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A colorful mouse smells a stinky cheese in reference to a post about vaginal odor

8 common vaginal odors and their causes

How the pussy (our "mouse" as we say in Sweden) smells might not be the most exciting topic, but it's important to know that almost everyone experiences different odor variations throughout life. The vagina has its own special scent, and it can vary depending on factors such as hormones, health conditions, and how you keep it fresh down there (No, soap is not your friend). Knowing your natural scent is one of the best ways to keep track of how your vagina is doing. Therefore, in this post, we'll talk about different scents and what they might mean for your health. But before we go through the different smells and what lies behind them, let's start with what can cause the genital area to smell bad.


Common Causes of Odor Changes

  • Hormonal Changes:

    Puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can affect both the pH level and the natural bacterial balance in the vagina. These hormonal changes can alter the smell of the vagina and are a normal reaction to the body's biological changes.
     
  • Medications:

    Some medications, such as antibiotics, can actually alter the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina and affect how it smells.
     
  • Hygiene and Strong Soaps

    Strong soaps or perfumed products can disrupt the natural pH balance and cause an unwanted smell. If you really want to ensure your vaginal health is in top shape, it's a good idea to choose mild, pH-balanced products specifically designed for intimate care. These products help maintain an optimal vaginal environment and adhere to the important pH level that actually impacts how you feel. Incorrect pH balance can encourage the growth of harmful bacteria or upset the vaginal bacterial flora.
     
  • Diet and Lifestyle

    Factors such as diet and lifestyle can also affect vaginal odor. A poor diet, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can all affect body odor, including vaginal odor. Fluid Intake: If you don't drink enough, it can increase the concentration of certain substances in urine and the vagina. This can affect both taste and smell. Drink plenty of water to dilute the urine and give your body enough water. Infections: Infections and fungal infections cause an unusual or foul-smelling vaginal odor. This can include yeast infections and sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia or gonorrhea.

 

Different Vaginal Scents

In the next section, we'll go through some common smells the genital area can have and what these might possibly be related to. Although it's rarely possible to know exactly what's happening in the vagina just based on its smell, it can give us a good indicator of how things are down there.

 

If it smells sour or yeasty in the genital area

One of the most common vaginal scents is a slightly sour or yeasty smell. This odor is often the result of the good bacteria, known as Lactobacilli, that keep the vagina's pH level acidic. This protects against an overgrowth of harmful bacteria and keeps your vaginal flora in balance. But if the pH level becomes too alkaline (over 4.5), this can lead to an overgrowth of bad bacteria and result in a more pronounced yeast-like smell. Avoid using strong or perfumed products that can disrupt the natural pH balance.

 

If the vagina smells like onions:

If you experience an onion-like smell in your genital area, this could actually be related to your diet and eating habits. Foods like onions and garlic can actually affect body odors, including the smell in the genital area. It's therefore quite common to notice a smell resembling onions after consuming these foods.

 

If it smells like iron or metallic in the genital area:

Many women experience an iron-like smell from the vagina, especially during the menstrual period. This is completely normal as blood contains iron, giving a metallic smell. Blood from menstruation or minor bleedings after sex can cause this odor.

 

If the vagina smells sweet:

A mild and sweet smell from the vagina is usually nothing to worry about. It can be the result of various types of benign bacteria that normally exist in the vagina. As long as it's not accompanied by burning or itching, it's likely a natural variation in your vaginal microbiome.

 

If the genital area smells like ammonia or chemical:

If you notice a bleach-like or ammonia smell in the genital area, it may be related to urine which contains urea. A high accumulation of urine can create a chemical smell. On the other hand, a strong and unusual chemical smell can also be a sign of bacterial vaginosis (BV), an imbalance in the vagina's normal bacterial flora.

 

Does your genital area smell like cannabis?:

A sweet-earthy smell, sometimes resembling cannabis, can occur due to sweat. Sweat mixes with vaginal secretions and bacteria, creating a stale, sweet smell. This smell can be particularly noticeable during periods of emotional stress or intense physical activity.

 

When the genital area smells fishy:

An unusual fish-like smell in the vagina is an odor that requires attention. It can be a sign of bacterial vaginosis (BV), where harmful bacteria overpower the good ones. Additionally, a trichomonas infection, a rare sexually transmitted disease, can cause a strong fishy smell from the vagina. This is due to gas released by the parasite and can contribute to the unpleasant odor.

 

If the vulva smells bad and rotten:

A rotten smell is something you shouldn't ignore. It may indicate the presence of a foreign object, such as a stuck tampon, a condom stuck in the genital area, or sexually transmitted diseases that smell bad. If you notice a persistent rotten smell, it's best to consult a healthcare provider for advice and treatment.

 

Learn about your natural vagina scent!

It's completely normal for your vagina to have its own signature scent, but it's wise to keep an eye (or nose) on any changes. By getting familiar with your scent and learning the difference between what's usual and what might be a signal of something else, you can keep things fresh and lovely down there. Sometimes life and hormones can throw things off balance, and that's when you might want to check out what your vagina is trying to tell you. So go ahead, get to know your scent, but if anything seems suspicious, book an appointment with your healthcare provider. Being sure is always a winner, and your vagina will thank you for it by staying healthy and happy!


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