Vaginal Odor: Smells, Causes & Treatments

Vaginal Odor: Smells, Causes & Treatments

Vaginal Odor: Smells, Causes & Treatments

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Feminine Odor | Fishy Smell | Rotting Smell | Metallic Smell | BO Smell | Sour Smell | Remedies | Conclusion

Why Does My Vagina Smell?

A vaginal odor can be caused by several factors, including natural bacteria, hormonal changes, infections like bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections, poor hygiene, or dietary influences.

Furthermore, odors are unique to every woman and it is also normal for healthy odors to naturally vary during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, as well as after exercise or sexual intercourse as pH levels change.

Considering that the vagina contains billions of bacteria, a slight smell like a light musk or mild fermented milk, is usual. But if the odor becomes unpleasant and burning, vaginal itching or discharge also occurs, it could be time to see a doctor about treatment.

Read on to learn more about some of the most common vaginal odors and why they cause you to smell down there.

Fishy Smell

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of unpleasant vaginal odor in women aged 15 – 44. It is an infection in the vagina due to an overproduction of bacteria and emits an odor that is similar to decomposing fish and more rarely an odor more closely related to ammonia.

The naturally acidic environment of the vagina usually aids in keeping the bacteria and yeast growth balanced. Changes in the vaginal pH, however, can upset this balance and lead to an infection, which can cause a burning sensation, itching, and sometimes discharge along with the fishy odor.

Vaginal boric acid suppositories, like the Intimate Rose Boric Balance, are often used to treat BV and restore a healthy pH balance in the vagina, as well as eliminate odors, and reduce the risk of further infection.

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that also causes a fishy vaginal odor. It can often be stronger than the odor associated with Bacterial Vaginosis. But as the most common curable STI, trichomoniasis can be easily treated with a course of antibiotics.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) can also emit a fishy vaginal smell. This is caused by a build-up of harmful bacteria in the urinary tract which contaminates the urine also causing ammonia smelling urine among others. The good news is that most UTIs can be treated with antibiotics.

Rotting Smell

A strong rotting odor is generally due to a forgotten tampon. Although tampons can’t get completely lost inside the body, they can get stuck at the top of the vagina when forgotten and eventually emit a rotting smell.

When this occurs, it is best to have a doctor remove the tampon and check for any underlying infection.

Coppery Metallic Smell

BO or Sweaty Gym Smell

Considering that the groin contains a healthy collection of sweat glands, it is no surprise that the vaginal area can be prone to sweating. This can cause a vaginal odor that is similar to BO or a sweaty gym smell.

The body contains two types of sweat glands – the apocrine and eccrine. The eccrine glands’ role is to cool the body by producing sweat. The apocrine glands, located in the armpits and groin, respond to emotions like stress or anxiety by producing a milky fluid.

This fluid is harmless and odorless, but when it comes in contact with vaginal bacteria it can become pungent. Regular washing and good hygiene will help to eliminate this odor.

Sweet & Sour Smells

Eating certain foods can also bring about odor changes in the vagina, especially food with a strong odor. For example, onion-smelling vaginal odor, garlic, spicy & smoked foods can alter the acidity level of the microflora that are directly responsible for vaginal odor.

Consuming large amounts of dairy products, meat, and alcohol can cause the vagina to smell sour. Whereas, citrus fruits will make the vaginal odor sweet.

This post was last modified on December 12, 2024 4:57 am