During years. Advertising for feminine cleansing items has been confusing, because while some products claim to have a floral scent, various studies claim that a healthy vagina should smell like a vagina smells. no to roses, lavender or perfume.
In fact, insisting that your vagina smell like this can cause you a lot of damage. Vaginal douching, for example, is widely recognized by the medical community as harmful to the natural balance of the microbiota in the vagina, so using this type of douching could cause bacterial vaginosis.
The reality is that your vagina is home to billions of bacteria, and the precise composition of that bacterial flora changes daily and sometimes even hourly. The change is normal; It is likely that these odor variations are the result of your menstrual cycle, your hygiene habits, or simply that’s how you smell and you should leave it alone.
This is a guide to vaginal odors recommended by Mary Jane Minkin, MD, who has 30 years of experience in women’s health.
fermented or strong
It is very common for vaginas to produce a sour aroma. Some compare it to the smell of fermented foods. In fact, yogurt, sourdough bread, and even some sour beer contain the same type of good bacteria that dominates most healthy vaginas: lactobacilli.
Reasons for a strong odor
Acidity. The pH of a healthy vagina is slightly acidic, between 3.8 and 4.5. «Lactobacillus bacteria keep the vagina acidic,» says Minkin. «This protects against the overgrowth of the various types of bad bacteria.»
So don’t worry, these good bacteria protect you from serious infections.
smell of currency
Yes, to coin; Many women report that sometimes both their vaginal discharge and the vagina itself have this scent.
Reasons for an iron or copper smell
Blood. Blood contains iron, which has a metallic odor. The most common cause of blood is menstruation. During your period, blood and tissue shed the lining of the uterus and travel through the vaginal canal.
Sex. Light bleeding after sex can be common. This is usually due to vaginal dryness or vigorous sex that can cause minor cuts or scrapes; To avoid this, simply use lubricant or ask your partner to perform oral sex before penetration.
Note: The metallic scent shouldn’t linger too long after your period ends. If your vagina has come in contact with semen, this can change the pH level and cause a metallic odor, but if you experience bleeding unrelated to your period or the metallic odor continues with itching and discharge, it’s best to see a doctor.
sweet smell
Possibly the least worrying odor, as many women enjoy the sweet scent of their vaginas.
Reasons for a sweet smell
bacteria. Your vaginal pH is an ever-changing bacterial ecosystem, and sometimes this means you can smell a little sweet.
Fish smell
You’ve probably heard of an abnormal vaginal odor described as «fishy.» In fact, fresh fish itself shouldn’t smell too much, let alone bad. The decomposition of fish is the most appropriate comparison. Because? Trimethylamine, which is the chemical compound responsible for both the distinctive smell of rotten fish and some abnormal vaginal odors.
Reasons for fishy smell
bacterial vaginosis. «Bacterial vaginosis is contracted when there is an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria in the vagina,» explains Minkin; «And these anaerobic organisms are odorous.»
trichomoniasis. Trichomoniasis is the most common curable sexually transmitted infection and can be easily treated with a course of antibiotics. It is known for its pungent fishy smell. «Trich infection can be quite smelly,» Minkin notes; «It’s a more pronounced fishy odor than bacterial vaginosis.»
If you present any symptoms of infection such as yellow discharge, bad odor, burning or itching, it is best to consult your doctor..
Very bad smell/somewhat rotten
If your vagina smells extremely unpleasant like something decaying, it may not be your vagina but something inside it.
Reasons for a Decay Smell
a forgotten tampon. For a tampon to stay inside a vagina for days or even weeks is much more common than you might think. «I can’t tell you how many tampons I’ve taken from patients,» says Minkin; «This happens to a lot of people. It’s not something to be ashamed of.»
So if you have that doubt, it’s best that you run to the gynecologist to make sure what’s going on in your body.
smell of chlorine
Vaginas can have different odors all the time, but one that could happen to you at least once in your life is the smell of chlorine or another chemical compound.
Reasons for a Chemical Smell
Urine. Urine contains an ammonia byproduct called urea. A buildup of urine in your underwear or around your vulva could trigger a chemical odor. Keep in mind that urine with a strong ammonia or chlorine odor is a sign of dehydration.
bacterial vaginosis. A chemical-like odor may also be a sign of bacterial vaginosis. «A chemical odor often falls into the fishy category,» Minkin explains.
Subtle changes in your vaginal fragrance are normal. Remember: the smell of your vagina has a lot to do with your pH, and there are many things that affect pH.
Take vaginal sex for example. Semen has a relatively high pH, so it’s quite normal to notice a different odor after penetrative vaginal sex. Don’t worry though, this change is only temporary.
Menopause also has an effect on vaginal pH. «Because of the lack of estrogen, menopausal women end up with less vaginal mucus,» Minkin notes; «Vaginal mucosa lines the vagina and nurtures lactobacillus bacteria. So without these cells, you can end up with a much higher pH.»
With information from Healthline