Kamil Perry
Vaginas, including healthy ones, usually have a mild scent, which can change in response to sex, menstruation, pregnancy, etc. The vagina is home to billions of bacteria, and the precise makeup of this bacteria changes daily and even hourly. These bacteria exist in a delicate balance to keep the vagina at the right acidity (pH) level. A strong, unfamiliar, and unpleasant odour, especially one that continues for several days, may be a symptom of a health problem, especially when accompanied by other symptoms like discharge, burning, and itching. A cheesy smell is most likely due to trichomoniasis, the most common curable STI, or bacterial vaginosis, which is almost as common as yeast infections.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Trichomoniasis, an STI |
| Cause | Bacterial vaginosis |
| Cause | Yeast infection |
| Cause | Urinary incontinence |
| Cause | Urinary tract infection |
| Cause | Imbalance in vaginal flora |
| Cause | Dehydration |
| Cause | Forgotten tampon |
| Cause | Food with a strong odour |
| Cause | Semen |
| Cause | Menstruation |
| Cause | Stress |
| Cause | Urine residue |
| Cause | Bleeding unrelated to period |
| Action | Seek medical care if odour is accompanied by other symptoms |
| Action | See a doctor if odour persists |
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What You'll Learn
- Trichomoniasis, the most common curable STI, could be the cause of the cheese-like smell
- Bacterial vaginosis, a common infection, could be the cause
- A yeast infection could be the cause of the cheese-like smell and cottage cheese-like discharge
- Urinary incontinence or a urinary tract infection (UTI) could be the cause of a bleach-like smell
- The natural bacteria in your vagina can cause a sweet smell, which is normal
Trichomoniasis, the most common curable STI, could be the cause of the cheese-like smell
It is completely normal for vaginas to have a mild, unique scent. However, a strong, unpleasant vaginal odour with a discharge may be a sign of a health problem. Trichomoniasis, the most common curable sexually transmitted infection (STI), could be the cause of the cheese-like smell.
Trichomoniasis, or "trich", is a common but curable STI caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. It is estimated that 3.7 million people in the United States have the infection, and it is more common in women, especially Black women. Trich spreads during sexual intercourse through semen and vaginal fluids, and can be asymptomatic. In fact, up to 70% of infected people never experience symptoms, and it is possible to unknowingly spread the infection to sexual partners.
When symptoms do occur, they tend to appear within 5 to 28 days of exposure. Women are more likely to experience noticeable symptoms than men. The most common symptom of trich is abnormal vaginal discharge, which is typically yellow, green, or grey in colour. This discharge is often foul-smelling and can have a strong, unpleasant, and sometimes fishy odour. Other symptoms include genital itching, painful intercourse, and vaginal redness, soreness, or swelling.
If you suspect that you or your partner has trichomoniasis, it is important to seek medical advice. Trichomoniasis is easily treatable with antibiotics, and the infection should clear within a few days. However, if left untreated, it can cause long-lasting health problems, especially for pregnant people.
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Bacterial vaginosis, a common infection, could be the cause
While it's natural for a vagina to have a mild scent, a strong, unpleasant odour could be a sign of an underlying health issue. A cheesy smell could be due to a bacterial infection known as bacterial vaginosis (BV). BV is a common infection caused by an imbalance in the bacteria of the vagina, which can lead to infection and inflammation, a condition called vaginitis.
BV is characterised by a "fishy" odour, which can be caused by the growth of anaerobic bacteria that thrive in the altered pH environment. This altered pH environment can be caused by blood from menstruation, small cuts or scrapes during sex, or vaginal dryness. The infection can also be triggered by sex, as semen is naturally alkaline and can change the natural pH of the vagina.
The delicate microbiome of the vagina can be disrupted by outside bacteria or a buildup of acid or alkaline properties, causing unusual smells and discharge. The vagina is typically dominated by four main bacteria: Lactobacillus iners, L. crispatus, L. gasseri, and L. jensenii. These bacteria exist in a symbiotic relationship with their host, but when this balance is upset, problems can arise.
If you notice any unusual or persistent odours, it is important to consult a doctor or gynaecologist. They can provide expert advice and treatment options, such as antibiotics, to address any underlying causes and restore the natural balance of the vagina. It's important to remember that vaginal odours can vary based on individual factors such as menstrual cycle, hormones, and personal vaginal flora, so don't hesitate to seek professional advice if you have any concerns.
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A yeast infection could be the cause of the cheese-like smell and cottage cheese-like discharge
It is important to remember that all vaginas have a unique and natural scent, and that subtle shifts in this fragrance are normal. However, if you notice a strong, unpleasant, or unfamiliar odour, especially one that continues for several days, it may be a symptom of a health problem.
Yeast infections are not sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but sex can trigger them as semen is naturally alkaline and can change the natural pH of the vagina. Other causes of yeast infections include hormonal changes, diet, and personal vaginal flora. Treatment for yeast infections typically involves antifungal medication, such as pessaries, external creams, or oral tablets.
It is important to remember that there are many potential causes of unusual vaginal odours, and it is always best to consult a doctor or women's health specialist if you are concerned or if the odour is accompanied by other symptoms.
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Urinary incontinence or a urinary tract infection (UTI) could be the cause of a bleach-like smell
Urinary incontinence is a condition where a person pees unintentionally or cannot hold their pee. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are infections that can cause pain when peeing, cloudy pee, and the urge to pee more often. Both of these conditions can cause a bleach-like smell in the vagina.
Urinary incontinence can cause urine to build up in the underwear or around the vulva, which can result in a chemical or bleach-like odour. This odour may be similar to ammonia or cleaning products. It is important to note that the bleach-like smell is typically coming from the urine and not the vagina itself.
UTIs can also cause a bleach-like smell in the vagina due to the presence of bacteria in the urine. This bacteria can contaminate the urine, resulting in a distinct odour. UTIs are more common in females than in males due to the female anatomy.
In addition to urinary incontinence and UTIs, there are other potential causes of a bleach-like or fishy smell in the vaginal region. Poor hygiene, for example, can contribute to a foul odour. Improving hygiene practices, such as bathing regularly with mild, unscented soap and water, can help address this issue. Additionally, sweating during exercise or other activities can lead to a change in vaginal odour. Showering and washing the vulva with water and unperfumed soaps can mitigate this issue.
It is important to note that vaginal odour can vary naturally due to factors such as the menstrual cycle, hygiene habits, stress, and anxiety. However, if there is a concerning change in vaginal odour that does not go away, it is recommended to consult a doctor to rule out any infections or underlying vaginal problems.
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The natural bacteria in your vagina can cause a sweet smell, which is normal
It's completely normal for a vagina to have a mild, unique scent. In fact, it's typical for vaginas to produce a tangy or sour aroma, which can be attributed to the presence of "'lactobacilli'" bacteria that dominate most healthy vaginas. This good bacteria helps keep the vagina acidic, protecting against the growth of bad bacteria.
It's important to understand that the precise makeup of the bacteria in your vagina is ever-changing, and this can be influenced by your menstrual cycle, hygiene habits, and other factors. These changes can result in subtle shifts in your vaginal fragrance, which is natural.
However, it's important to distinguish between a natural sweet smell and an unusually strong or unpleasant odour. A strong, unfamiliar, and unpleasant odour, especially one that persists for several days and smells fishy, is not normal. It could indicate an infection or an underlying health condition, such as bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, or even cervical cancer.
If you notice a strong cheese-like odour, it is likely a sign of trichomoniasis or bacterial vaginosis. It is recommended to consult a doctor if you experience abnormal discharge, fever, chills, or weakness alongside a strong odour.
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Frequently asked questions
A cheesy smell could be due to a change in the balance of bacteria or yeast in the vagina, which can be caused by sex. It could also be due to an overgrowth of yeast, known as thrush, which can be treated with antifungal medication. If the smell is strong and unusual, it could be a sign of an infection such as bacterial vaginosis (BV) or trichomoniasis, which can be treated with antibiotics.
The pH of semen is naturally higher than the ideal vaginal pH, so semen can temporarily change the pH of the vagina, resulting in a cheesy smell. This might be more noticeable after sex. Small amounts of urine mixed with discharge or sweat can also cause a cheesy odour.
It is important to remember that vaginas are meant to smell like vaginas, and that scent can change daily. However, if the smell is strong, unusual, or accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, burning, or unusual discharge, it is recommended that your girlfriend sees a doctor or healthcare provider to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
