Kamil Perry
Vaginal odour is a common concern for many women, and it's important to know what constitutes a healthy vaginal scent and when to seek medical attention. While a mild musky or tangy smell is typical, a strong, unpleasant odour could indicate an underlying infection. Thrush, a common yeast infection, can cause a sweet or yeasty scent, resembling cottage cheese, and is often accompanied by itching, soreness, and thick discharge. If left untreated, thrush can lead to more severe complications. Therefore, understanding vaginal odours and seeking timely medical advice is crucial for maintaining vaginal health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smell | Yeast, sweet, sour, tangy, fermented, metallic, coppery, bittersweet, chemical, fishy, foul, musty, musky, pungent, ammonia, body odour, bread, flour, beer |
| Treatment | Antifungal medication, pessary, external cream, oral tablet |
| Cause | Overgrowth of yeast, change in natural balance of the vagina, sex, forgotten tampon, diet, unprotected sex, semen, menstruation, hormones, personal vaginal flora, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, yeast infection |
| Symptoms | White vaginal discharge, soreness, stinging, itching, irritation, abnormal discharge, burning, dryness, fever, pain with urination, grey or grey-white discharge, greenish-yellow discharge |
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What You'll Learn
- Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of yeast and bacteria
- Vaginal odour is normal, but strong or foul-smelling odour could indicate an infection
- A sweet-smelling vagina could indicate thrush, but it could also be normal
- A fishy smell is often associated with bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis
- A rotten smell could be caused by a forgotten tampon
Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of yeast and bacteria
Thrush is a fungal infection that occurs in the mouth and throat. It is caused by an overgrowth of yeast and bacteria. Specifically, it is caused by the candida fungus, a type of yeast that is normally found in small amounts in the mouth and throat. Usually, candida is kept under control by other bacteria, but certain factors can cause an overgrowth of candida, leading to thrush.
One common cause of thrush is the use of antibiotics. Antibiotics can kill the normal bacteria in the mouth that typically keep candida in check, allowing the fungus to multiply freely. Other medications, such as those taken by people with weakened immune systems, can also increase the risk of thrush.
Immune system problems can also raise the risk of thrush. Thrush is more common in people with weakened or impaired immune systems, including those with chronic conditions such as diabetes. It is also more common in older people and infants, as well as in people with certain illnesses. For example, stress has been linked to an increased risk of thrush.
In addition to these factors, breastfeeding can also increase the risk of thrush for both the mother and the baby. The warm, moist conditions created during breastfeeding provide an ideal environment for the candida fungus to thrive. If left untreated, thrush can spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, liver, and skin. However, it is important to note that thrush does not usually affect healthy adults and is typically not contagious.
While thrush most commonly refers to an infection in the mouth and throat, it can also occur in other parts of the body, such as the vagina. Vaginal thrush is caused by a change in the balance of bacteria in the vagina, leading to an overgrowth of yeast. This can cause a strong, unpleasant odour, such as a sweet, yeasty smell, or a fishy, pungent odour. Other symptoms of vaginal thrush include itching, soreness, and thick, white discharge that may resemble cottage cheese.
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Vaginal odour is normal, but strong or foul-smelling odour could indicate an infection
Vaginal odour is normal and can vary depending on an individual's menstrual cycle, hormones, personal vaginal flora, and other factors. A healthy vagina is usually characterised by a mild, musky scent, which can sometimes be tangy, sour, or fermented.
However, a strong or foul-smelling odour could indicate an infection or other health problem. For instance, a fishy smell is often associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV) or trichomoniasis, two common vaginal infections. A very sweet smell could be a sign of thrush, a type of yeast infection. Other symptoms of thrush include itching and a white, thick discharge that resembles cottage cheese. A forgotten tampon that has been left in the vagina for too long can also cause a foul or rancid vaginal odour.
If you are experiencing an unfamiliar or unpleasant vaginal odour, particularly if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as abnormal discharge, burning, or itching, it is recommended that you seek medical advice. A course of antibiotics or antifungal medication may be prescribed to treat the underlying cause of the odour.
It is important to note that while some vaginal odours are normal, any change in scent that concerns you warrants further investigation.
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A sweet-smelling vagina could indicate thrush, but it could also be normal
Vaginal odour is a common concern for many women. While it is natural for the vagina to have a mild, musky scent, a change in this smell could indicate an infection. Vaginal odour can vary depending on several factors, including the menstrual cycle, hygiene habits, diet, hormones, and personal vaginal flora.
A sweet-smelling vagina could indicate thrush, a common yeast infection caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. This overgrowth can cause an increase in yeast, leading to a sweet odour. However, it is important to note that a slightly sweet smell can also be considered normal and may be caused by the natural bacteria in the vagina.
While a mild vaginal odour is typical, a strong or unpleasant smell, such as a fishy or rotten odour, may signal an infection or other health problem. Bacterial vaginosis (BV), trichomoniasis, and yeast infections are common causes of unpleasant vaginal odour. BV, for example, is associated with a strong fishy smell due to the overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria. Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection, can cause a fishy or musty odour.
In addition to odour, other symptoms may accompany vaginal infections. For instance, thrush may be accompanied by itching, dryness, and a thick, white discharge resembling cottage cheese. Bacterial vaginosis may present with a grey or grey-white discharge, while trichomoniasis can cause a greenish-yellow discharge. If you experience any unusual or persistent vaginal odour, especially if accompanied by other symptoms, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and guidance.
It is worth noting that maintaining proper vaginal hygiene and pH levels can help prevent infections and maintain a healthy vaginal environment. This includes avoiding douching and scented products, as well as practising safe sex and maintaining a balanced diet. Consulting a healthcare provider can provide personalised advice and treatment options to address any vaginal health concerns.
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A fishy smell is often associated with bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis
A strong, unfamiliar, and unpleasant vaginal odour, especially one that persists for several days, may indicate an infection or other problem. While some vaginal odour is normal, a fishy smell is often associated with bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection caused by an imbalance in the bacteria that live in the vagina. The hallmark sign of BV is a grey or grey-white discharge with a "fishy" smell. This odour may be especially strong after sex. Other symptoms of BV include vaginal itching or irritation and a burning feeling when urinating. BV is easily treatable with antibiotics from a healthcare provider.
Trichomoniasis, or trich, is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite. Trichomoniasis is known for its pungent fishy odour, which is more pronounced than that of bacterial vaginosis. Trich does not always cause symptoms, but when it does, it can also cause a musty smell and greenish-yellow discharge. Trichomoniasis can be treated with antibiotics.
In addition to bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis, yeast infections are another common cause of unpleasant vaginal odour. A very sweet vaginal odour, accompanied by a thick, white discharge that resembles cottage cheese, may indicate a yeast infection. Other symptoms of a yeast infection include itching around the vagina, burning, dryness, and soreness. Antifungal medication, such as a pessary, oral tablet, or external vaginal cream, can help treat a yeast infection and restore the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina.
It is important to note that vaginal odour can vary based on several factors, including the menstrual cycle, hormones, personal vaginal flora, hygiene habits, and diet. Some common vaginal odours that are typically not a cause for concern include tangy or sour aromas, similar to fermented foods, which are due to the presence of healthy "lactobacilli" bacteria. A metallic or coppery smell may be due to blood from menstruation, small cuts or scrapes during sex, or contact with semen. A bittersweet smell, like tangy gingerbread or molasses, may indicate that the pH balance is slightly off. A bleach or chemical odour could be due to urine in the underwear or around the vulva, but it could also be a sign of a bacterial infection.
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A rotten smell could be caused by a forgotten tampon
A strong vaginal odour, particularly one that is foul-smelling, can indicate an infection or other problem. While some vaginal odour is normal, a rotten smell could be caused by a forgotten tampon.
Tampons are designed to absorb a lot of moisture, and this moisture can change the flora of the vagina, causing odours. It is not always immediately apparent that something is wrong, and the odour can become noticeable before other symptoms. Patients who have retained tampons often complain of a dramatic change in odour, but do not usually experience pain or unusual discharge.
If you have left a tampon in for longer than eight hours, or forgotten to remove it, your vagina may produce a foul smell, like that of rotten meat. This is due to the tampon beginning to rot inside the body. If you suspect that you have left a tampon inside your vagina, you should remove it as soon as you remember. If you are unable to remove it, visit your nearest healthcare facility to have it taken out.
If the odour persists after you have removed the tampon, or you think you may have been exposed to an STI, you should seek medical advice. A rotten vaginal odour can be a sign of bacterial vaginosis (BV), trichomoniasis, or a yeast infection.
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Frequently asked questions
Thrush, a yeast infection, can cause a sweet vaginal smell. However, some natural bacteria in the vagina can also cause a sweet smell, so this is not always a cause for concern.
All vaginas, including healthy ones, have a natural mild odour that can change daily. A healthy vagina can smell tangy, sour, fermented, or like beer, flour, or bread.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection that can cause a strong, unpleasant, fishy smell.
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite. It can cause a fishy or musty smell.
