Patrick Oconnell
Vaginal odor is a fact of life, but a strong cheese-like smell could be a sign of a medical issue. A cheesy smell is most likely due to a trichomoniasis infection, commonly referred to as trich, or bacterial vaginosis (BV). BV is a common and easily treatable infection, but it can cause an abnormal vaginal odor, often described as fishy. Vaginal discharge that is chunky, foamy, or accompanied by itching and changes in colour may also indicate an infection. It is important to seek medical advice if you are concerned about any unusual vaginal odor or discharge.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Disruption of the four main bacteria (Lactobacillus iners, L. crispatus, L. gasseri, and L. jensenii) that dominate the vagina |
| Other causes | Medications, diet, supplements, hormones, age, menstrual cycle, hygiene habits, urine buildup, bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection, trichomoniasis infection, tampon left inside, or other infections |
| Treatment | Wear cotton underwear, change underwear daily, wipe front to back, wash the area with mild, unscented soap and water, shower daily, drink water, wear antiperspirant deodorant, trim or shave pubic hair, consult a doctor |
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What You'll Learn
Yeast infections can cause a cheese-like smell
While it's natural for the vagina to have a scent, a strong cheese-like odour could indicate a yeast infection. Yeast infections are common and happen when there is an overgrowth of a specific fungus (candida) in the vagina.
Yeast infections can cause a thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge, which may be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, chills, weakness, abnormal discharge, or abnormal bloody discharge. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible to speed up your recovery.
In addition to the characteristic discharge, a yeast infection may also cause other symptoms such as dryness, itchiness, and a burning sensation. These symptoms, along with the strong cheese-like odour, indicate a disruption in the delicate microbiome of the vagina. This disruption can be caused by various factors, including changes in hormones, diet, and personal vaginal flora.
To maintain vaginal health, it is important to practise good hygiene. This includes wearing cotton underwear, changing it daily, and wiping from front to back. Mild, unscented soap and water should be used to gently clean the vulvar area once daily, avoiding the inside of the vagina to prevent infections.
If you are experiencing a strong cheese-like odour and are concerned about a possible yeast infection, it is always best to consult with a medical professional. They can provide expert advice, diagnose any underlying issues, and recommend appropriate treatment options.
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Bacterial vaginosis may be the cause
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) may be the cause of a cheese-like odour in the vulva. It is a common vaginal infection, characterised by an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria in the vagina. This overgrowth of bacteria can lead to a strong and unpleasant smell, which may be described as "fishy". While the exact cause of BV is not fully understood, it is believed to be associated with a disruption in the balance of vaginal flora, specifically a reduction in hydrogen peroxide-producing lactobacillus species. This allows other anaerobic species, such as Gardnerella vaginalis, to proliferate.
BV is a complex condition, and its symptoms can vary. In addition to the fishy odour, other possible symptoms include vaginal itching and a grey, white, or green discharge. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to consult with a doctor or healthcare provider. They can perform an examination and recommend appropriate treatment options.
It is worth noting that vaginal odour is a natural occurrence, and the vagina is not supposed to smell fresh or flowery. However, a strong or unusual odour can sometimes indicate an infection or other medical issue. Changes in vaginal discharge, such as an increase in thickness or a change in colour or texture, can also be indicative of an infection. Therefore, if you notice any concerning symptoms, it is always a good idea to seek medical advice.
While waiting to see a doctor or healthcare provider, there are some general self-care practices that can be followed to maintain vaginal health. These include wearing cotton underwear, wiping front to back after using the toilet, and avoiding perfumed soaps, gels, wipes, or other feminine hygiene products that can disrupt the natural pH of the vagina. Maintaining proper hydration and a healthy diet can also help manage vaginal odour and discharge.
Additionally, it is important to remember that vaginal odour can be influenced by various factors, such as diet, medications, supplements, and hormonal changes. Personal hygiene practices, such as daily showering and gentle cleansing of the vulvar area with mild, unscented soap and water, can also help maintain vaginal health and minimise odour.
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It could be due to a forgotten tampon
A forgotten tampon is a possible reason why your vulva may smell like cheese. This is a more common occurrence than you might think, and it is not something to be embarrassed about. The odour is due to old menstrual blood, which can develop an intense scent when it oxidises. The longer the tampon is left inside the vagina, the stronger the smell will be.
If you have left a tampon in for longer than 8 hours, or forgotten to remove it, it can cause a strong, foul odour. This is due to bacteria that will continue to grow around the tampon. The smell has been described as similar to that of rotten meat or decaying organisms. If you are too squeamish to remove the tampon yourself, or if you cannot reach it, it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible. A healthcare provider can safely remove the tampon for you.
It is important to address a forgotten tampon as soon as possible, as it can have potential health implications. Leaving a tampon in for too long can shift the vaginal pH, creating an environment that is more conducive to bacterial growth. This can lead to infections or conditions such as bacterial vaginosis or toxic shock syndrome (TSS). While TSS is rare, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with leaving a tampon in for an extended period of time.
To prevent forgetting a tampon, it is recommended to set a reminder to remove the final tampon at the end of your period. Using tampons with the lightest absorbency needed and changing them regularly, no more than every 4 to 6 hours, can also reduce the risk of forgetting. Additionally, it is important to be mindful of your tampon use, especially during the end of your period when it is easier to forget about removing the last tampon.
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It's possibly related to your diet
Vaginal odor is a fact of life, and it's totally normal for vaginas to produce a tangy or sour aroma. However, if you notice a strong cheese-like odor, it could be due to several factors, one of which is your diet.
The vagina is home to billions of bacteria, and the presence of certain bacteria, such as lactobacilli, can cause a tangy or fermented cheese-like smell. This is usually a good sign as lactobacilli help keep the vagina acidic, protecting against the growth of harmful bacteria. However, when the balance of these bacteria is disrupted by outside factors, including diet, it can lead to unusual smells.
Diet can play a significant role in vaginal odor. Consuming ultra-processed foods, added sugars, and dairy can contribute to a change in vaginal scent. Cutting back on these foods and focusing on a diet of whole, unprocessed foods with lots of diversity can help restore a healthier vaginal flora and reduce unpleasant odors. Additionally, staying hydrated by drinking enough water can also help, as dehydration can lead to a buildup of urine, which can cause a chemical-like smell in the vaginal area.
While it is essential to maintain proper hygiene, using scented soaps and feminine products can upset the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina, leading to potential infections and altered vaginal odor. It is recommended to use mild, unscented soaps and water to gently clean the vulvar area daily, allowing it to dry completely before wearing cotton underwear.
If the cheese-like odor persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as discharge, itching, or burning, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any potential infections or underlying medical conditions.
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It might be due to a change in your menstrual cycle
A cheesy smell in the vaginal region can be distressing, but it's important to remember that vaginal odor is a fact of life, and variations are likely a result of your menstrual cycle, your hygiene habits, or just natural differences. Vaginal discharge is any fluid that comes out of the vagina, and changes in the amount, color, or smell of your discharge could indicate an infection or other problem.
If you are concerned about the smell, it is important to seek medical advice.
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Frequently asked questions
A cheesy smell is most likely due to a trichomoniasis infection, commonly referred to as "trich", or bacterial vaginosis. It could also be a yeast infection, particularly if there is discharge that looks like cottage cheese.
Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal infection. It occurs when there is an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria in the vagina. It is usually treated with antibiotics.
If you notice an unusual smell, it is important to be seen by a healthcare professional so you can speed up your recovery. They may recommend a BV test. In the meantime, it is recommended to wear cotton underwear and change it every day, wipe front to back, and wash the area with mild, unscented soap and water.
