Smelly Vagina (aka Vaginal Odor)

It is normal for vaginas to have some sort of mild smell, even for healthy vaginas. Changes in your vaginal smell can happen due to reasons like sexual activity, menstruation, pregnancy, etc. All vaginas naturally produce smells, and those smells do tell you about your lifestyle, activities, and overall health.

For example, during your period, vaginal odor frequently fluctuates. Typical vaginal discharge is the most noticeable in scent around mid-cycle. It can also smell stronger after intercourse or a workout. However, a strongly unpleasant smell of your vagina, along with symptoms like greyish-white vaginal discharge, burning, and itching, may indicate a health problem such as infection.

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What Causes Vaginas to Smell?

Your vaginal scent typically depends on your pH level or how acidic your vagina is. Various types of bacteria live inside your vagina and form vaginal flora, which is crucial for maintaining the appropriate pH balance. A healthy pH level discourages infections causing a foul vaginal odor. Meaning an imbalance in your vaginal flora can lead to fishy, musty, or generally unpleasant odor.

Normal Smells of Vagina

A lot of vaginal odors indicate short-term changes in your pH level and are not cause for concern. For example:

• A slightly sour or tangy vaginal smell could indicate a higher acidity in your vaginal flora’s pH level, often linked with beneficial bacteria like lactobacilli. Some people describe the smell as yeasty, similar to sourdough bread.
• A faintly sweet or bittersweet smell, like molasses or gingerbread, may indicate a shift in your pH levels.
• During your period, your vaginal discharge might emit a faint metallic scent, similar to copper pennies, due to the presence of iron in your menstrual blood.
• An ammonia-like smell from the vagina may indicate either urine residue on the genitals (vulva) or dehydration.
• A skunk-like or body odor-like smell may indicate heightened stress levels, increasing your sweat glands' activity.

Temporary vaginal smells are typical and frequently self-resolve. These smells may stem from hormonal changes or dietary factors. For example, pungent foods like garlic or fish can affect vaginal odor.

However, a strong and unpleasant odor may indicate an underlying condition and may be necessary for you to seek medical attention.

Abnormal Smells of Vagina

An imbalance in vaginal bacteria levels can result in infection and inflammation, which is a condition called vaginitis. The most prevalent types of vaginitis can trigger unpleasant vaginal smells and will manifest other symptoms, such as abnormal vaginal discharge.

The most common causes of unpleasant vaginal smell are:

• Bacterial vaginosis (BV): An infection triggered by an imbalance in vaginal flora. It often results in the fishy smell commonly linked with unpleasant vaginal smells, particularly after sex. Another notable BV symptom is a grey or greyish-white discharge.
• Trichomoniasis: A sexually transmitted infection triggered by a parasite. It may not manifest symptoms, but when it does, it can lead to a smell resembling fishy odors, similar to bacterial vaginosis or a musty smell. Another common indicator of Trichomoniasis includes greenish-yellow discharge.

Rarely, a smelly vagina is a symptom of:

• Rectovaginal fistula: An uncommon condition occurs when the passage connecting the rectum and vagina permits fecal matter to seep into the vagina, resulting in a malodorous discharge.
• Vaginal cancer: Heavy vaginal discharge with a strong smell
• Cervical cancer: A strong, unpleasant-smelling discharge

If you forget to remove your tampon, you might detect an odor similar to rotten meat. However, the scent disappears once you or a healthcare professional removes the tampon.

What makes the vagina smell during pregnancy?

Vaginitis often triggers unpleasant vaginal odors in pregnancy. However, a lot of factors can contribute to this change. Pregnancy can enhance your sense of smell, and cravings might influence your diet, impacting vaginal scent. Furthermore, heightened blood flow and fluctuating hormone levels such as estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin can alter your pH balance and produce different smells.

Postpartum vaginal odor is also common. As your uterus reverts to its pre-pregnancy condition, it releases blood and residual pregnancy matter known as lochia. Lochia typically emits a stale, metallic, musty smell similar to period blood.

Diagnosing Abnormal Vaginal Odor

To identify the underlying cause of vaginitis, a healthcare provider will collect a sample of discharge. The most common cause of abnormal vaginal odor is high levels of Gardnerella vaginalis ‘bacteria, responsible for the fishy smell linked to bacterial vaginosis (BV). This step is integral to the diagnostic process. Your healthcare provider may also:

• Gather your medical history and inquire about your symptoms
• Conduct a vaginal examination
• Assess your vaginal pH level

How is it Treated?

In approximately one-third of cases, abnormal vaginal odor resolves spontaneously without treatment. However, if the smell does not go away on its own, your doctor will most likely prescribe antibiotics to address the underlying issue and eliminate the vaginal odor. These medications may come in the form of pills or creams.

How You Can Prevent Vaginal Odor

Creating healthy habits can help maintain the cleanliness of your vulva and safeguard your vagina against infections.

• Maintain proper hygiene: Start by showering regularly and only using mild, unscented soap and warm water to clean your vulva. After a workout, take a bath and wear clean clothing to avoid prolonged periods, such as sweaty attire or a damp swimsuit. Warm and moist environments are ideal places for harmful bacteria.
• No douching: this can upset the pH levels in your vagina and increase your susceptibility to infections. If you already have a vaginal infection, douching can push bacteria further into your body and potentially lead to more serious infections such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can result in infertility.
• Wear light and breathable clothing: To prevent discomfort, avoid wearing excessively tight clothing around your vulva. Instead, wear cotton underwear, which allows for better airflow and reduces heat and moisture retention.
• Stay hydrated: If you are dehydrated, your vagina might have a strong ammonia smell. The lack of water can cause waste materials in your urine to become highly concentrated and produce a foul smell. Drinking water can help eliminate the smell.
• Use protection during sex: use condoms to lower your chances of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other infections, such as BV, which may disturb the pH balance of your vagina. When using the lubricant, choose the unscented and unflavored ones to prevent vaginal irritation.

When Should You Seek for Treatment?

If you are experiencing prolonged and unusual vaginal odor or odor along with discharge, burning, and itching, it is very important to consult a doctor. Untreated vaginitis may escalate into vaginal infections that could potentially affect your uterus or fallopian tubes, risking your infertility. Furthermore, vaginitis can strengthen your risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

If you are pregnant, it is crucial to seek medical care as pregnant individuals experiencing vaginitis or vaginal odor are at higher risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, amniotic fluid infection, and other complications.

At PULSE Clinic, we offer fast, confidential, and fuss-free vaginosis testing. Should you have any enquiries or concerns, feel free to reach out to us or make an appointment to consult a doctor for an appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

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With whatever you’re experiencing, you are not alone. PULSE Social Enterprise is here for any concerns and questions that you might have about your health.

From general wellness to mental well-being to sexual health, we will be sure to give you fast, reliable, and safe diagnosis, treatment, and consultation.

To book an appointment, please email us at info.bkk@pulse-clinic.com or chat with us on your preferred platform.

+66-84-226-2569  @PulseRx    PULSEClinic