Andy Montoya
Vaginal odor is a natural occurrence, and the scent can vary from person to person. However, a strong, unpleasant smell that persists for several days may indicate an underlying health issue. A cheese-like odor can be attributed to the presence of lactobacilli, which is a good type of bacteria that maintains a healthy pH level in the vagina, keeping it acidic and protecting against the growth of harmful bacteria. This bacteria is also found in fermented foods like yogurt and sourdough bread, contributing to a tangy or sour aroma. While a mild cheese scent is typically normal, a strong odor accompanied by other symptoms like discharge or itching may require medical attention as it could indicate infections such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, or trichomoniasis.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | The presence of lactobacilli, a type of good bacteria |
| Smell | Tangy, sour, fermented |
| Treatment | Not required |
| Other causes | Yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, urine residue, period residue, tampon left inside, diet |
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What You'll Learn
- It's natural for vaginas to smell tangy or sour due to the presence of good bacteria
- A strong, unpleasant odour could be bacterial vaginosis, an infection caused by an imbalance in vaginal flora
- A forgotten tampon could be the cause of a strong, rotten odour
- A sweet or metallic smell may be caused by menstruation
- A strong, unpleasant odour accompanied by cottage-cheese-like discharge could be a yeast infection
It's natural for vaginas to smell tangy or sour due to the presence of good bacteria
It's completely natural for vaginas to have a mild odor, and it's not uncommon for them to produce a tangy or sour aroma. This is due to the presence of good bacteria called lactobacilli, which is also found in fermented foods like yogurt, sourdough bread, and some sour beers. Lactobacilli keep the vagina acidic, protecting it from an overgrowth of harmful bacteria.
The vagina is home to sweat glands and billions of bacteria, and its scent can vary based on several factors, including your menstrual cycle, hormones, and personal vaginal flora. For example, during your period, you might notice a metallic scent due to the presence of iron in period blood. Additionally, if your vagina has been in contact with semen, it can cause a change in pH levels, resulting in a metallic smell. Vaginal dryness or vigorous sex can also lead to small cuts or scrapes, contributing to a coppery odor.
While most vaginal odors are normal and temporary, resolving on their own, some smells may indicate a potential health issue. For instance, a strong, unpleasant odor with a discharge could be a sign of an infection like bacterial vaginosis (BV) or trichomoniasis, a common curable STI. BV is caused by an imbalance in vaginal flora, leading to an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria that produces a fishy smell. Trichomoniasis, on the other hand, is caused by a parasite and can result in a musty or fishy odor, along with a greenish-yellow discharge.
If you are concerned about any changes in your vaginal odor or experience other symptoms, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional. They can help determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment or advice.
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A strong, unpleasant odour could be bacterial vaginosis, an infection caused by an imbalance in vaginal flora
Vaginal odor is a fact of life, and it's natural for the scent to change daily. All vaginas, including healthy ones, have a mild odor, and this can vary throughout the menstrual cycle. Vaginal odor often changes in response to sex, menstruation, pregnancy, and other factors.
However, a strong, unpleasant odor that persists for several days, accompanied by other symptoms, may indicate an underlying health issue. An abnormal vaginal odor that is fishy, musty, or generally unpleasant could be a sign of bacterial vaginosis (BV). BV is a common, treatable condition caused by an imbalance in vaginal flora, specifically an overgrowth of certain bacteria in the vagina.
The precise cause of BV is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a reduction in hydrogen peroxide-producing lactobacilli, coupled with an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria, particularly Gardnerella vaginalis. This imbalance creates an environment that promotes the excessive growth of anaerobic bacteria, which may trigger BV. While Gardnerella vaginalis is not typically considered contagious, it can be transmitted through sexual activity, and having multiple sex partners can increase the risk of developing BV.
Other factors that can upset the normal balance of vaginal bacteria and increase the risk of BV include douching, not using condoms, and frequent bathing. BV rarely affects those who have never had sex, and it is not transmitted through toilet seats, bedding, or swimming pools.
If you are experiencing a strong, unpleasant vaginal odor, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as abnormal discharge, burning, or itching, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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A forgotten tampon could be the cause of a strong, rotten odour
It is not uncommon for a tampon to be forgotten inside the vagina, and this could be the cause of a strong, rotten odour. A forgotten tampon will eventually begin to make itself known through a strong, unpleasant odour. This is because tampons are designed to absorb a lot of moisture, and the moisture will eventually begin to change the flora of the vagina, causing the odour.
If you suspect that you have a forgotten tampon inside you, you can try to remove it yourself. Wash your hands, squat down, put your finger into your vagina, and sweep it around in a circle. You will probably be able to feel the tampon, but getting it out can still be difficult. If you cannot sweep it out, insert two fingers and try to grasp it. If you squat and bear down, it can help bring the tampon closer to the vaginal opening and make it easier to remove.
If you still cannot get it out or do not feel comfortable removing it yourself, you should contact your OB-GYN or family doctor as soon as possible. It is important to get it removed as soon as possible, but it is not usually an emergency. If you suspect a retained tampon and you develop any of the signs or symptoms of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), such as fever, rash, or low blood pressure, you should go directly to the nearest emergency room.
If the vaginal odour persists after you have removed the tampon, you should see a doctor to check for any underlying infections.
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A sweet or metallic smell may be caused by menstruation
A healthy vagina has a mild odor that can change daily and over a person's lifetime. Vaginal scent can change in response to sex, menstruation, pregnancy, diet, and other factors. The groin contains sweat glands, which can also contribute to vaginal odor.
During menstruation, the vagina may emit a stronger odor. Period blood can have a metallic smell, like copper, due to the presence of iron in the blood. This scent is typically not a cause for concern and should not persist much longer after the period ends.
A sweet vaginal odor may be caused by the presence of bacteria in the vagina. The vagina's pH level and bacterial composition can influence the scent of menstrual blood. A sweetish tinge is usually not a cause for concern. However, a strong, unfamiliar, and unpleasant odor that continues for several days may indicate an infection or other health problem.
A rotten or putrid vaginal odor that persists for several days is not normal and may indicate an underlying issue. For example, a foreign body, such as a forgotten tampon, in the vagina can cause a bad smell during menstruation. In such cases, it is important to seek medical attention.
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A strong, unpleasant odour accompanied by cottage-cheese-like discharge could be a yeast infection
It's important to remember that all vaginas, including healthy ones, have a mild odour, and that scent can change daily in response to sex, menstruation, diet, pregnancy, and other factors. Vaginal odour is a fact of life, but changes can signal a health issue.
A strong, unfamiliar, and unpleasant odour that continues for several days, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, may be a symptom of a health problem. A smelly vaginal odour may be a symptom of an infection like bacterial vaginosis, but it could also be caused by something else, such as urine residue on the genitals, or even just stress.
A strong, unpleasant odour accompanied by a cottage-cheese-like discharge could be a yeast infection, also called genital or vulvovaginal candidiasis. This is caused by the fungus Candida albicans, which is a normal inhabitant of the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and vagina. Antibiotics can kill off the healthy bacteria in the vagina, allowing overgrowth of the fungus. Women who are pregnant, on the birth control pill, or diabetic are more prone to yeast infections, as are those who have weakened immune systems. It can also be transmitted through sex or through mouth-to-genital contact. Other symptoms include itching, burning, pain, and soreness inside the vagina and on the external tissues (the vulva), and a thick, white vaginal discharge. If left untreated, the yeast infection can become "complicated", severe, and difficult to cure.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to consult a medical professional.
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Frequently asked questions
The presence of lactobacilli can cause the vagina to smell tangy or like fermented cheese. Lactobacilli is a good bacteria that keeps bad bacteria out.
A cheesy smell is not necessarily a cause for concern. However, if you are worried about the smell, you should consult a medical professional.
Vaginal odour is a fact of life and can be influenced by diet, menstrual cycle, hormones, personal vaginal flora, and more. Strong-smelling foods like onions and garlic can also cause your vagina to smell.
