Odor is often the result of an infection that requires antibiotics. A number of conditions can change the bacterial balance in the vaginal area, leading to unusual odor. These include:. Planned Parenthood. Mayo Clinic. A go-to resource for medical advice, the Mayo Clinic offers comprehensive info on vaginal odor, from symptoms and causes to diagnosis and treatment.
Additional reporting by Julie Marks and Brianna Majsiak. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools. Vaginal Odor. Reviewed: April 23, Medically Reviewed. Vaginal odor is any unpleasant odor that comes from the vagina. It's normal for your vagina to have its own unique smell, but a very strong odor may signal a problem. The smell of your vagina may vary during your menstrual cycle , pregnancy , or menopause.
You may also experience stronger smells after sexual intercourse or exercise. An intense odor, however, could be due to an infection that needs treatment. Temporary vaginal odor is common and often goes away on its own. Vaginal odor is considered normal if you don't have other symptoms. Some causes of vaginal odor may include: Bacterial vaginosis BV This infection is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. Symptoms may include a strong, fishy odor and a thin, gray discharge.
Trichomoniasis A sexually transmitted infection STI , trichomoniasis can cause vaginal odor. Other STIs, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia , typically aren't accompanied by a strong smell but may be the culprit, per the Mayo Clinic. A forgotten or stuck tampon A very strong vaginal odor can occur if you forget to take a tampon out or if one is stuck inside you.
According to the British National Health Service, it is not possible for a tampon to get lost inside you. It can however be compressed at the top of your vagina.
The effect it has is much different from washing yourself in the bath or shower, which is perfectly healthy. Doctors don't recommend douching because it can increase your risk for many health problems including STIs, and even interfere with conception. Douching removes healthy bacteria that the vagina needs to keep balanced and can actually make the problem worse in the long run. In addition, douching can promote overgrowth of harmful bacteria, which can lead to yeast infections or BV.
If you already have a vaginal infection, douching may spread the infection into your uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, which can cause pelvic inflammatory disease , a serious infection that causes infertility in 1 in 10 women who have it, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Poor hygiene Not bathing or showering regularly can lead to inflammation of the vaginal area, which can cause vaginal odor. Sweating The skin in the groin area is prone to sweating, which can cause vaginal odor.
Diet What you eat and drink influences the smell of urine , and there's some evidence that what you eat can affect your vaginal odor.
If your vagina smells off, foods with strong odor, such as garlic, could be the cause. Your menstrual cycle Your vaginal smell likely changes during different stages in your cycle.
Pregnancy According to the Cleveland Clinic, pregnant women are at a higher risk of having changes in vaginal smell due to hormonal changes and increased vaginal secretions. Rare causes of vaginal odor include: Rectovaginal fistula This is a rare abnormal opening between the vagina and the rectum that allows feces to leak into the vagina, which can contribute to vaginal odor. Other symptoms include recurrent vaginal or urinary tract infections UTIs , pain during sex, or stool in your vagina.
Cervical or vaginal cancer In rare cases, abnormal vaginal odor can sometimes be a symptom of cervical or vaginal cancer. Other symptoms of possible cervical or vaginal cancer are heavy vaginal discharge that can have a strong odor, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
A urine test can check for pregnancy and STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea. A urinalysis can test for a UTI, while a sample of vaginal fluid is used to diagnose trichomoniasis or BV. BTW: If the smell is musky but not overpowering, it could simply be due to hanging out in sweaty workout clothes too much, Dr.
Dweck says. So if your discharge smells bad but not fishy, it could be a yeast infection. Some other things you can do to prevent vaginal odor:. Try to stay on top of your tampon use, especially during the end of your period. You can even set a reminder in your phone to take out that final tampon, if you tend to forget. Use condoms. Unprotected sex increases your risk of several conditions that can lead to vaginal odors. Aim to eat healthy. Streicher says what you eat can be a factor in your vaginal odor.
Plus, eating well is good for the rest of your body too. Change out of sweaty workout clothes ASAP. Invest in new underwear. If you notice an unpleasant change to your vaginal odor, try switching the material of the underwear you buy i.
Changing it up might just do the trick. Again, having some kind of vaginal odor is normal. Mayo Clinic, Trichomoniasis.
Mayo Clinic, Gonorrhea. Mayo Clinic, Chlamydia. Mayo Clinic, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Trichomoniasis. Mayo Clinic, Vaginal Odor. SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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. Concerning sexual intercourse: use a condom to prevent contact between semen and vaginal fluids; use only unscented and non-flavored lubricants. Consider wearing cotton underwear , which is less likely to hold moisture and makes it more difficult for smell-producing bacteria to build up.
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