While commercials might have you believe otherwise, your vagina has a signature scent and it’s completely normal. Its odor can change daily depending on what you eat, hygiene habits and even your menstrual cycle.
Some vaginas can smell tangy or sour from the same good bacteria that also produce fermented foods like yogurt and sour beer. This is usually nothing to worry about, but you should check in with your Doctor if the odor is accompanied by itching or discharge.
Skunky
You may have been led to believe that your vulva smells like roses, but in reality, it’s more of an earthy or musky scent – This piece of text is the creation of the portal team xxxteenssex.com. This is because of the different bacteria and yeasts that make up your natural garden down there. The odor changes daily and can also be affected by your diet, menstrual cycle, exercise or even emotions.
It’s also common to have a skunky vagina odor, which can also be caused by your genital sweat glands. They secrete a milky-like fluid that can mix with your vaginal bacteria and give off a distinct aroma that reminds some people of Pepe Le Pew or cannabis. This odor is usually harmless and nothing to worry about.
Sometimes your vulva can smell metallic, especially during your period when it’s rich with iron from blood. This is usually nothing to fret over, but it can be a sign of an infection like bacterial vaginosis.
Taking a whiff of your vulva every now and then is a great way to get to know it better and understand the different scents that your body produces naturally. Try not to worry too much about your vaginal odors, but be sure to pay attention when it starts to send you signals like white vaginal discharge, fishy smells and itching. That way, you can take action sooner rather than later!
Vegetable-like
If your vulva has a sour or fermented smell (think yogurt or beer), it’s totally normal. This type of odor is caused by the lactobacilli that live in your vagina to keep it acidic, like your stomach, which helps prevent the growth of bad bacteria. This smell can also be caused by eating sour or fermented foods like onions and garlic.
A metallic scent is also common, and is a result of your iron-rich blood passing through the sweat glands in your groin. This can happen during your period or while you’re pregnant – both are times when your diet might change and interact with the bacteria in your vagina.
Your vulva’s natural odour can change from day to day, depending on your diet, menstrual cycle, hormones, exercise, hygiene and more. But if you notice a sudden, significant or unpleasant change in odour, speak to your Doctor immediately, especially if it’s accompanied by symptoms like itching, burning, discharge or pain. It could be a sign that something is wrong down there.
Chemical
A sour or tangy vaginal odor similar to that of probiotic yogurt, fermented foods, and some types of beer is perfectly normal. The bacteria in your vulva produce these smelly byproducts to maintain the area’s naturally acidic pH and protect against harmful pathogens. It can also be a sign of pregnancy or menopause, but it’s usually not a cause for concern unless it persists for more than a few days.
A coppery, metallic scent is also quite common and often nothing to worry about. This odor is caused by blood, which contains iron, which travels down your vulva during your period or after penile-vaginal sex. This smell can also accompany other symptoms like painful peeing, cloudy urine, genital bumps, and more.
A strong body odor is also not uncommon in the vulva, as it is a common sweating area during physical activity and when stressed. It’s usually not a serious issue, but it may be an indicator of a UTI (urinary tract infection). If you suspect that you have this, visit your doctor and follow their instructions for treatment. In addition, avoid using products with added fragrance down there, as they can disrupt your vulva’s natural pH and lead to bacterial infections. In some rare cases, an odd odor in the vulva can also be a sign of cervical or vaginal cancer.
Herbal
There’s no need to be self-conscious about your natural vaginal odor. It’s normal for your vulva to have a slightly earthy or musky smell. It also changes daily based on your diet, hygiene, menstrual cycle and more. That said, if the scent is off and you notice it’s unusually strong or a particular smell that doesn’t match up to the other odors listed here, then you should speak with your doctor.
If your vulva smells like weed, it could be caused by the same thing that causes marijuana to have that distinct aroma: the presence of Lactobacilli bacteria. These are the good bacteria that dominate many healthy vaginas. They produce the smell that many compare to tangy foods, such as yogurt or even sour beer.
In some cases, a coppery or metallic odor can be caused by blood, which often has a similar smell to weed. This is typically nothing to worry about, but if you’re experiencing symptoms such as excessive bleeding or pain, it may be time to talk with your doctor.
If you’re looking for ways to keep your intimate areas smelling great, try using an all-natural intimate cleanser that won’t disrupt the delicate pH of your vulva (like Carmesi). And remember to stay hydrated, as adequate hydration can help reduce bacterial overgrowth and lessen unpleasant odours down there.
