But what does that typically smell like? 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. Curious about an abnormal scent down there? 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. 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. You might need an antibiotic to clear up the infection, or you might actually have trichomoniasis, a common and easily treatable via antibiotics STI.
If you notice redness or burning around your vagina, or have pain after you pee, this is the likely cause, says Dr. Diabetic women may especially notice this since yeast feed on sugar, and diabetic women tend to have more glucose a.
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.
It should go away as soon as you shower use just water or a mild soap. Of all the scents your vagina can have, this is definitely the most concerning one. 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? Trimethylamine, which is the chemical compound responsible for both the distinct aroma of rotting fish and some abnormal vaginal odors. A rotten odor that makes your nose wince and your face contort is definitely not the norm. If the smell is putrid, like a dead organism, it may not be your vagina but something in your vagina. In general, abnormal odors should be easy to spot. Rotting fish, dead organism, decay — these are all red flag odors.
Subtle shifts in your vaginal fragrance is normal. Remember, the way your vagina smells has everything to do with its pH. And there are lots of things that affect your pH. Take penile vaginal sex, for instance.
Menopause also has an effect on vaginal pH. So, without these cells you can end up with a much higher pH. Our advice? After all, vaginas do so many wonderful things for us. Ginger Wojcik is an assistant editor at Greatist. Follow more of her work on Medium or follow her on Twitter. Any odors during your period can also fluctuate.
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Some research has shown that regular bidet use could increase your exposure to certain pathogens. Learn more. Yeast infections are common. Here are seven of the best over-the-counter products to help manage a yeast infection. 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. Prevention of Vaginal Odor In general, you can control mild vaginal odor by implementing some of the tips mentioned above: Wear cotton underwear and loose clothing to prevent moisture buildup and increase airflow to the area.
Change clothes and shower promptly after exercise. Practice good hygiene by washing your vaginal area with warm water and nonirritating soap. Avoid foods that might increase the odor. Wipe front to back after urinating or making a bowel movement to prevent spreading bacteria from your anus to your vagina. Use condoms during sex to prevent the spread of STIs.
Avoid douching and feminine sprays or deodorants, which can lead to irritation. In about a third of cases, an unusual vaginal smell goes away on its own, notes the Cleveland Clinic. Any woman can experience unusual vaginal odor. As noted above, a common cause of abnormal odor is bacterial vaginosis , which is the most common vaginal condition in women under 45, according to the CDC.
An estimated These include: Bacterial vaginosis As noted above, this common vaginal infection can cause a foul-smelling discharge. STIs sexually transmitted infections Urinary tract infections UTIs and dehydration can sometimes cause urine to smell, which can in turn create an odor sometimes likened to the smell of bleach or ammonia in the vaginal area.
Mayo Clinic A go-to resource for medical advice, the Mayo Clinic offers comprehensive info on vaginal odor, from symptoms and causes to diagnosis and treatment.
Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking. Vaginal Odor: Definition.
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