Vaginal odor is a common issue that many experience at some point. It can be described as smelling like onions, fishy, salty, or copper-y. Distinguishing typical versus abnormal smells and learning safe hygiene practices can help you improve your vaginal health.
Why Does My Vagina Smell?
Vaginal odors can vary throughout your menstrual cycle due to hormonal changes, and they may also be influenced by lifestyle factors, such as diet, hygiene habits, and exercise. It's important to understand that the vagina has its own natural flora that produces a slight odor, which is perfectly healthy. However, significant changes in odor can sometimes indicate an imbalance or infection, such as bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection, which are treatable conditions.
Stress, sweating, and synthetic clothing can also affect vaginal odor by creating a less breathable environment. Everybody is unique and experiences these changes differently. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, choosing breathable fabrics, and practicing good hygiene can all contribute to the balance and health of the vagina. Remember, experiencing vaginal odors is a natural part of being human, and there are plenty of gentle vulva care products and practices that can help manage and understand these changes.
What Causes Abnormal Vaginal Odors?
Some vaginal odor results from normal bodily functions. A healthy vagina has complex bacterial and yeast balances that produce mild scents that evolve throughout life stages. However, strong, unpleasant vaginal odors might indicate an underlying problem that requires attention.
The Vaginal Microbiome and Odor
The vagina hosts a community of microbes, including bacteria and yeast, known as the vaginal microbiome. In young and premenopausal people, the most prevalent bacteria are lactobacilli which maintain an acidic pH below 4.5. This acidity prevents overgrowth of other bacteria and vaginal yeast.
As estrogen levels change through monthly menstrual cycles, the vaginal environment fluctuates allowing other transient microbes to propagate. These organisms interact with each other and vaginal cells leading to metabolic byproducts that alter vaginal secretions' smell.
Life Stage Influences Scent
After menopause, lower estrogen causes vaginal tissue to thin and dry out. This atrophic epithelium sheds more dead cells escalating discharge amounts and qualities, contributing to postmenopausal vaginal scent change. [1]
Sexual Activity Reshapes Microbial Mixing
Immediately after intercourse, semen's alkaline pH neutralizes healthy vaginal acidity permitting different microbial growth. Additionally, semen and vaginal bacteria combine to form ammonia and other derivatives producing a transient fishy odor that is normal in terms of sexual health. This abnormal vaginal odor should resolve as acidity is reestablished within a day or so.
Hygiene Tips for a Healthy Vagina
Practicing proper personal care habits and using appropriate products helps prevent odor-causing microorganisms' overgrowth.
Cleansing Techniques
- Cleanse external vulva and vaginal area with gentle, fragrance-free vulva care products to reduce unpleasant odor.
- Avoid strong, antibacterial soaps, or deodorant sprays since chemicals disturb protective microbiota promoting vaginal infections.
- Change pads, panty liners and tampons frequently, at least every 6-8 hours.
Clothing and Fabric Considerations
- Choose breathable cotton underwear rather than occlusive synthetics that trap heat, sweat and moisture.
- Sleep panty-free when possible to prevent introducing new microbes from old undergarments.
- After swimming or exercising, change out of wet bottoms promptly to limit favorable yeast growth conditions.
Dietary and Lifestyle Impacts
- Consume unsweetened yogurt with live active cultures like Lactobacillus to promote good vaginal flora.
- Avoid refined carbohydrates and sugary foods which feed yeasts and disrupt microbial balance.
- Stay hydrated with plain water over juices to keep optimal acidic vaginal pH below 4.5.
When to See a Doctor
See your gynecologist if you notice any of the following red flags:
- Grey, white, or green discharge with fishy odor, especially after sex
- Vaginal itching or burning with cottage cheese-like discharge
Your physician will ask questions about symptoms, examine the vulva and vaginal canal, take discharge samples, conduct pH tests and analyze slides under the microscope to diagnose infections.
Once clear results are available, treatment plans address the specific microbial strains causing recurrent issues. Bacterial vaginosis involves antibiotic pills or gels to lower pathogens. For fungal imbalances, various antifungal prescriptions clear yeast infection and overgrowth. Vaginal probiotic supplements can also repopulate beneficial Lactobacillus bacteria, aiding long-term relief.
Follow all pharmaceutical and supplementary product directions fully through completion, even if symptoms resolve faster to prevent a recurrence. Communicate openly with your specialist to optimize care for intimate wellness.
Safe Practices for Vaginal Odor Management
Vaginal probiotics taken orally can help establish colonies of good bacteria like lactobacilli to reduce odor-causing organisms. Our newly launched supplement includes 5 probiotic strains and 15 million CFUs to support a healthy vaginal and gut microbiome. Shop our menstrual supplements to find comprehensive solutions to treat PMS symptoms and nurture your vaginal health.
Managing vaginal odors is simple and effective with our specially formulated vaginal wipes and washes. These products are infused with soothing ingredients that not only offer immediate freshness, but also maintain the delicate pH balance of the vaginal area, making them safe for all skin types.
The wipes provide a convenient, on-the-go solution to refresh and eliminate odors, while our gentle vaginal washes cleanse daily, supporting a healthy environment without disrupting natural flora. Together, they offer a holistic approach to vaginal health, ensuring comfort, confidence, and well-being with every use.
Common Misconceptions About Vaginal Odor
- Normal diets profoundly impact vaginal smell: Consuming garlic or other strong spices generally do not affect the vagina’s scent when microbiome balance persists. However, nutrient-deficient diets high in sugars can lead to gaps that negatively change odor. It’s best to cycle sync your flow with the best foods to eat on your period to provide comprehensive nourishment.
- Vaginal douching improves odors: It actually promotes bacterial vaginosis by eradicating beneficial bacteria leaving you prone to possibly smelly infections. Douching should not be performed by those with healthy vaginal function.
- Feminine deodorant sprays freshen smells: The fragrances, chemicals and antimicrobial ingredients in these products actually kill good bacteria exacerbating imbalance and associated scent issues. Thus, scented sprays often worsen problems long-term.
Some vaginal odor variation is normal, but bothersome smells could indicate a disruption requiring medical intervention. Through proper daily hygiene, avoiding irritants, and relying on safe products, your natural scent stays fresh. If unusual discharge or smells persist beyond a few days, consult your health specialist to address any infections present and restore your vaginal flora’s health. This well-rounded approach helps ensure ongoing comfort before, during, and after your period.
Sources:
[1] WebMD. What to Know About Changing Vaginal Smell After 50. 08 Apr 2023. Accessed on 26 Feb 2024. https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/vagina-smell-change-after-50