Having a smelly vagina is not something to be ashamed of. Each part of your body has a natural scent, which differs from person to person. A vaginal smell is natural and is often affected by food choices, clothing, lifestyle habits, and the body’s biochemistry.
A healthy vaginal odor can smell like different things. However, if you suddenly start sensing a strong vaginal discharge smell down there, you need to check with a doctor immediately. It can be a sign of a growing infection in your vagina or point toward any underlying medical condition.
Today, we will help you discover the 7 different types of vaginal odor and when you should be concerned. Read on to find out what your vagina smells like.
Why Should You Know About Vaginal Odor
Vaginal odor is a topic that most women are ashamed to discuss openly. Several advertisements for commercial products have forced women to believe that vaginal smell should be prevented. But medically, even healthy vaginas have a slight odor that varies based on pH levels, menstruation cycles, and lifestyle. Sex, food choices, and clothing preferences all affect the pH of your vagina. It is important to know about your vaginal fluid smell in order to ascertain the health of your vagina and take preventive measures against any possible infections.
Types of Vaginal Odors in Women and Why
There are several types of vaginal odors that women may experience, and the causes of these odors can vary. Here are some common types of vaginal odors:
Fishy Odor
A fishy vaginal odor is associated with Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). It occurs when the healthy lactobacilli bacteria in your vagina overgrow due to an imbalance. The symptoms of BV include itching and a burning sensation in the vagina while urinating. To treat this, doctors will prescribe a strong antibiotic for a few days. Trichomoniasis is another condition that emits a fishy smell discharge. This is a sexually transmitted infection, and its symptoms include itching, burning, redness and soreness, and pain while urinating. The watery discharge with odor can be white, yellowish, or greenish.
Rotten Odor
A rotten smell, similar to that coming from dead meat, could be a sign of a forgotten tampon in your vagina. This happens more often than one can think and is not something to be embarrassed about. A stale tampon could lead to a life-threatening case of Toxic - Shock Syndrome. If you sense a foul-smelling discharge, it is advisable that you get the tampon removed by your gynecologist as soon as possible.
Tangy and Sour
A citrusy smell is a sign of a healthy vagina that contains the correct balance of lactic acids, hydrogen peroxide, and other elements. These elements are produced by the healthy bacteria in the region and help keep yeast infections away. It also indicates a healthy pH level, weighing more toward the acidic side. This white discharge smell is nothing to be worried about.
Metallic Copper or Iron like Odor
A copper-like smell, similar to the ones coming from pennies, is a sign of blood in your vaginal canal. The blood can be menstrual residue or a result of bleeding during sex. The metallic odor is due to the presence of iron in the blood. This is nothing to worry about unless your metallic odor does not recede even after your period is over. Check with a doctor if you notice itching and burning.
Bittersweet like Gingerbread
A sweet and tangy smell indicates a change in your pH levels. It is not something to be worried about, but you need to look out for any foul smelling white discharge.
