Just In
- 6 hrs ago Heeramandi Screening: Alia Bhatt, Ananya Panday, Rashmika Mandanna And Others Serve Finest Ethnic Style!
- 6 hrs ago From Alia Bhatt To Kriti Sanon, Korean Beauty Products That Bollywood Divas Swear By
- 9 hrs ago Exclusive: On World Malaria Day 2024, Dr Shares Danger Signs Parents Must Watch Out For In Child With Malaria
- 10 hrs ago Exclusive: Expert Debunks 5 Common Misconceptions About Expectant Mothers That You Need To Steer Clear From
Don't Miss
- Movies Heeramandi Screening: Vicky Kaushal, Pulkit Samrat, Sooraj Pancholi- Bollywood Hunks In Traditional Style At R
- News Who Is Lisa Pisano, New Jersey Woman Gets Pig Kidney Transplant And Heart Pump?
- Sports Pakistan vs New Zealand 4th T20 Live Score, Latest Updates From Lahore: Babar Azam Opts To Bowl First; Fakhar Zaman, Imad Wasim Return To Line-Up
- Finance Tech Mahindra Q4 Results: Cons PAT Declines 41% YoY To Rs 661 Crore; Exits FY24 In Red
- Automobiles Royal Enfield Unveils Revolutionary Rentals & Tours Service: Check Out All Details Here
- Technology Elon Musk’s X Is Launching a TV App Similar to YouTube for Watching Videos
- Education AICTE introduces career portal for 3 million students, offering fully-sponsored trip to Silicon Valley
- Travel Escape to Kalimpong, Gangtok, and Darjeeling with IRCTC's Tour Package; Check Itinerary
Musky, Fishy Or Metallic: 8 Types Of Vaginal Odours That Every Woman Should Know About
First things first, it is perfectly natural for your vagina to have some kind of smell. And let me tell you this, a healthy vagina does not smell like a field of freshly blossomed lilies. We are constantly bombarded with advertisements and products who swear on making our lady parts smell divine like a bunch of flowers.
Health experts swear by the fact that these perfumed vagina cleaning products can be harmful to the natural balance of vaginal flora, causing bacterial vaginosis (infection) instead. Your vagina is home to thousands of bacteria and the slight musty or metallic smell in your vagina is nothing to be ashamed of, nor be worried about.
Why Does Your Vagina Smell?
It is natural for your vagina to have a distinct smell. The smell of your vagina can resemble your health and the smell keeps changing depending on your lifestyle, diet, menstrual cycle etc. The healthy pH of your vagina is 4.5 [1]. Also, the yeast and bacteria present in and around the private parts can cause the smell, as well as changes in the odour [2].
Can Coconut Oil Help Fight The COVID-19 Pandemic? Doctor Mentions Kerala In Study
When the microbes in your vagina are in a healthy balance, you may not get the strong smell. However, unusual smells are a result of something that is off-balance [3]. In addition to these, some of the other factors that can cause a distinct odour in your vagina are penile-vaginal sex and menopause. As semen have a relatively high pH, it can cause a different kind of smell after you've had penile-vaginal sex [4].
1. Fishy
If your vagina gives off a strong, fishy odour, then chances are you are suffering from an infection. If the odour increases right after intercourse along with a rise in the discharge, then this could be a sign of bacterial vaginosis. Sometimes, it could also be due to excessive bacterial growth [5]. The fishy smell is due to trimethylamine, which is the chemical compound responsible for both the distinct aroma of rotting fish and some abnormal vaginal odours [6].
2. Musky
When your vagina is healthy, the scent can vary based on your activity level and usually it gives off a musty or musky odour [7]. If you notice a strong scent after doing some intense activity, it is perfectly normal, as it is due to the moisture released by the sweat glands. If there is an intolerable change, then this could be a sign of an infection. Intense physical activity like workouts can cause musty smell down there. Trimming the hair down under can help manage the odour [8].
3. Coppery Or Metallic
Sometimes the vagina can give off a metallic odour, resembling that of a coin. It is usually no cause for concern and is mostly noticed when you get periods. This is because the blood mixes with the natural state of the healthy vagina [9]. Light bleeding after sex can also cause this smell [10]. In rare cases, it can indicate severe health problems.
4. Bleachy Or Ammonia
An odour similar to bleach or ammonia could be due to a buildup of urine in your underwear or around your vulva [11]. Bacterial vaginosis, a common infection can also cause a bleachy smell.
5. Yeasty
It is normal for bacteria to be present in the vagina. But yeast infection occurs when there is an overgrowth due to lubrication, spermicides, antibiotic use or even pregnancy [12]. This fermented or even tangy odour is due to the acidity, which is due to the pH levels in a vagina. The Lactobacilli bacteria keep the vagina acidic and prevent the overgrowth of the bad kinds of bacteria [13].
Yoghurt and even sour beers contain Lactobacilli, the same type of good bacteria in healthy vaginas.
Did You Know That Sleeping Naked (With Your Partner) Can Help Reduce Stress & Boost Self-esteem?
6. Sweet
A sweetish odour is no cause for concern and necessarily does not mean the sweet smell of a flower or a freshly baked cookie, but more of a natural or earthy odour. The ever-changing bacterial ecosystem of your vagina (and the pH levels) is the cause for this smell [14].
7. Skunky
This type of vaginal odour is more similar to that of your body odour. It can even seem similar to that of marijuana or a smoked herb. A skunky odour in your vagina is caused due to emotional stress [15]. The apocrine sweat glands, which respond according to your emotions, sweat out your groin area when you are in emotional stress.
8. Rotten
Mild odour in your vagina is normal however, a strong, putrid smell in no way indicates anything good. A rotten odour, something that is like that of a dead organism can indicate health problems. In most cases, it is not due to your vagina but something in your vagina [16]. And one of the most common causes for a rotten odour in your vagina is a forgotten tampon.
On A Final Note…
If
the
odour
accompanies
pain,
itching,
thick
discharge
or
a
burning
sensation,
consult
a
doctor.
Subtle
shifts
in
your
vaginal
odour
are
normal
-
remember
that
the
way
your
vagina
smells
has
everything
to
do
with
its
pH
level,
so
keep
an
eye
on
your
hygiene
and
practise
clean
habits.
- healthDaily Habits That Increase Vaginal Infections Risk: What To Do About It?
- healthTop 5 Reasons For Vaginal Rash: When You Should See A Doctor
- pregnancy parentingMyths vs Facts: Can You Get Pregnant If There’s Semen Near The Vagina
- healthTips To Improve Intimate Sensation For Women
- healthLower Back Pain And Vaginal Discharge: 5 Main Causes
- health5 Things That Cause Vaginal Numbness
- healthEver Experienced Vaginal Gas aka Queef? Know More Here
- healthHow To Reduce Vaginal Sweating? When Should You Go To A Doctor?
- healthVaginal Itching: 5 Reasons Why Your Vagina Constantly Itches
- healthVaginal Discharge: How To Spot Infection At Home?
- healthVagina-Friendly Foods For Lubrication, Fertility And pH Balance
- healthVaginal Health: Can You Use Herbs Down-Under? Is It Safe?