One might be shy when talking about this topic but we need to raise these questions: why do vaginas smell, and what causes the odour?
Our bodies give off odours based on what we eat, the state of our health, or any bacterial activity on the skin and gland secretions. A vaginal odour is any smell that comes from the vagina. It is normal to smell “down there” even with proper hygiene. How your vagina smells may differ every period. One may also experience stronger smells after sexual intercourse or exercise.
Knowing the different types of smells that are normal and being aware of those that are not are important health considerations women should know because if you notice a strong, not-so-normal odour accompanied by itching or burning, it might be an indicator of something more serious.
Here are some reasons why your vagina might have that certain smell:
1.) You are on your period.
Whenever you are on your period, your vagina might give off a metallic kind of odour because you are bleeding. Blood can elevate the pH level in your vagina and might change the “ecosystem” of your reproductive organ during menstruation.
2.) You forgot to remove your tampon.
This happens probably more than you realize it does. Because it is small, some people may forget that it was inserted inside the vagina. This may cause the vagina to have a rotten or putrid smell.
3.) You have a bacterial infection.
Bacterial Vaginosis is an overgrowth of normally occurring vaginal bacteria and usually the most common vaginal infection that causes a vaginal odour. This throws off the pH of your vagina. Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include having a thin vaginal discharge that smells a lot like fish. Painful or an itchy sensation during urination can also be a symptom. This disease is usually treated with an antibiotic.
4.) You have STI.
A rotten smell down there could be a signal of having a sexually transmitted infection called trichomoniasis. – Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection, is another possible explanation for a heavy fishy vaginal odour. Women with this infection may usually experience itching, burning, redness or soreness, urinary discomfort and a clear, white, yellowish, or green vaginal discharge. Trichomoniasis could also be treated with antibiotics.
Aside from trichomoniasis, Gonorrhea and chlamydia can also cause foul-smelling discharge.
5.) You ate something funky.
What you eat may also be considered as something that contributes to the odour your vagina effuses. You’ve probably heard that eating pineapple or citrus fruits can make you smell sweeter down there, there’s no scientific evidence behind this, however, experts have certainly heard of it happening before.
6.) You have a yeast infection.
Yeast infections can also cause a particular odour to develop. To overcome the infection and get rid of the smell, you need some over-the-counter drugs or prescribed medication.
7.) You recently had sex without protection.
When you recently had sex without a condom you might notice that the smell is a little different down there. This is since you have got your fluids mixing with another person. To add, semen has an elevated pH that can cause odour to form. Typically, the smell will clear up within a day or so.
8.) You have a pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
PID is a sexually transmitted bacteria. Aside from having a smelly discharge, one might also experience pain in the lower stomach and pelvic region and even painful peeing.
9.) You are wearing the wrong underwear.
The type of underwear you choose also matters. Certain materials trap heat in moisture affecting the overall balance of bad and good bacteria that affects your vaginal odour. The classic advice is to go for cotton.
10.) You worked out recently.
If you recently worked out and noticed a smell down there, it’s probably due to trapped sweat. Skin-tight fabrics tend to trap sweat that can cause your vaginal region to emit a bad odour.
The first thing to remember is that vaginal odour is like sweat, everyone has their scent. Even though it is perfectly normal for a vagina to smell, there are hygiene practices to consider to minimize such odour:
• Wash your vaginal area with unscented mild soap and warm water.
• Do not use douches unless instructed by your doctor.
• Concerning sexual intercourse: use a condom to prevent contact between semen and vaginal fluids.
• Avoid tight-fitting clothing, like thongs.
• Wearing cotton underwear and loose clothing.
• Stay well-hydrated.
• Avoiding food that increases odour.
• Avoiding feminine sprays/creams that could lead to irritation.
If you’re worried about a severe and persistent abnormal odour that is accompanied by itching or burning in the vaginal area then it is best to call your gynecologist, if you have none you may visit the walk-in clinic Calgary and set an appointment.
