Many people report smelling a coppery, metallic vaginal odor. This is usually nothing to worry about. Rarely, it signifies a more serious problem. A coppery smell can also be due to less common, but serious, causes of vaginal bleeding. If your vagina has had contact with semen, this may change the pH level and cause a metallic smell.
We mean robust and earthy. An odor similar to bleach or ammonia could be a couple different things. Sometimes, this odor is reason to see a doctor. Many people find a similarity between body odor and marijuana. But thanks to the sweat glands down there, at least we do know why vaginas and body odor can smell so similar. When you are stressed or anxious, the apocrine glands produce a milky fluid.
On its own this fluid is odorless. But when this fluid contacts the abundance of vaginal bacteria on your vulva, it can produce a pungent aroma.
Decomposing fish is the more apt comparison. Trimethylamine, which is the chemical compound responsible for both the distinct aroma of rotting fish and some abnormal vaginal odors. A rotten odor that makes your nose wince and your face contort is definitely not the norm.
If the smell is putrid, like a dead organism, it may not be your vagina but something in your vagina. In general, abnormal odors should be easy to spot. Rotting fish, dead organism, decay — these are all red flag odors. Subtle shifts in your vaginal fragrance is normal. Remember, the way your vagina smells has everything to do with its pH. And there are lots of things that affect your pH. Take penile vaginal sex, for instance. Menopause also has an effect on vaginal pH. So, without these cells you can end up with a much higher pH.
Our advice? After all, vaginas do so many wonderful things for us. This odor changes with hormonal shifts during pregnancy, menopause , and the menstrual cycle. A subtle smell is not a cause for concern. When certain factors affect the complex chemistry of the vagina, harmful bacteria can grow out of control, producing a fishy odor.
Bacterial vaginosis can have this effect. This is the most common vaginal infection among females aged 15—44 years. Some females with bacterial vaginosis may experience other symptoms, such as itching or burning.
This may feel similar to a yeast infection. For many, however, the fishy odor is the only symptom. Prescription antibiotics can help treat this infection, and adopting certain healthful habits can reduce the risk of experiencing it again. These include:. An overgrowth of yeast in the vagina can produce a sweet smell, similar to that of honey or cookies. The vagina might also smell like beer, flour, or bread. It can also smell sour sometimes. Intense burning, itching, or feelings of dryness usually accompany yeast infections.
These symptoms tend to get worse over time. Some females may also notice a discharge that resembles cottage cheese. These conditions are treatable using over-the-counter medications. However, females who have not had a yeast infection before should seek consultation with a doctor to rule out other causes. Many of the same measures that can prevent bacterial vaginosis, such as avoiding scented products and never douching, are also effective in preventing yeast overgrowth. Hormonal changes that occur during menopause can alter the scent of the vagina and leave the vagina feeling dry.
Females should seek consultation with a doctor about any noticeable changes in vaginal odor — particularly if the smell is strong or unpleasant. However, they should not use perfume to mask the smell. Adopting safe and gentle vaginal hygiene practices can help reduce vaginal odor.
Some tips include:. Inserting soap into the vagina can affect vaginal pH, potentially leading to infections and an unpleasant odor. Some females might notice a stronger vaginal odor during menstruation. Hormonal changes can cause an odor similar to iron or ammonia.
Some menstrual products can trap odor, compounding this effect. To reduce vaginal odor due to menstruation, try using internal products. The moisture of maxi pads and reusable cloth pads can contribute to odor. But please note, it could also be the sign of a bacterial infection. Read on Unhealthy Vaginal Odors If you notice any of these vaginal odors, you may want to contact your gynecologist. If your vaginal odor is running foul, like the smell of dead fish, it may be a sign of a more serious condition: Bacterial Vaginosis BV is one possibility.
BV is a bacterial infection that occurs when your healthy lactobacilli get out of balance and grow too much. Symptoms include thin vaginal discharge that has a strong fishy smell and a little itching or burning when you urinate. BV is treated with an antibiotic. Trichomoniasis , a sexually transmitted infection, is another possible explanation for a heavy fishy vaginal odor.
Women with trichomoniasis may notice genital itching, burning, redness or soreness; urinary discomfort; and a clear, white, yellowish, or greenish vaginal discharge. Trichomoniasis is treatable with antibiotics. Rotten, like bad meat. A forgotten tampon could be the cause of a putrid vaginal odor. It happens more than you realize. These include fever, vaginal itching, pain urinating, pain around your pelvis or abdomen, redness around the genital area, and vaginal swelling.
Feminine Hygiene Best Practices The first thing to remember is that many vaginal odors are signs of a healthy vagina. Wash your vaginal area with warm water and a small amount of mild unscented soap.
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