Kamil Perry
Vaginal odours vary from person to person and can change due to a variety of factors, including diet, hormonal changes, and menstruation. While it is normal for vaginas to produce a tangy or sour aroma, a strong, unpleasant odour may indicate an underlying health issue. For instance, a strong cheese-like odour accompanied by white, chunky discharge could be a sign of a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis. Other potential causes of a strong cheese-like odour include poor hygiene, diet, medications, and supplements. It is important to consult a doctor if you experience an unusual or persistent vaginal odour, especially if accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, burning, or unusual discharge.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vaginal Odor | Normal, healthy vaginas have a mild, tangy or sour aroma due to the presence of "'lactobacilli'" bacteria. |
| Cheese-like Odor | Could indicate a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis (BV), or trichomoniasis, an STI. |
| Yeast Infection | Characterised by a strong cheese-like odor, white, cottage cheese-like discharge, soreness, stinging, and itching. |
| Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) | Caused by an imbalance in vaginal flora, resulting in a fishy odor. |
| Trichomoniasis | An STI causing a fishy odor and green, yellow, or gray discharge. |
| Treatment | Antifungal medication for yeast infections; antibiotics for bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis. |
| Prevention | Maintain hygiene with mild, unscented soap and water; wear cotton underwear; wipe front to back; shower daily. |
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What You'll Learn
Yeast infection
A cheesy vaginal odour can be caused by a number of factors, one of which is a yeast infection. Vaginal yeast infections occur when a specific fungus (candida) grows out of control in the vagina. It produces a thick, white, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge. The vagina may also swell and become itchy, and sex may be painful. This type of infection is accompanied by a sweetish odour.
It is important to note that the vagina is home to billions of bacteria, and the precise makeup of this bacteria changes daily and even hourly. As a result, it is normal for vaginal odours to vary. The vagina is not supposed to smell fresh or flowery, but it can have different scents based on the menstrual cycle, hormones, personal vaginal flora, and other factors. A slightly tangy or sour aroma, similar to fermented foods like yogurt, sourdough bread, and sour beer, is typical and is caused by the presence of "lactobacilli" bacteria, which dominates most healthy vaginas.
However, if you are experiencing a strong, unusual, or abnormally foul odour, it is important to seek medical advice. Some possible causes of abnormal vaginal odours include bacterial vaginosis (BV), trichomoniasis (an STI), urinary incontinence, malignant ulcers, trimethylaminuria, or chronic constipation. In rare cases, a strong fishy smell can indicate a more serious condition, such as a forgotten tampon or another foreign object in the vagina.
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Bacterial vaginosis
Vaginal odour is a common concern for many women. While the vagina is not supposed to smell fresh or flowery, a very strong, stinky, or rotting fish-like smell is not normal and could indicate bacterial vaginosis (BV).
The symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include unusual vaginal discharge, itching, and burning sensations. The discharge is often described as having a cottage cheese-like appearance and can be accompanied by swelling and pain during sex. The odour associated with bacterial vaginosis is typically characterised as a pungent, "fishy" smell, similar to that of decomposing fish. This is due to the growth of anaerobic bacteria that produce trimethylamine, the same chemical responsible for the smell of rotting fish.
If you are experiencing symptoms of bacterial vaginosis, it is important to see a healthcare provider for examination and treatment. While BV is treatable, left untreated, it can lead to further complications, especially during pregnancy.
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Trichomoniasis
A healthy vagina is home to billions of bacteria and sweat glands, and its scent can vary based on a woman's menstrual cycle, hormones, vaginal flora, and hygiene habits. While a slightly tangy or sour aroma is normal, a very stinky, rotting fish smell could be a sign of bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis.
Symptoms of trichomoniasis include a large amount of thin, foul-smelling discharge from the vagina that may be clear, white, gray, yellow, or greenish. It can also cause genital itching and painful urination. However, it is important to note that trichomoniasis often presents with no signs or symptoms at all. In fact, the CDC estimates that about 70% of people with trichomoniasis infections do not exhibit any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can range from mild irritation to severe inflammation and may develop anywhere from 5 to 28 days after infection.
If you are experiencing an abnormal vaginal odor, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as discharge, itching, or pain, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. They can help determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.
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Poor hygiene
Poor vaginal hygiene can lead to medical problems such as infections, skin irritation, and even emotional and mental health issues. Here are some tips to maintain proper vaginal hygiene and prevent potential issues:
Firstly, it is crucial to understand that the vagina is self-cleaning, and it is unnecessary and even harmful to douche or use scented products. The vagina has a natural pH that tends to be slightly acidic, and this pH is maintained by the Lactobacilli bacteria, which is necessary for a healthy vagina. Introducing foreign substances, such as scented soaps and gels, can disrupt the pH and strip the vagina of this good bacteria, leading to infections and irritation. Therefore, it is recommended to use water, possibly with a mild, unscented soap, to gently cleanse the external pubic area and vulva.
Secondly, keeping the external pubic area dry is essential, as moisture can promote bacterial growth. Wearing cotton underwear, breathable clothing, and avoiding restrictive pants can help maintain dryness. It is also important to change underwear at least twice a day, especially after exercising or swimming, to prevent the introduction of anal bacteria into the vagina.
Additionally, peeing after sex is crucial to flush out bacteria and prevent infections. Urinary tract infections can also be a result of poor vaginal hygiene.
Practicing good hygiene can help prevent issues, but if you are experiencing persistent vaginal odour, itching, irritation, or unusual discharge, it is important to consult a doctor as these could be signs of infections or other medical conditions.
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Diet
Vaginal odours are different for every person and these odours can change for a variety of reasons, including diet. According to Dr. Ross, certain foods can cause a change in vaginal odour, including garlic, onions, mint, turmeric, blue cheese, cabbage, cauliflower, asparagus, red meat, and vinegar. In addition, smoking, alcohol, and not drinking enough water can also change vaginal odour.
It is important to note that there is no "correct" way for a vagina to smell. The key is to know what your "normal" smell is. Subtle shifts in vaginal fragrance can be natural and may be related to hormonal changes, your menstrual cycle, or your vaginal pH. For example, a vaginal odour that smells slightly sour or tangy may be a sign that the pH level in your vaginal flora is slightly more acidic than typical. This smell is associated with the good bacteria in your vagina, lactobacilli.
However, if you notice a strong, unfamiliar, and unpleasant odour that continues for several days, this may be a sign of an underlying condition that requires medical attention. An imbalance in your vaginal bacterial levels can lead to infection and inflammation, a condition called vaginitis. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common cause of a strong, fishy vaginal odour and can be treated with antibiotics.
If you are experiencing an abnormal vaginal odour, it is important to speak to your doctor to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
A strong, unpleasant vaginal odour could be a sign of an infection or other problem. Vaginal yeast infections, for example, can cause a thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge with an accompanying sweet smell. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is another common cause of vaginal odour and is characterised by a strong fishy smell.
A strong vaginal odour can be caused by a variety of factors, including changes in your menstrual cycle, hygiene habits, diet, and stress levels.
Yes, it is normal for vaginas to have a unique scent that can change over time due to factors such as sex, menstruation, and pregnancy. However, a strong, persistent, and unpleasant odour may indicate an infection or other health problem.
If you experience a strong vaginal odour that does not go away, you should consult a doctor or gynaecologist to rule out any infections or underlying health conditions.
To manage vaginal odour, it is recommended to maintain proper hygiene by showering regularly, wearing cotton underwear, and wiping from front to back after using the restroom. Using mild, unscented soaps to cleanse the external vaginal area can also help maintain a healthy pH balance.
