormally foul. You’re not alone if you’ve rushed to your web browser, and typed in, “Why does my vagina smell like rotten eggs?”.

It’s completely normal to feel self-conscious or even concerned, but let’s clear the air (pun intended): vaginal odor is a common issue that many women experience, and in many cases it’s not a cause for concern. Vaginas are meant to smell like vaginas. Not like scented intimate wash products, pineapple juice, or a rosebush. 

That being said, when odor is particularly noticeable or unpleasant, it could be a sign that you have an infection. Understanding what’s normal and what’s not can help you determine when it’s time to take action.

Below we share some of the most commonly (and a few more obscure) searched vaginal “smells” and explain the types of vaginal infections, environmental factors, and hormonal shifts they’re associated with, including: 

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Bacterial vaginosis (BV) 
• Yeast infections
• Aerobic vaginitis (AV)
• Sweating
• Your period 
• Ovulation
• Sex
• Diet.

Keep reading to learn more about the causes of vaginal odor.  

Where does vaginal odor come from?

The origin of vaginal odor is complicated and probably different for every person because when it comes to how your vagina smells, multiple factors are at play. 

Simply put, vaginal odor is a combination of smells produced by the byproducts of different microbes within the vaginal microbiome. All body odor originates from the different odors bacteria produce, known as bacterial odorants.

Certain vaginal bacteria release smelly chemicals, specifically, chemicals called biogenic amines. Biogenic amines can cause the vaginal pH to rise. 

Right now, Dialister, Prevotella, Parvimonas, Megasphaera, Peptostreptococcus, and Veillonella are suspected of producing most of the smelly molecules because they have the genes required to produce biogenic amines. Certain biogenic amines (Putrescine and Cadaverine) are produced by the microbes that cause BV and smell like rotting meat or rotting fish, hence the fishy smell associated with BV.  

However, biogenic amines aren't the only culprit. Odor is created when the bacteria from the vagina mix with other fluids or bacteria nearby. Add discharge, the microbes present in genital sweat, menstrual blood, a sprinkle of urine, and sometimes, trace amounts of feces, into the mix and you’ve got just about everything that makes up your vagina's odor.

For example, the microbes in flatulence (and urine), give off hydrogen sulfide — a bacterial odorant that smells eggy, or rotten. Vaginally, this type of odor can crop up when urine secretions mix with the bacteria from the vagina and anal area.

Types of vaginal odor and what they can mean 

Earthy, ripe, or musky

While there’s no one signature odor for a healthy vagina, it’s common for people to describe theirs as smelling “earthy”, “pungent” or even “musty.” 

A slightly stronger version of your vagina’s usual odor is typically nothing to worry about. The types of bacteria shift when your hormones shift throughout the menstrual cycle, which can change the smell of your vagina, alongside your vaginal pH. Towards the end of your period, this earthy smell might be more noticeable. 

Trapped sweat can contribute to an earthy odor, too. So after a workout, you’re more likely to notice a pungent, earthy vaginal scent. This is especially true when wearing moisture-wicking underwear, or gym shorts and leggings that are designed to wick moisture away from the skin. 

BO or onion-like

The vulva has two types of sweat glands. The eccrine glands typically secrete moisture that doesn’t smell like anything while the apocrine glands have oily, stronger-smelling secretions because they mix with bacteria on the skin. 

There are lots of apocrine glands in our hair follicles, like our pubic hair. When we sweat (for any reason, not just when working out), our vulva can smell like an intensifying earthy odor that may resemble the smell of general body odor or onion. 

When jumping around during a workout (or just when out and about, doing daily activities) we can release discharge and even small amounts of urine. So, a mixture of genital sweat, discharge, and urine can cause a stronger, slightly unpleasant musky odor that might resemble body odor. 

To be clear, that’s not an endorsement to try vaginal deodorant. Feminine hygiene products can be harmful to your vaginal microbiome and even increase your risk for infections like BV. 

Fishy, meaty, or cheesy

Many people with vaginas experience a smell that resembles food that comes from a farm or the ocean. This may feel strange when you think about the fact that these odors are coming from your vagina, but it’s normal for certain microbes to give off scents we associate with fish, meat, or cheese — remember, they contain bacteria too.   

Sour, tangy, or fermented

On that note, if a bread-like vaginal odor smells more like sourdough bread and less like a standard loaf, it’s normal and possibly even a good sign. This type of sour, tangy vaginal odor can also resemble any kind of fermented food or beverage, like beer.

A healthy vagina’s acidic environment (where Lactobacillus can thrive, reducing harmful microbes) with a pH between 3.8 and 4.5, produces this pickled or fermented type smell. 

Metallic, tinny, coppery

Like the back of a spoon, or pennies, a metallic smell is linked to menstrual blood and blood has a high iron concentration. Light, non-infectious bleeding after sex can amplify this metal, tinny scent too. Unexplained, intermenstrual bleeding might also take on this vaginal odor. 

It’s important to note that this could become increasingly fishy or rotten if bleeding or spotting outside of your period is because of an infection, like an STI, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), in which case it’s best to consult a doctor. 

Sweet, citrusy, or bittersweet

Sometimes, genital sweat will interact with bacteria on the skin to produce a smell resembling tropical fruit, or grapefruit. Some of the microbes within a healthy vaginal microbiome can give off molasses-type, earthy odors too.

Bleach or ammonia

There are a few reasons why your vagina might smell like bleach or ammonia.

• Discharge and sweat: Small amounts of urine mixed with discharge, or sweat, can give your vagina an ammonia, or urine-like tang. 
• Period products: When using menstrual pads or tampons, traces of urine are absorbed, along with blood, which can trigger an ammonia odor, too. 
• Lubricants and condoms: If you notice that this odor shifts towards the smell of bleach, or cleaning products (especially after sex), some OB-GYNs suggest lubricants and condoms might be the culprit. 
• A sign of BV: Though bacterial vaginosis’ signature scent is fishy, sometimes, it’s been known to cause an ammonia-like vaginal smell, too. Specifically, when the overgrowth of Prevotella bivia is to blame. A 1997 study found that when P. bivia was grown with certain nutrients it produced high levels of ammonia, which then enhanced the growth of G. vagnialis. More rarely, some BV infections can start because fecal microbes from the anal cavity, make their way into the vagina. These fecal microbes produce bacterial odorants that can result in foul odors like ammonia, musty, or rotten eggs.  

• Asparagus: While the foods you eat aren’t strongly associated with how your vagina smells, the sulfur compounds in asparagus that produce stealthy, unmistakable ammonia odor that you notice when you pee, can also shift your vaginal odor this way too, as traces of urine mix with vaginal secretions. 

What causes smelly discharge?

There are a lot of reasons why you might develop a less-than-pleasant scent down there. The vaginal microbiome is a delicate ecosystem of good and bad bacteria, and change in vaginal odor is often a warning sign that something’s out of whack.

Bacterial vaginosis

BV is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of smelly discharge, and for good reason. BV is a vaginal infection caused by the overgrowth of harmful bacteria in your vaginal microbiome. Thin, watery discharge discharge that smells fishy is a telltale sign of BV. 

The bacteria that primarily causes BV — Gardnerella vaginalis — produces specific chemicals that make a strong fishy, or even rotting fish, like odor. These include: 

• Trimethylamine (TMA) 
• Putrescine 
• Cadaverine

A 2002 study into TMA levels in vaginal secretions of women with BV, found TMA in all participants with high bacterial diversity. It wasn’t found at all, or only in small amounts, in women with Lactobacillus dominant microbiomes.

Yeast infections

If your smelly discharge is white and clumpy like cottage cheese and is accompanied by burning and vaginal itching, you might have a yeast infection. Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida, which usually lives problem-free in your vagina, gut, mouth, and skin. Yeast infection discharge can smell, well, yeasty (think beer or bread, but worse) or tangy.

Aerobic vaginitis 

When it comes to vaginal scents, aerobic vaginitis is strongly associated with a pungent, rotting vaginal odor. Like BV, aerobic vaginitis is also caused by a decline in Lactobacillus dominance of the vaginal microbiome and an elevated pH. This gives way to an overgrowth of aerobic bacteria, typically E.coli, Staphylococcus aureus, group B Streptococcus (GBS), and Enterococcus faecalis which need oxygen to multiply, unlike BV, which is caused by anaerobic bacteria.

A forgotten tampon

A forgotten tampon can also produce a rotting smell. This odor will get stronger the longer it’s up there, as bacteria that thrive on bloody surfaces multiply. There’s a greater risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) — a rare but potentially fatal condition where bacteria spreads through the body, releasing harmful toxins — when a tampon is left in the vagina over six to eight hours. TSS is a risk even with organic tampons, or menstrual cups. 

It’s important to note that some experts and research have suggested that changing tampons too frequently, may introduce excessive amounts of oxygen into the vagina, notably because “oxygen is required for TSS toxin production.” 

So, change your tampon in moderation, in line with guidelines, and according to your menstrual flow. You should always use the lowest absorbency tampon you can manage comfortably. And remember, if in doubt, read the back of the box.

Your period 

A milder form of this decay-type smell can crop up when you’re menstruating too, as blood and tissue pick up bacteria as they pass out of the vagina.

​​Your hormones fluctuate during your cycle and before the start of your period, changing the bacteria and acidity levels of your vaginal flora. So, it's totally normal for your discharge to smell stronger throughout your cycle.

During your period, your discharge mixes with blood (which has a higher pH), and that can throw off your vaginal microbiome, causing discharge that can sometimes smell strong and a bit metallic. It’s a good idea to see a healthcare provider if you notice a different odor or smelly discharge that doesn’t go away.

The digestive system and urogenital tract 

Less commonly, a fishy vaginal smell can also be associated with conditions that aren’t infectious like urinary incontinence, malignant ulcers, trimethylaminuria, or chronic constipation. 

More than one study has found that some types of gut bacteria, ramp up Trimethylamine production, a chemical that makes a fishy odor. These include Anaerococcus, Providencia, Edwardsiella, Clostridium, Collinsella, Desulfovibrio, Lactobacillus and Proteus. 

Sex and semen

Having sex can sometimes affect the way your vagina smells — temporarily. In addition to the usual blend of sweat and natural vaginal secretions, semen has its distinct smell.

Because the pH of semen is naturally higher than an ideal vaginal pH, it can temporarily shift the pH of the vagina. This can give way to a fishy, meaty, or cheesy smell, too. 

When semen mixes with the bacteria in the vagina, it can create a unique scent, which is perfectly normal (even Rihanna said "Sex in the air, I don't care I like the smell of it”).

A sulfury, chicken-like odor is also linked to sweat’s interaction with skin bacteria. This may be more noticeable after sex because you’ve just got hot and sweaty. 

STIs

Although most STIs don’t cause noticeable symptoms (that’s why prevention and testing is so important), some can lead to abnormal vaginal odor:

• Trichomoniasis is a common culprit. Caused by a parasite, it can produce a strong, unpleasant, often fishy odor. The discharge is typically frothy, greenish-yellow, and may be accompanied by vaginal itching, irritation, or discomfort during sex or when you pee.
• Chlamydia, though often asymptomatic, can sometimes cause abnormal discharge that is white, yellow, and has a foul smell. Other symptoms may include vaginal itching, pelvic pain, and a burning sensation when you pee.

If you notice a persistent or abnormal vaginal odor, especially when combined with changes in discharge, itching, or pain, it’s important to see a healthcare provider for testing and treatment.

Cervical cancer

While rare, one of the symptoms of cervical cancer is bloody, smelly vaginal discharge. Symptoms of cervical cancer include: 

• Bleeding between periods, after sex, or after menopause
• Unusually heavy periods
• Watery, bloody, and heavy discharge that has a foul smell
• Pelvic pain or pain during sex (dyspareunia).

Causes of a smelly vaginal discharge in pregnancy

Changes in the amount, consistency, and smell of your discharge are normal during pregnancy. Higher levels of estrogen mean your vaginal microbiome shifts throughout your whole pregnancy, which can affect the way your discharge looks and smells. However, being pregnant doesn't necessarily mean you are immune to vaginal infections. Pregnant women are at higher risk of developing a yeast infection.

If you notice any unusual, strong, or unpleasant odor while pregnant, you should speak to your healthcare provider. It’s important to get tested during pregnancy, as infections can lead to complications that can be prevented with proper treatment.

What we don’t know about vaginal odor

We’re going to throw one of Evvy’s most frequently used phrases here: there’s a huge lack of research around the variety of vaginal odors and their causes. 

Unless the odor is fishy and the patriarchy is pushing a blatantly offensive and misogynistic narrative that that odor is related to a woman’s hygiene and worth (a la Nick Canon) or if it’s to work out what type of vaginal odors men prefer — ovulation vulva or birth control vulva eau de parfum — we don’t have many answers. 

So, we did something about it. ​In 2024, Evvy conducted the largest study to date on vaginal odor, analyzing the vaginal microbiomes of 6,585 non-menopausal women who took an Evvy Vaginal Health Test. 

Utilizing shotgun metagenomic sequencing, the research identified eight bacterial species, including Prevotella, Megasphaera, Porphyromonas, and Finegoldia, that are strongly associated with unusual vaginal odor. Additionally, the study found that the putrescine pathway, responsible for producing odorous compounds, was present in 14% of individuals with severe odor, compared to just 2% of asymptomatic individuals. 

These findings enhance the understanding of vaginal odor's biological mechanisms and could lead to improved diagnostics and treatments. The study also emphasizes that vaginal odor varies widely among individuals, challenging the notion of a single "normal" scent and highlighting the importance of personalized approaches to vaginal health

The takeaway? Get to know what’s normal for you. Slight changes in vaginal odor are normal and expected. But anything that smells deeply unpleasant, strongly fishy, or like rot, death, decay, and all other things macabre, needs to be looked at by an OB-GYN, stat.  

Taking an Evvy test will also reveal any imbalances within the vaginal microbiome, down to the types of disruptive microbe and its relative amount. That way, you can compare your odor symptoms with your results. For eligible tests, we also offer prescription treatment programs developed for you by a provider based on your unique microbiome and symptoms like odor.

More than anything, get familiar with your own unique vaginal odor, and how this shifts throughout your cycle. You’ll intuitively know when something is amiss, and if in doubt, refer back to this guide, talk to your doctor, and test, test, test. 

FAQ

Why does my discharge smell weird but not fishy?

Vaginal discharge can smell a little different from time to time, and not every unusual odor is necessarily fishy. A weird smell that’s not fishy could still be due to many things, and it doesn't always mean something is wrong. Hormonal changes (like during your period, ovulation, or pregnancy) can affect your discharge and its scent. Certain foods, medications, and even stress can play a role too. Sometimes, an imbalance in your vaginal microbiome — like when there's an overgrowth of certain bacteria — can lead to a strong or unfamiliar odor, even if it's not the classic “fishy” smell associated with things like bacterial vaginosis. It could also be related to an STI like trichomoniasis or chlamydia, which don’t always have a distinctly fishy odor but can still cause discharge that smells “off.” If the smell sticks around, or if you’re noticing other symptoms like itching, irritation, or a change in color or texture, it’s a good idea to check in with a healthcare provider just to be safe. Everyone’s normal is a little different, so noticing what’s new for you is what matters most.

Why am I always wet down there and smelly?

There are a few possible reasons this might be happening, and most of them are manageable once you figure out what’s going on. First, let’s talk about the wetness. Vaginal discharge is normal and helps keep the vagina healthy, but some people may produce more than others, especially during ovulation, pregnancy, or arousal. Excessive discharge can sometimes be a sign of infection, but only if it's accompanied by other symptoms. As for odor, it's normal to have a "scent" — vaginas are organs, after all. A strong or unusual odor, though, can result from an overgrowth of bacteria, often due to BV. Other infections like trichomoniasis or yeast infections may also affect odor and discharge. Lifestyle factors, such as tight clothing or scented products, can trap moisture and promote bacteria growth, leading to stronger smells. If you notice tenacious or strong odors, sudden changes, or other symptoms like itching or burning, consult a healthcare provider for advice or take an Evvy Vaginal Health Test.

How do I get rid of smell down there?

Getting rid of vaginal odor usually starts with figuring out what’s causing it, since not all smells are bad or need fixing. Vaginas have a natural scent, and that’s perfectly normal. But if something smells stronger or just off, there are some simple steps you can take. First, avoid using scented products like vaginal sprays, douches, or fragranced soaps. These can mess with your vaginal pH and actually make the odor worse. Stick to washing the outside (the vulva) with warm water and a gentle, unscented soap (nothing needs to go inside). Wear breathable cotton underwear and avoid super tight clothing when you can. Letting things air out helps reduce moisture and odor. Change out of sweaty gym clothes or wet swimsuits as soon as you can, since trapped moisture can lead to bacterial overgrowth. If the smell is due to something like bacterial vaginosis or an STI, you’ll likely need medication to fully treat it. If the odor sticks around, gets worse, or comes with symptoms like itching, burning, or unusual discharge, definitely check in with a healthcare provider. Bottom line: a little smell is normal, but if something feels off, trust your gut — it’s worth getting it checked out.

Why can I smell my discharge through my pants?

If you can smell your discharge through your pants, it usually means the scent is stronger than what’s typical for you — and that’s your body’s way of sounding the alarm. A noticeable vaginal odor that comes through clothing can be caused by a few different things, and it doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong, but it can be a sign that your vaginal pH is off or there’s an infection brewing. One of the most common culprits is BV, which happens when the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina gets disrupted. It often causes a strong, fishy smell that can be more noticeable after sex or throughout the day. Other infections like trichomoniasis or even yeast infections (less common for odor, but still possible) can also change the smell of your discharge. Even if there’s no infection, a strong odor can be linked to things like sweating, tight synthetic underwear, not changing out of damp clothes quickly, or using scented products that irritate the area. Hormonal shifts (like around your period, pregnancy, or ovulation) can also change the way your discharge smells. If the odor is new, persistent, or comes with other symptoms like itching, burning, or a change in color or consistency of your discharge, it’s a good idea to get checked out by a healthcare provider. They can test for infections and help you get back to feeling (and smelling) normal.