Vagina Smells Sour

Vagina Smells Sour
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Bacterial vaginosis — CDC fact sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/std/bv/stdfact-bacterial-vaginosis.htm. Accessed Feb. 10, 2022.
Douching. Office on Women's Health. http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/douching.html. Accessed Feb. 10, 2022.
Sobel JD, et al. Bacterial vaginosis: Clinical manifestations and diagnosis. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 10, 2022.
Ferri FF. Cervical cancer. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2022. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 10, 2022.
Ferri FF. Vaginal cancer. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2022. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 10, 2022.
Toglia MR. Rectovaginal and anovaginal fistula. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 10, 2022.
Gershenson DM, et al. Genital tract infections. In: Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 14, 2022.

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Vaginal odor can change from day to day during the menstrual cycle. An odor might be especially noticeable right after having sex. Sweating also can cause a vaginal odor.
Bacterial vaginosis is an overgrowth of bacteria typically present in the vagina. It's a common vaginal condition that can cause vaginal odor. Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection, also can lead to vaginal odor. A yeast infection usually doesn't cause vaginal odor.
Possible causes of unusual vaginal odor include:
Less commonly, unusual vaginal odor may result from:
Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
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Anyone with a vagina has probably wondered at least once if their life, Why does my vagina smell? But let’s get one thing out of the way right now: Despite what your awful ex or the latest douching ads say, your vagina is supposed to have a bit of an odor.
"Just like with the gut, the vagina has its own microbiome filled with different bacteria and yeast, many of which are incredibly helpful," says Mary Jane Minkin, MD, a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. And, yep, those bacteria give your vag its signature scent.
But what does that typically smell like? "The acidic pH naturally found in the vagina might make it a little sour smelling, sometimes a little musty," says Christine Masterson, MD, ob-gyn and chief of the women and children’s service line at Summit Medical Group. "But it shouldn't be an overwhelming odor."
Still, there are times when you catch a waft that smells a bit off from your normal. The cause can be as innocuous as sweat or more serious, like an infection, says Dr. Minkin, so it’s worth taking a deeper whiff (yes, really), especially if the unusual aroma is accompanied by symptoms like itching or discharge.
Curious about an abnormal scent down there? Scan through to see if your detected smell is on our list and the possible cause(s), and don’t hesitate to get yourself checked out by a professional either way.
The most likely culprit behind this scent is bacterial vaginosis (BV), the most common vaginal infection in women ages 15 to 44, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The infection can creep in when the vagina’s pH gets thrown out of whack by an overgrowth of "bad" bacteria, says Dr. Minkin.
Docs aren’t sure why this happens, but BV isn’t an STI, stresses Dr. Minkin, so BV on its own is pretty harmless. Still, you may be able to re-balance your vaginal acidity with some over-the-counter "pH warfare," says Dr. Minkin. Check your local drugstore for a pH gel, which is designed to balance out your vagina’s pH and nix odors.
If this doesn’t take away the smell within a week or so, see your ob-gyn. You might need an antibiotic to clear up the infection, or you might actually have trichomoniasis, a common and easily treatable (via antibiotics) STI.
Most yeast infections aren’t terribly smelly, but occasionally the thick, cottage cheese-like discharge that’s a hallmark of the itchy nuisance has a faint scent of beer or yeast. If you notice redness or burning around your vagina, or have pain after you pee, this is the likely cause, says Dr. Minkin.
Diabetic women may especially notice this since yeast feed on sugar, and diabetic women tend to have more glucose (a.k.a. sugar) in their vaginal secretions, says Dr. Minkin. See your doc about what's going on down there, and she might prescribe something or recommend something you can buy OTC.
Two questions: Did you just pound out a major sweat session at the gym and are you wearing synthetic underwear (think: nylon or polyester)?
Exercise and non-breathable knickers can cause a musky smell from trapped sweat, says Dr. Minkin. It should go away as soon as you shower (use just water or a mild soap). To minimize the scent in the future, switch to cotton undies (or at least ones that have a cotton lining) and don’t sit around with sweaty clothes.
"Sometimes citrus fruit can cause a sweet odor."
Of all the scents your vagina can have, this is definitely the most concerning one. A tampon that’s been left in your vagina for days or longer can smell rancid or foul. "The scent is brought on by an overgrowth of bacteria in a confined space," she says.
To dislodge it yourself, lie on your back or squat with one foot propped on the toilet, then reach into your vagina with clean fingers to search for the string. No luck? See your ob-gyn who can use a speculum to get the job done.
One thing to note, though: If left behind too long the bacteria can sometimes lead to a more serious infection that may require medical treatment. If you know your tampon's been in for more than eight hours and you've got flu-like symptoms (fever, nausea, achiness), see a doc, ASAP.
Blood (you know, from your period) can change the pH of your vagina, making it smell coppery or tinny, says Dr. Minkin. You can wash your vulva with non-irritating, unscented soap —just avoid going crazy with strong scented soaps because they can throw the pH even further out of whack, says Dr. Minkin. But other than that, you've just gotta ride this one out.
There’s a couple different reasons why your vagina might take on a chemical smell of bleach or ammonia: Dr. Masterson says that BV—which, again, usually smells fishy—can sometimes smell like ammonia instead.
There’s also a chance that the smell is actually coming from your urine, especially if you’re dehydrated. Lastly, Dr. Masterson says that intercourse (specifically the low-acid pH level of sperm) can trigger an ammonia smell, and so can any lubricants and spermicides you might have used. Basically, you can wait this smell out a little bit to see if it fades on its own. If it doesn't in a few days, check in with your ob-gyn.
If you notice a sweet smell down there, you might not be super inclined to think anything is wrong (it’s better than a rotten smell, right?!). And you’re pretty much right: Dr. Masterson says this is usually diet-related. "Sometimes citrus fruit can cause a sweet odor," she says. "Asparagus and garlic are known to change the way urine and discharge smell, too."
That said, she adds that yeast can sometimes cause a sweet odor, so if you’re also having symptoms of a yeast infection , grab an OTC treatment or check in with your doc.
If you’re concerned about your vaginal odor, you shouldn’t hesitate to see your doctor, says women’s health expert Jennifer Wider, MD. But, if you want to ride it out a little, Dr. Wider says it’s okay to wait a few days to see if the scent you're concerned about goes away. If the odor sticks around past then, you’ll definitely want to call your health care provider—especially if it comes with other symptoms like discharge , burning , and itching .
Why is it so important to get checked out? “Certain untreated infections can spread into the uterus and fallopian tubes which can cause long term issues, including fertility problems,” Dr. Wider says.
Finally, keep this in mind: “You should never be embarrassed to speak to your health care provider,” Dr. Wider says. “Vaginal issues are one of the more common reasons that women visit their doctor, so you are certainly not alone.” And, if you feel like you can’t talk to your doctor about this stuff, Dr. Wider says it may be time to find a new one. “An open and honest relationship with your doctor is vital for your overall health and well-being,” she says.

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By kjb25265 | 106 posts, last post over a year ago

Kate Smith
answered this
Causes Of A Foul Vaginal Odor

A couple of days ago I noticed a sour smell coming from my vagina. I have always had a little bit of discharge all the time, there may have been a little more when I noticed the smell, but it wasn't too unusual. I have no itching, burning or swelling, I hardly even notice anything. I have been wearing scented painty liners and that seems to help and the past the couple of days the smell has been better. I was just worried about it. any advice.

I have the same problem and it's been about 16 years since i first noticed it. i noticed it in my teens and it's quite common. I wear panty liners every day because of a light discharge. Occasionally, the smell gets a little "sour" as you said and it's pretty normal for me. I don't know if it might have to do with my period coming or possibly ovulation but it's just something I always deal with. I have no medical info aboutt his but as far as I'm concerned, some people just have strong vaginal odour sometimes and it's nothing abnormal. if you are really worried and it happens a lot I suggest seeing your family docotr or an OBGYN about it.

In reply to anonymous on 2008-12-12 - click to read

Actually he is right, the discharge is yellow or white. And I think he was just trying to help out and calm the poster's nerves from thinking she has anything wrong with her. Also, I've heard the exact same thing about a woman have 1 or 2 in her life.

Most things that you have said are right on!!!! That "dude" dose not know what he is talking about.

I have worked in ob/gyn for 3 years as a nurse and there are definite differences between the two. Bacterial infections seem to be the more common problem for women and most times go unnoticed. Not all women experience symptoms that they would call abnormal. Some of the most common symptoms include, redness and swelling of vag. tissue and labia, increased amount of vaginal discharge that may still be clear or it could be slightly off color, fishy odor (or any change in your normal odor at all), and sometimes lower abdominal pain, painful intercourse and and increased foul smell after intercourse. The only way you can determine for sure if you have a bacterial infection is to see your doctor. He or she can swab the vaginal discharge and look at it under a microscope to diagnose the problem and treat you w/ an antibiotic like Flagyl or tindamax.

Yeast infections can have some similarities of bacterial infections like the redness and swelling of tissue which seems to be worse at night. Some women experience clumpy white discharge but this is not w/ every woman. An odor usually accompanies a yeast infection which smells like baking bread. If you have had a yeast infection before you will probably know when you have one again and can treat w/ over the counter meds like Monistat 3 day (use the 3 day as it completely kills the infection better than the one day) but if this is your first see your doctor.

There are ways to prevent these problems. These infections occur w/ a shift in your normal vaginal PH level. Shift one way and it allows the normal fungus that is normally in your vagina to overgrow and shift the other way and bacteria overgrows. To prevent issues, never take a BATH!!! Sitting in a bath w/ soap w/ fragrance easily throws off PH. Shower only. Use Cetaphil face wash to was vaginal area and rectal area as it is soap and fragrance free. Only wear cotton underwear as it allows vaginal area to breath and stay drier. It is also best to sleep w/out underwear. Ditch the THONG underwear. Every time you bend over or sit the thong drags bacteria from your rectum right up into your vagina!!! GROSS!!! Always make sure your man takes a shower prior to sex to prevent bacteria spread and that he washes his hands. You can also use an OTC product called RePHresh. It balances the vagina's PH level. Use after sex and your period.

Doing these things can greatly decrease occurrences of yeast and BV infections. And for petes sake WIPE FROM FRONT TO BACK!!!

First of all, xxxfluffyemoxxx good for you for trying to help in an area that most men are deathly afraid of; I will come back to you. Second, reply to xxxfluffyemoxxx’s post was rude and uncalled for; unless you are seeing a screen flooded with replies to the question, I feel that anyone taking the time to reply deserves an ounce of RESPECT! O.K. xxxfluffyemoxxx, you are right about white discharge most likely being a yeast infection but here I go just letting you in on a bit of correct info to hopefully encourage you to continue to post to show your concern for others but to do so with a little bit more accurate info: Yeast infections for genital areas are closely related to the complications of athlete’s foot or jock itch in that too much sex, tight clothing, moist dark areas without ventilation prompt rapid growth of bacteria which in turn triggers the body to defend itself against bacteria, upsetting the pH level of the surrounding tissues making it optimal for an over growth of yeast. You meant to say anti FUNGAL, not antibiotics. In addition, anti fungal creams are “over the counter” as are new home test kits comparable to home pregnancy kits which allow the user to test at home and then try an over the counter product. As for your estimate that women get 2 in a life time, I have never had a single one at 34 years of age despite of all of my overuse of antibiotics (cause yeast infections quite easily unless the course is counterbalanced by eating yogurt and other products high in live active bacterium) but I know women who have them monthly. I have been told that the main trigger for recognizing a yeast infection is horrible itching and burning and common sense to know that you have not put your self at risk for an STD that would cause the same symptoms. I think that the majority of the hype behind sending women tot the Dr. over yeast infections is to address that population of women who have freq
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