What is a normal smell?
“The vagina should not smell like a rose garden,” says obstetrician-gynecologist Sherry Ross. However, it has a natural, recognizable scent that can be slightly different for each woman.
The natural scent is often described as earthy or slightly sour. It can also change depending on the menstrual cycle – not only the smell of the discharge but also its consistency changes.
The most important thing is to know what smell is normal for you. If a new and unusual smell suddenly appears, it is worth paying attention to it.
The vaginal environment is sensitive to various daily changes, so many factors can influence the smell, writes the portal “Health”.
Why does the vaginal smell change?
The smell can be changed by:
antibiotic use;
douching;
frequent sexual intercourse;
a new sexual partner;
use of spermicides;
certain soaps, bath foams, or intimate hygiene sprays;
synthetic underwear.
However, in some cases, a changed smell may be a sign of infection.
A fishy smell may indicate bacterial vaginosis
One of the most recognizable signs of a changed vaginal smell is a fishy odor, especially intensified after sexual intercourse.
This may be a sign of bacterial vaginosis. It can be accompanied by burning during urination, itching around the vagina, pain or burning in the intimate area, as well as white or grayish discharge.
Bacterial vaginosis occurs when the normal balance of vaginal bacteria is disturbed. Risk factors may include douching, unprotected sex, a new sexual partner, or sexual intercourse with multiple partners.
An unpleasant smell can also be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection
A changed smell can sometimes be associated with trichomoniasis – a sexually transmitted infection.
It can cause clear, white, yellowish, or greenish discharge that may have a fishy odor. Itching, burning, redness, or sensitivity of the genital area, unpleasant sensations during sexual intercourse or urination may also occur.
It is important to know that symptoms do not appear in everyone – only about 30% of those infected have them.
After menopause, the smell can also change
During menopause, decreased estrogen levels can cause vaginal changes. This can lead to dryness, irritation, and sometimes a change in smell.
Therefore, a newly appeared or long-lasting unusual smell should not automatically be associated only with hygiene.
Diet can also influence
Certain dietary habits can also change the smell of the intimate area or be associated with a higher risk of bacterial vaginosis.
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Among such products are large amounts of sugar and sweets, fried potatoes, red meat, and refined grains.
Alcohol, coffee, fish, garlic, and spicy food can also affect the smell.
However, a different smell alone should not immediately be assumed to be caused by diet – especially if other symptoms appear simultaneously.
There is no need to douche
The vagina is a self-cleaning organ, so it does not need to be washed inside with water or other liquids.
Hygiene is important for the area around the vagina because there are sweat glands there, and sweat can also contribute to the smell.
It is enough to gently wash the external genitalia with warm water. It is also important to change tampons and sanitary pads frequently and to wipe from front to back after bowel movements.
Don’t forget about foreign objects
Sometimes a very unpleasant smell can be caused by a tampon or other foreign object left inside the vagina. Bacteria can start to multiply there.
If you suspect a tampon is retained and cannot be removed, you should consult a healthcare professional.
When should you see a doctor?
If the vaginal smell suddenly changes, becomes strong or unpleasant and does not go away, especially if accompanied by unusual discharge, itching, burning, pain, or unpleasant sensations during urination or sexual intercourse, it is worth consulting a doctor.
Treatment depends on the cause. For example, bacterial vaginosis is treated with antibiotics, and trichomoniasis with specific medications.
The most important thing is not to try to mask the unpleasant smell with strong soaps, sprays, or douching. Such measures can further disrupt the natural balance of vaginal microflora.
