Expired
What are the causes of vaginal odour?
A healthy vagina is never odour-free. It is completely normal for your vagina to have a natural scent that is individual to you. But there may be reasons why your vagina has a different smell than usual. Here, we consider the reasons why and whether you need to do anything about it.
How should a vagina smell?
Your vagina is a carefully balanced ecosystem and will normally be host to a community of good bacteria. One of the main bacteria is called Lactobacillus, similar to the type found in live yoghurts. Lactobacillus generates lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide which keeps vaginal pH at an optimal range of 3.5-4.5. These acidic conditions act as a disinfectant and discourage unwelcome bacteria from causing infections. It is these natural bacteria that can contribute to a vagina's natural scent.
What is the treatment for bacterial vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis is one of the most common vaginal infections. It causes a discharge which is...
What can cause vaginal odours?
Vaginal odour after sex through infection
Like the armpits, the groin has a high concentration of sweat glands. During exercise and sexual activity, it is normal for the genitals to get sweaty and this may contribute to a stronger vaginal odour.
If you notice a stronger vaginal odour after sex it is possibly more than sweaty genitals, and could be an infection called bacterial vaginosis (BV). BV occurs when the balance in the vaginal ecosystem is disturbed, allowing a bacterium called Gardnerella vaginosis to thrive. The infection causes a thin, grey discharge with a fishy odour that is more pungent when in contact with semen. Your GP can help diagnose this and administer treatment.
Semen
Semen is normally a white or grey coloured fluid that carries the sperm and it has a mild chlorine-like smell. With sexually transmitted infections (STIs), it is possible for the semen to change colour to yellow or green and it can smell unpleasant. This means semen could be the cause of a bad vaginal odour after sex.
After ejaculation into the vagina, most semen will either seep out or dry up. The vagina is a self-cleaning organ, and any remaining semen will exit the body via a woman's discharge. Sperm can survive for a maximum of five days inside the vagina.
Other factors may affect a vagina's smell, without meaning that there is something wrong with your hygiene or vaginal health. This might include:
Hormonal changes
Vaginal odour may vary in response to your menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause.
Medication
Hormonal treatment such as the contraceptive pill and antihistamines can dry the vagina out and change its odour.
Diet
There is no scientific proof but anecdotal evidence has suggested that vaginal odour may change with certain foods, such as garlic, onions and strong spices.
If you have an abnormal vaginal odour, particularly if accompanied by symptoms such as an itchy or irritated vagina or a change in discharge, you should contact your doctor. Potential causes include:
- Poor hygiene.
- Sexually transmitted infections.
- A forgotten tampon.
- Thrush infection.
- Rectovaginal fistula - an abnormal connection between the vagina and the rectum, most commonly due to bowel problems like inflammatory bowel disease, childbirth-related injuries, cancer or cancer treatments such as radiotherapy.
- Vaginal and cervical cancer.
The dangers of over-cleaning
Your vagina is self-cleaning, and using feminine hygiene products can affect your natural microbiome, leaving you more susceptible to vaginal infections - and accompanying bad odours. A recent study demonstrated that women using feminine hygiene products or douches were more likely to have BV, yeast infections, sexually transmitted infections, and UTIs.
Avoid sometimes harmful products and simply stick to the following advice to keep your vagina healthy:
- Wipe front to back when going to the loo.
- Wash your external vaginal area with water or a mild soap when in the shower.
- Avoid harsh or irritant soaps.
- Don't douche.
- Wear loose-fitting, breathable cotton underwear.
- When menstruating, change tampons and sanitary pads every few hours or when your pads get wet or uncomfortable.
I am 15 years old and i am sexually active. i've had sex with 4 people so far(not flaunting) The last person i slept with had a friend who had joked and said "dont you have gonnorehha Jacob?" (made...
vanessa35426
Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions.