Why Vagina Smells

Why Vagina Smells
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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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Expert help from a gynaecologist, coming right up
Look, a healthy vagina can produce plenty of odours that smell nothing like a bed of roses: and that is how it should be – no matter what the streams of 'feminine hygiene products' on the market try to convince you.
However, if you notice that the smell emanating from your nether regions has changed or that it is particularly pungent, well, something medical may be going on that needs correcting. So, what might be causing a 'smelly vagina,' and how should you address it? Read on for expert answers.
There are myriad potential causes. To take one, Bacterial vaginosis – one of the common culprits for giving your vagina a lingering fishy smell – is twice as common as thrush. Meaning? That it's not exactly unusual if you notice a funky vibe coming from down there.
Then there’s the likes of yeast infections, which can essentially make your pubic region smell like a brewery (sorry) and all those STIs with their tell-tale foul-smelling odour.
That totally depends on what your issue is. Scroll on for reasons why you might have a smelly vagina – and how to nix the problem. As ever, if you're worried about your vaginal health, head to your GP to be referred to a gynaecologist.
Bacterial vaginosis – or BV – is common. So common, in fact, that it’s twice as prevalent as thrush. Yet it’s still a condition that often gets overlooked. BV can be triggered by anything from washing yourself too much to using perfumed soaps to menstruation, sex, diet and certain antibiotics. Oh, and your contraception can be a trigger, too.
‘Women who use an intrauterine device such as a coil, can be more susceptible to having BV due to the possible increased bacteria as a result of the coil’s presence in the vagina, as well as the change in menstrual bleeding, which can onset bacterial vaginosis,’ says consultant gynaecologist Ms Tania Adib.
Treatment: An over-the-counter treatment such as Canesbalance vaginal gel should do the trick.
Think yeast infection and, chances are, you won’t list a smelly vagina as being one of the principle symptoms. That's because, says consultant gynaecologist Miss Anne Henderson, it typically isn't.
‘Thrush is usually completely odourless, but has characteristic burning and irritation; which can run all the way down the vagina and then onto the vulva,’ she says.
But note the word usually . After all, yeast has its own distinct smell. So, if you have the faint whiff of beer following you around, you might want to get your vagina’s yeast levels checked out.
Treatment: Pinpoint what’s up with the Canestest Self-Test for Vaginal Infections.
‘Retained foreign bodies such as a tampon can lead to infection and cause smelly discharge,’ Adib says.
Treatment: If you think you might have a forgotten something inside your vagina, give yourself some uninterrupted quiet time to lie down and have a gentle feel.
Still not sure? Or not comfortable with self-exploration? Seek medical advice. Left unchecked, the infection could lead to pelvic pain, fever and even Toxic Shock Syndrome, which can be fatal.
Okay, so this one is anecdotal but hands up, who’s eaten asparagus, onions, coffee, pineapple or other strong-smelling foods and then noticed a change in the smell of their vagina?
It’s believed this happens because certain foods can alter the smell of your sweat and other bodily fluids. Meaning…?
Treatment: It’s nothing to worry about and should clear up within a couple of days.
But your monthly bleed can also send your vagina’s pH off kilter (FYI, a normal vaginal pH level is between 3.8 and 4.5), which can also make your vagina more smelly than usual.
‘Menstrual blood is more alkaline than your vagina so, when it flows through the vagina or is contained in a tampon, it can raise the pH level, reducing its acidity,’ Henderson says.
Treatment: Expect any odour to clear up once your period has finished.
Just like your menstrual blood, semen can also elevate your vagina’s pH levels, which, says Henderson, can not only change the smell of your vagina, but also, when combined with other actions such as using perfumed body washes, encourage the growth of certain bacteria.
Add to that the fact that you’ll likely have been working up a sweat between the sheets and (if you’ve not been using condoms) mixing your bodily fluids with those of someone else and that’s a whole lot of different odours going on down there.
Treatment: Any untoward smells should disperse within a couple of days.
According to Adib, this STI is caused by infection with a parasite called Trichomonas Vaginalis. ‘It can make the vagina look like a strawberry,’ Adib says. Think swollen and red.
Plus, you may produce more discharge than normal, which could be thick, thin or frothy; yellow-green in colour; and have a fishy
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