Vagina Smells Like Ammonia
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Vagina Smells Like Ammonia
Originally Published: June 30, 2017
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It’s probably worth seeing a doctor.
The care and keeping of your vagina can cause you to Google some pretty weird stuff. But for the sake of your privates, it's worth getting the answers. For instance.... Why does my vagina smell like ammonia, and what can I do about it? Super strong odors down there are often a sign of some health conditions, especially if those odors remind you of cleaning products.
There are a number of different things that play into the scent of your vagina . “Sometimes your activity level, or how much you sweat, for example, may be factors that influence your vagina’s scent,” explains Dr. Amy Roskin, M.D., board-certified OB/GYN and chief medical officer for The Pill Club digital health company. “In other cases, infection or an overgrowth of a normally occurring bacteria can cause vaginal odor.”
What exactly does a healthy vagina smell like? Well, everyone is different. “There’s not one answer to this question; it really varies based on your physiology,” says Roskin. But what’s important is to know what your normal is, so you can detect when something is off. “All of us with a vagina usually know that awkward feeling if a new and strange smell comes our way,” explains board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Sherry Ross, M.D.
The key player when it comes to vaginal odors is your pH balance, which is normally on the acidic side. “The vagina is especially sensitive to different changes in your daily environment,” Ross tells Romper. “Anything that affects this delicate balance will affect the smell, type of discharge, and its consistency.” So, what could it mean if your vagina or discharge smells like ammonia? There are a few possibilities.
For starters, this scent may point to bacterial vaginosis (BV), an infection that can make your vagina smell like ammonia, cause gray or green discharge, and create irritation. “ Bacterial vaginosis is an imbalance in the vaginal pH, caused by an overgrowth of a certain kind of bacteria,” explains Dr. Sara Twogood, M.D., board-certified OB/GYN in Los Angeles and co-founder of Female Health Education and the online magazine Female Health Collective . “Symptoms are an increase in vaginal discharge, a change in vaginal odor that is usually described as ‘fishy’ or ‘chemical smelling,’ and vulvovaginal irritation and inflammation. It can also cause pelvic discomfort.”
Circumstances like having unprotected sex, new sexual partners, and taking certain antibiotics can increase your risk of BV. And according to a 2018 International Journal of Microbiology study, douching may also increase that risk . So, stick to mild soap and water externally for hygiene, as internal products like douching “can disturb the normal vaginal pH and microbiome and can make you more prone to infection or inflammation,” notes Roskin.
Antibiotics are often prescribed to clear up the infection, so seeing a doctor as soon as possible is recommended. Plus, there are other infections that are associated with discharge and odor, like trichomoniasis and yeast infection , “so it’s important to get evaluated and tested to determine what is causing your symptoms,” advises Roskin.
There may also be a dietary element to the smell. “It’s well-known that ‘you are what you eat,’ especially as it relates to your vaginal odor and hormonal balance,” Ross says. There are certain foods that affect your vaginal health , and eating things like asparagus, garlic, onions, red meat, or curry can have a direct effect on the way things are scented down there. “Onions, garlic and asparagus are at the top of the list, giving the vagina (and urine) a foul odor,” Ross explains. “These known culprits break down into your body, sweep out into your sweat glands, and can make an offensive odor in all bodily secretions.” It's quite possible that the strong odor could remind you of ammonia, although more research is needed to really understand this phenomenon.
According to Dr. Monica Grover, D.O., double board-certified gynecologist and the head gynecologist at VSPOT medical spa, diets that are high in protein instead of carbohydrates can result in “a high ammonia content that is being filtered into the urine and lead to this distinctive smell.” Grover adds, “Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose for energy, but when there is a diet low in carbohydrates and a higher protein intake, then more ammonia is broken down and concentrated in the urine.” If you’ve recently been eating more protein than usual, that could be the culprit.
Of all the things it could smell like, why might a vagina take on the odor of ammonia? Well, it could simply be a natural part of the surrounding environment, so to speak. “Dehydration can lead to an intensification in urine odor due to increased concentration of those odor-producing compounds,” Roskin explains. Urine contains ammonia, so if you’re not flushing your system with enough water , the smell can get a bit strong.
In this instance, a hefty ammonia smell down there could mean a person simply needs to drink more water. “It’s a great idea to drink more water and try to observe if this lessens the effect, essentially through dilution,” says Roskin.
But there could also be more going on than simple dehydration. “If the urine starts to smell like ammonia, it could be a sign of dehydration, but also of renal disease or unwanted muscle breakdown,” Grover notes. “This warrants a trip with the physician for adequate testing to determine the root cause.”
Given the many possibilities, an ammonia smell in your vaginal area should not be ignored. “If someone has vulvar of vaginal irritation and inflammation, odor that is different or concerning, or feels something is ‘off’ but isn't sure what — those are all reasons to be evaluated,” notes Twogood. If anything feels or smells different than usual, checking in with your physician is a wise move. Chances are, it's your body's way of letting you know that something is up down there, and that it's time for a checkup.
Ranjit, E., Raghubanshi, B. R., Maskey, S., & Parajuli, P. (2018). Prevalence of Bacterial Vaginosis and Its Association with Risk Factors among Nonpregnant Women: A Hospital Based Study. International journal of microbiology, 2018, 8349601. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/8349601
Dr. Amy Roskin, M.D., board-certified OB/GYN and Chief Medical Officer for The Pill Club
Dr. Sherry Ross, M.D. , OB/GYN, women’s health expert, author of She-ology, and co-founder of URJA Intimates skin care
Dr. Sara Twogood, M.D., board-certified OB/GYN in Los Angeles and co-founder of Female Health Education and online magazine Female Health Collective
Dr. Monica Grover, D.O., double board-certified gynecologist and head gynecologist at VSPOT
This article was originally published on June 30, 2017
Home / Women's Health / 6 Causes of Ammonia Smelling Discharge– and How to Prevent It
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Disclaimer : This HerHaleness article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
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Ammonia smelling discharge occurs mainly due to bacterial imbalance in the vaginal region, leading to bacterial vaginosis. Other factors like concentrated urine, nitrogen-rich diet, excessive sweating, etc. are also seen to spearhead a foul ammonia smell.
Ammonia smelling discharge occurs mainly due to bacterial imbalance in the vaginal region, leading to bacterial vaginosis. Other factors like concentrated urine, nitrogen-rich diet, excessive sweating, etc. are also seen to spearhead a foul ammonia smell.
The vagina houses various good bacteria that maintain an acidic pH, thereby preventing onset of vaginal infections. However, if the pH balance is disturbed, an infection-prone zone is created. Sometimes infection sets in along with foul odor. The foul, ammonia-like smell emanating from vagina can prove to be quite disconcerting for many women. Embarrassment sets in because they quickly link ammonia smelling discharge to poor personal hygiene. However, it is important to remember that very rarely is inadequate hygiene level the cause for smelly discharge. So then what causes the vaginal discharge to smell like ammonia?
This is one of the most common infections plaguing the female reproductive system. If your vaginal discharge is watery, white or gray with a fishy smell, you may have contracted bacterial vaginosis. BV can also be accompanied by pain, itching and/or burning.
► Vaginal discharge is a natural and essential phenomenon of the body. It’s the way of the body to keep the vaginal region healthy and clean.
► Vaginal fluid is nothing but the collection of old cells that previously lined the vagina and which are now sent out of the body.
► Normally the vaginal discharge is clear or milky white, however, its color and viscosity changes with one’s monthly menstrual cycle. Moreover, on ovulation the vaginal discharge becomes thicker, so also when a woman is sexually excited, pregnant or breastfeeding. So if the viscosity of your discharge changes, don’t get worried.
► The amount of vaginal discharge released varies from one woman to another. So if you feel your body is releasing more vaginal discharge it’s completely normal.
► Every woman has a unique vaginal scent. It’s something that is natural and is distinctive to each woman. Some studies also say that the natural scent of vaginal discharge is what makes the man feel even more ‘turned on’ when a woman is the most fertile. So if your discharge has a distinctive mild odor (not foul), it’s nothing to be concerned about.
Cause
What exactly causes BV and how is not very clear until now. Nevertheless, it has been observed that occurrence of BV has connection with an imbalance of bacterial concentration in the vaginal region. Normally, a woman’s genital area is supplied with a combination of good and bad bacteria, wherein the good outnumber the bad. These good bacteria are seen to fight off unwanted foreign and potentially dangerous bacteria. If there is any kind of imbalance in the ratio of good and bad bacteria in the vaginal area, be it too much or too little, the condition of bacterial vaginosis is triggered. The bad bacteria take over and convert nitrogen into ammonia compounds, thereby causing the foul ammonia odor. BV cannot be caught during sexual intercourse, or from some public toilet or swimming pool. However, it is also observed to occur after a person has had intercourse with a new partner or multiple partners. The reason is unknown.
Prevention and Treatment
Avoiding multiple sex partners, unprotected sex, intrauterine devices (IUD), vaginal douching, smoking and application of vaginal deodorants or perfumed soaps, can help reduce the incidence of BV. However, those that refrain from the mentioned activities are also sometimes seen to be affected by this condition. Most of the time, BV clears off on its own, and when it doesn’t antibiotics like metronidazole or clindamycin are available to help treat it. Wearing a pad during the day can help curb the foul odor, until the condition clears. However, for pregnant women the mode of treatment will be different. As the complications (premature delivery, etc.) of this condition increase during pregnancy, one should visit the obstetrician immediately.
Did you know the constituents of your diet can also spearhead this foul odor? Well, it’s true! One of the causes of ammonia smell down there can also be linked to one’s dietary intake of nitrogenous foods. The foul odor is mistaken to be from the vaginal discharge, but actually is from the foul-smelling urine (containing lots of ammonia and urea) that trickles and stains the undergarment.
Cause
Vegetables like broccoli, asparagus and other nitrogen-rich vegetables are seen to be the culprits. The leftover oxalates from the asparagus are seen to cause the fishy odor in the urine. Moreover, food items like meat, eggs and other high protein foods contain large amounts of nitrogen and cause excess ammonia and urea to get excreted in the urine. This results in ammonia-smelling urine. Several food items we consume also have arduous oils that end up being secreted in the sweat.
Prevention and Treatment
To prevent this condition, make sure you eat a healthy and balanced meal, with the right balance of vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, etc. This will strengthen your immune system and arm your body against any infections. Those who suddenly shift to a vegetarian diet, tend to consume large amounts of leafy vegetables which cause ammonia-like smell in the urine. So consume everything in moderation. Moreover, consuming yogurt on a regular basis will also help treat the foul odor.
As a woman enters menopause, the body begins to experience change in several ways. During menopause the ovaries quit producing the hormone estrogen and progesterone. Besides the basic menopausal symptoms of hot flashes, mood swings, urinary leakage, etc. ammonia-like odor is also experienced.
Cause
During menopause, women are seen to not take in enough water. This lack of adequate water results in formation of concentrated urine which imparts a highly stronger smell or odor. Oft, women mistake the ammonia smell to come from urine left behind on the panties, to be coming from the vaginal discharge. Bacteria convert the chemicals in the urine into ammonia smelling chemicals. Thus, these altered chemicals on the panties are responsible for the foul odor. Another reason can be a vegetarian diet. Many women shift to a vegetarian diet after they hit menopause. The sudden consumption of excess nitrogen-rich foods can also result in the foul odor. Urinary tract infections can also conduce to foul-smelling odor.
Prevention and Treatment
Women should consume more water during menopause. Moreover, those on a strict vegetarian diet, should consume different vegetables in the right proportion. This will help avoid the unwanted smell. In such cases, no particular treatment is required. By consuming adequate water and the right proportion of vegetables, the smell is bound to go away. However, if the condition persists do not hesitate to consult your obstetrician.
Several women complain of a foul ammonia odor from their discharge at various stages in pregnancy.
Cause
Ammonia-smelling discharge during pregnancy can be caused by either bacterial vaginosis or concentrated urine. Bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy is quite dangerous and can lead to various pregnancy complications like preterm delivery of the baby, low birth weight issues, ectopic pregnancy, birth defects, etc. Another cause for the ammonia smell is leakage of concentrated urine. During pregnancy, the body requires adequate amounts of water intake. If the water consumed is not enough, the urine will turn out to be concentrated. Moreover, the pressure of the growing uterus on the bladder results in urine seepage. When this concentrated urine comes in contact with the underwear, bacteria act on it and a foul odor emanates. Urinary tract infections can also be the reason for this odor.
Prevention and Treatment
During pregnancy, one should ensure one drinks plenty of water and other fluids. Keeping one’s body hydrated is the key to keeping the foul smell due to concentrated urine away. Moreover, wearing a panty liner will soak the intermittent leaks and prevent the foul odor. However, make sure you change the liner frequently. In case of bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infections, the obstetrician will prescribe the necessary treatment to get rid of this condition as soon as possible.
If we restricted sweat odor to our armpits and feet, we should understand that sweating down there is also a natural phenomenon.
Cause
The vulva comprises several apocrine or sweat glands and as we all know, where there are sweat glands, there is sweat and unpleasant odor. This is because the body’s waste product urea, is also excreted through the sweat. Moreover, the region also contains oil glands which produce oil. The more the oils present in the sweat, the stronger will be the vulvovaginal odor. When this odor combines with the skin bacteria and detergent from washed undergarments, a foul ammonia smell is released. Sometimes consuming a new vitamin pill can also conduce to foul-smelling vaginal odor.
Prevention and Treatment
Wearing a panty liner throughout the day is a good solution. Keep changing the liner frequently and ensure the vaginal region is always clean and dry. Wearing cotton panties is also a better option. Wash the vaginal region with antibacterial soap and try keeping the area as dry as possible. In case of excessive sweating, there exist various pills that can be prescribed. However, the medicine will reduce sweating uniformly, in all sweat glands of the body.
While you thought rinsing your panties in bleach solution was a good idea, turns out it’s not. Using bleach while washing one’s underwear can impart an ammonia smell.
Cause
The genital area contains sweat glands that produce sweat. When this sweat combines with the bleach in the underwear, it forms an ammonia kind of smell. Often this smell is mistaken to be coming from the vaginal discharge.
Prevention and Treatment
The only way to avoid the foul odor induced by bleaching panties is avoid bleaching them. Try opting for the milder liquid detergents that not only wash the clothing clean, but also leave minimal residue on them.
Sometimes while urinating, some women fail to empty their bladder completely. The presence of this residue urine in the bladder for a long time, results in ammonia generation. When this uri
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