We’ve all been there: you’re going about your day when you suddenly get a whiff from down there. 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.
That being said, when vaginal 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.
Keep reading to learn about the possible causes of vaginal odor, what’s normal, and what warrants a trip to your healthcare provider.
Why does my vagina smell?
First things first, it’s important to know that every woman has a natural vaginal scent. The vagina is an organ teeming with bacteria, so it’s ok for it to smell as such.
Vaginal odor is a result of different smells produced by the various organisms within the vaginal microbiome. All body odor, including vaginal odor, comes from the odors bacteria produce (known as bacterial odorants) mixing with other fluids (like vaginal fluid) or bacteria nearby. This includes discharge, microbes present in genital sweat, menstrual blood, and sometimes traces of urine.
A certain amount of vaginal odor is normal and healthy vaginal odor can vary slightly from day to day. A mild odor — ranging from tangy to musky or earthy — is typical and usually not a cause for concern.
Factors such as hygiene habits, sexual activity, your menstrual cycle, and even your vaginal microbiome can influence this scent. Just like no two vaginas are alike, no two vaginal odors are alike, either.
While a mild scent is normal, a strong, unusual, or foul odor could indicate an issue. Other vaginal symptoms like itching, burning, unusual discharge, or irritation often accompany abnormal vaginal odor.
Below are some common causes of vaginal odor — both harmless and not-so-much.
You have a vaginal infection
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of abnormal vaginal odor. It happens when there’s an imbalance in the vaginal flora and too much of certain bacteria take over. This throws off the vagina's pH levels and can cause symptoms such as a strong, fishy smell (that gets worse after sex) and thin, gray vaginal discharge.
Another — lesser-known — vaginal infection that can cause abnormal vaginal odor is aerobic vaginitis (AV). Similar to bacterial vaginosis, aerobic vaginitis happens when there's bacterial overgrowth and a decline in good bacteria (namely, lactobacilli) in the vaginal microbiome.
You have an STI
An unpleasant smell down there can be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Although most sexually transmitted infections are asymptomatic, they can sometimes cause abnormal vaginal odor.
- Trichomoniasis can cause a strong, unpleasant odor along with frothy, greenish-yellow discharge and vaginal itching.
- Chlamydia can cause unusual vaginal discharge that is white, yellow, and has a foul smell, along with other symptoms such as vaginal itching and a burning sensation when you pee.
You're sweaty
Sometimes, an unusual vaginal odor can be attributed to hygiene. You have sweat glands in your groin, so working out or getting overheated can cause a musky or stronger-than-usual smell, much like in your armpits. Wearing tight, synthetic clothing designed to wick away sweat can also trap smells and make everything more… pungent. This type of odor is different from vaginal odor because it technically comes from the vulva (your outer genitalia), but can seem like it’s coming from the vagina.
You have pelvic inflammatory disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection that can affect the female reproductive organs like the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. It's usually caused by an untreated STI, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, but it can also stem from other bacterial infections. If left untreated, PID can lead to some serious issues like chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility.
The symptoms of PID can vary, but they may include:
- Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
- Pain when peeing
- Unusual, foul-smelling discharge
- bleeding between periods and after sex
- Painful sex
- Fever and chills.
Sometimes, PID can be mild or show no symptoms, which makes it hard to detect without a medical exam. If you think you might have PID, it's important to see a healthcare provider. They will perform a pelvic exam and may order tests such as cervical cultures, urine tests, or ultrasound. The good news is that PID can be treated with antibiotics, especially when caught early.
You’re on your period
When you get your period, you might notice that your vagina smells different or stronger than usual. This is completely normal.
During your period, your body expels blood, endometrial tissue, cervical mucus, and bacteria (none of which smell like a Diptyque candle).
The smell can be more noticeable on lighter flow days because the blood leaves the uterus more slowly, giving it more time to mix with odor-causing bacteria. Period blood also has a higher pH, which can temporarily cause a shift in your pH balance and contribute to the smell.
Everyone’s menstrual smell is unique, but it might have a more metallic or slightly foul scent due to the bacteria present.
You just had unprotected sex
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 own distinct smell. 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).
However, if you notice a strong fishy smell after sex, that could be a sign of bacterial vaginosis. BV isn't an STI but sex can be a trigger. If it continues and is accompanied by a thin white or gray discharge, pain, or itching, it's important to reach out to your healthcare provider.
How to prevent vaginal odor
Prevention is key to maintaining a healthy vaginal environment and minimizing unwanted odors. Here are some tips on how to look after your vaginal health and reduce vaginal odor:
- Maintain good hygiene: Wash your vulva with warm water and mild, unscented soap. Avoid douching or using scented products, as they can disrupt your natural flora, put you at higher risk of infections, and cause abnormal vaginal odor.
- Wear breathable underwear: Opt for cotton underwear and avoid tight-fitting clothing that can trap sweat and create an ideal environment for bacteria and yeast.
- Practice safe sex: Using condoms and dental dams can reduce the risk of STIs that might cause vaginal odor.
- Get regular STI tests: Most STIs are asymptomatic, so you may not have any symptoms or know you have one. Getting tested regularly is the best way to catch and treat an STI early.
When to see a healthcare provider
If you notice a persistent or strong vaginal odor that’s accompanied by unusual discharge, itching, burning, or any other uncomfortable symptoms, it’s time to see a healthcare provider. They can do a proper examination, diagnose the issue, and recommend appropriate treatment.
Remember, your vagina has a natural scent that can vary, but being in tune with your body and understanding the difference between normal and abnormal can help you maintain optimal vaginal health. Don’t hesitate to seek medical advice if something doesn’t seem right — your doctor won’t be fazed by vaginal odor, they smell see it every day.
FAQ
How do I get rid of odor down there?
It depends on the cause. If the odor is caused by sweat or period blood, it will go away simply by washing your vulva with warm water and mild, unscented soap (if needed). If the odor is caused by a vaginal infection like bacterial vaginosis or a sexually transmitted infection like trichomoniasis, you’ll need antibiotic treatment.
How can I get rid of fishy odor?
A fishy odor is almost always caused by bacterial vaginosis. Treatment for bacterial vaginosis involves a course of prescription antibiotics such as metronidazole, tinidazole, secnidazole, or clindamycin. Sometimes, a fishy odor can be caused by a sexually transmitted infection called trichomoniasis. Trichomoniasis can also cause abnormal vaginal discharge that is green or gray and frothy. It’s really important to see your healthcare provider if you notice a fishy smell, especially if accompanied by other symptoms.
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