It's normal for your vagina to have its own unique smell, but a very strong odor may signal a problem. The smell of your vagina may vary during your menstrual cycle , pregnancy , or menopause. You may also experience stronger smells after sexual intercourse or exercise. An intense odor, however, could be due to an infection that needs treatment. Temporary vaginal odor is common and often goes away on its own.
Vaginal odor is considered normal if you don't have other symptoms. Some causes of vaginal odor may include: Bacterial vaginosis BV This infection is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. Symptoms may include a strong, fishy odor and a thin, gray discharge. Trichomoniasis A sexually transmitted infection STI , trichomoniasis can cause vaginal odor. Other STIs, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia , typically aren't accompanied by a strong smell but may be the culprit, per the Mayo Clinic.
A forgotten or stuck tampon A very strong vaginal odor can occur if you forget to take a tampon out or if one is stuck inside you. According to the British National Health Service, it is not possible for a tampon to get lost inside you.
It can however be compressed at the top of your vagina. The effect it has is much different from washing yourself in the bath or shower, which is perfectly healthy. Doctors don't recommend douching because it can increase your risk for many health problems including STIs, and even interfere with conception. Douching removes healthy bacteria that the vagina needs to keep balanced and can actually make the problem worse in the long run. In addition, douching can promote overgrowth of harmful bacteria, which can lead to yeast infections or BV.
If you already have a vaginal infection, douching may spread the infection into your uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, which can cause pelvic inflammatory disease , a serious infection that causes infertility in 1 in 10 women who have it, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Poor hygiene Not bathing or showering regularly can lead to inflammation of the vaginal area, which can cause vaginal odor.
Sweating The skin in the groin area is prone to sweating, which can cause vaginal odor. Diet What you eat and drink influences the smell of urine , and there's some evidence that what you eat can affect your vaginal odor. If your vagina smells off, foods with strong odor, such as garlic, could be the cause.
Your menstrual cycle Your vaginal smell likely changes during different stages in your cycle. Pregnancy According to the Cleveland Clinic, pregnant women are at a higher risk of having changes in vaginal smell due to hormonal changes and increased vaginal secretions.
Rare causes of vaginal odor include: Rectovaginal fistula This is a rare abnormal opening between the vagina and the rectum that allows feces to leak into the vagina, which can contribute to vaginal odor. Other symptoms include recurrent vaginal or urinary tract infections UTIs , pain during sex, or stool in your vagina. Cervical or vaginal cancer In rare cases, abnormal vaginal odor can sometimes be a symptom of cervical or vaginal cancer. Other symptoms of possible cervical or vaginal cancer are heavy vaginal discharge that can have a strong odor, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
A urine test can check for pregnancy and STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea. A urinalysis can test for a UTI , while a sample of vaginal fluid is used to diagnose trichomoniasis or BV. If left untreated, infections can be extremely dangerous and cause permanent damage, so never try to treat them on your own without proper diagnosis. Although rare, a rectovaginal fistula can be diagnosed through a vaginal exam and a rectal exam. If the fistula cannot be identified, imaging studies such as an ultrasound , CT scan , or an MRI may be performed.
While some rectovaginal fistulas close on their own, most require surgery. If cancer is suspected — though this is rarely the cause of vaginal odor — your doctor will likely perform a Pap test to screen cervical or vaginal cells for cancer. An abnormal Pap test could require additional diagnostic testing. Medication Options You may need to see your doctor for treatments that target a specific issue, especially an infection.
If you have an infection such as bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic such as:. Herbal supplements Some herbal supplements claim to reduce vaginal odor or treat symptoms associated with root causes of vaginal odor, such as BV. Food and Drug Administration FDA doesn't regulate and review supplements for safety and effectiveness as it does with pharmaceuticals, so you should use caution with any supplements or natural remedies.
Certain lifestyle modifications can help keep the vaginal area clean and reduce your risk of odor: Wear cotton underwear and loose clothing to prevent moisture buildup and increase airflow to the area. Change clothes and shower promptly after exercising or other sweaty activities. Practice good hygiene, washing with warm water and nonirritating soap. Avoid douching. In this article, we explore strategies for reducing vaginal odor safely and addressing any underlying medical concerns.
This odor changes with hormonal shifts during pregnancy, menopause , and the menstrual cycle. A subtle smell is not a cause for concern.
When certain factors affect the complex chemistry of the vagina, harmful bacteria can grow out of control, producing a fishy odor. Bacterial vaginosis can have this effect.
This is the most common vaginal infection among females aged 15—44 years. Some females with bacterial vaginosis may experience other symptoms, such as itching or burning. This may feel similar to a yeast infection. For many, however, the fishy odor is the only symptom. Prescription antibiotics can help treat this infection, and adopting certain healthful habits can reduce the risk of experiencing it again.
These include:. An overgrowth of yeast in the vagina can produce a sweet smell, similar to that of honey or cookies. The vagina might also smell like beer, flour, or bread. It can also smell sour sometimes. Intense burning, itching, or feelings of dryness usually accompany yeast infections. These symptoms tend to get worse over time. Some females may also notice a discharge that resembles cottage cheese.
These conditions are treatable using over-the-counter medications. However, females who have not had a yeast infection before should seek consultation with a doctor to rule out other causes. Many of the same measures that can prevent bacterial vaginosis, such as avoiding scented products and never douching, are also effective in preventing yeast overgrowth.
Hormonal changes that occur during menopause can alter the scent of the vagina and leave the vagina feeling dry. Females should seek consultation with a doctor about any noticeable changes in vaginal odor — particularly if the smell is strong or unpleasant. However, they should not use perfume to mask the smell. Adopting safe and gentle vaginal hygiene practices can help reduce vaginal odor.
Some tips include:. Inserting soap into the vagina can affect vaginal pH, potentially leading to infections and an unpleasant odor. Some females might notice a stronger vaginal odor during menstruation. Hormonal changes can cause an odor similar to iron or ammonia. Some menstrual products can trap odor, compounding this effect. Typically, the smell will clear up on its own within a day or so—or after you shower—but if it persists, call your doctor.
Shepherd says. Blood has an elevated pH, and that can throw your vaginal flora off a little during your period. You probably associate yeast infections with a certain discharge, but they can also cause a particular odor to develop. OTC yeast infection medications should help clear up the infection—and smell, Dr. In addition to a foul-smelling vaginal discharge, it can make your genitals itch and cause painful peeing, though many people experience no symptoms.
Gonorrhea and chlamydia can also cause foul-smelling discharge, says Dr. And just like with trichomoniasis, you may not experience symptoms. If you notice any unusual discharge or have pain during sex or urination , see your doctor to rule out an STI. PID happens when sexually transmitted bacteria—possibly from an untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea infection—travel from your vagina to your uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes, according to the Mayo Clinic. Tightly-knit fabrics that are meant to trap and wick away sweat can sometimes cause a musky smell.
The type of undies you choose matters. Certain materials trap in heat and moisture, affecting the overall balance of good and bacteria—and yes, your vaginal odor. While there is some variation with normal vaginal odor, smells that are a tip-off that something is wrong can generally be divided into three camps: fishy odors, zoo-like smells, and yeasty scents. It could be a sign of bacterial vaginosis.
But a fishy smell can also be a sign of trichomoniasis, the CDC says. It could be due to a forgotten tampon, and unfortunately, it really, really stinks. The smell is usually caused by old blood, which has a bad, zoo-like scent when it oxidizes, Dr. It can also change the pH of your vagina which should be between 3. BTW: If the smell is musky but not overpowering, it could simply be due to hanging out in sweaty workout clothes too much, Dr.
Dweck says. So if your discharge smells bad but not fishy, it could be a yeast infection. Some other things you can do to prevent vaginal odor:.
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