Certain lifestyle modifications can help keep the vaginal area clean and reduce your risk of odor:. But if the odor is a symptom of an underlying condition that needs to be treated, complications could arise not from the odor itself, but from whatever is causing the odor.
Odor is often the result of an infection that requires antibiotics. A number of conditions can change the bacterial balance in the vaginal area, leading to unusual odor. These include:. Planned Parenthood. 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. Additional reporting by Julie Marks and Brianna Majsiak. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools.
Vaginal Odor. Reviewed: April 23, Medically Reviewed. Vaginal odor is any unpleasant odor that comes from the vagina. It's normal for your vagina to have its own unique smell, but a very strong odor may signal a problem. The smell of your vagina may vary during your menstrual cycle , pregnancy , or menopause. You may also experience stronger smells after sexual intercourse or exercise.
An intense odor, however, could be due to an infection that needs treatment. Temporary vaginal odor is common and often goes away on its own.
Vaginal odor is considered normal if you don't have other symptoms. Some causes of vaginal odor may include: Bacterial vaginosis BV This infection is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. Symptoms may include a strong, fishy odor and a thin, gray discharge. Trichomoniasis A sexually transmitted infection STI , trichomoniasis can cause vaginal odor. Other STIs, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia , typically aren't accompanied by a strong smell but may be the culprit, per the Mayo Clinic.
A forgotten or stuck tampon A very strong vaginal odor can occur if you forget to take a tampon out or if one is stuck inside you. According to the British National Health Service, it is not possible for a tampon to get lost inside you. It can however be compressed at the top of your vagina. The effect it has is much different from washing yourself in the bath or shower, which is perfectly healthy.
Doctors don't recommend douching because it can increase your risk for many health problems including STIs, and even interfere with conception. Douching removes healthy bacteria that the vagina needs to keep balanced and can actually make the problem worse in the long run.
In addition, douching can promote overgrowth of harmful bacteria, which can lead to yeast infections or BV. 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. Accessed Feb. Douching fact sheet. Office on Women's Health. Sobel JD. Bacterial vaginosis. Ferri FF. Cervical cancer. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor Philadelphia, Pa. Vaginal malignancy.
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