What causes vagin*l odor?
Your vagin*l odor often depends on your pH level, or how acidic your vagin* is. Various types of bacteria live in your vagin*. They make up what’s called your vagin*l flora. These bacteria exist in a delicate balance to keep your vagin* at the right acidity (pH) level. Having a healthy pH prevents infections that cause a foul vagin*l odor. On the other hand, imbalance in your vagin*l flora may cause your vagin* to smell fishy, musty or generally unpleasant.
Normal vagin*l odors
Many vagin*l odors signal short-term shifts in your pH level and aren’t cause for concern. For example:
- A vagin*l odor that smells slightly sour or tangy may be a sign that the pH level in your vagin*l flora is slightly more acidic than is typical. This smell is associated with the good bacteria in your vagin*, lactobacilli. Some people describe the odor as yeasty, similar to sourdough bread.
- A slightly sweet or bittersweet smell, like molasses or gingerbread, may also be a sign that your pH levels have changed.
- Your vagin*l discharge may smell slightly metallic — like copper pennies — when you’re menstruating. This is because period blood contains iron.
- A vagin* that smells like ammonia may be a sign that there’s urine residue on your genitals (vulva) or that you’re dehydrated.
- A skunk-like scent or a smell similar to body odor may be a sign that you’re stressed and your sweat glands are working overtime.
Temporary vagin*l odor is common and often resolves on its own. Odors may be related to hormonal changes or even diet. For example, foods with a strong odor, like garlic or fish, can cause odor changes in your vagin*.
However, an unpleasant odor that doesn’t go away may be a sign of an underlying condition that requires medical attention.
Abnormal vagin*l odors
An imbalance in your vagin*l bacterial levels can lead to infection and inflammation, a condition called vaginitis. The most common types of vaginitis that cause unpleasant vagin*l odors produce other symptoms, too, like an abnormal vagin*l discharge.
The most common causes of unpleasant vagin*l odor are:
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV): An infection that’s caused by an imbalance in your vagin*’s flora. BV is responsible for the fishy smell most commonly associated with unpleasant vagin*l odors. The fishy smell may be especially strong after sex. Another common symptom to look out for with BV is a gray or grayish-white discharge.
- Trichom*oniasis: A sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite. Trich doesn’t always cause symptoms. When it does, it can cause a fishy odor, similar to BV, or a musty smell. Another common symptom of Trich is a greenish-yellow discharge.
Rarely, vagin*l odor is a symptom of:
- Rectovagin*l fistula: A rare condition where the opening between your rectum and vagin* allows feces to leak into your vagin*. The leakage causes a foul-smelling discharge.
- vagin*l cancer: Symptoms include heavy vagin*l discharge with a strong odor.
- Cervical cancer: Symptoms can include a strong, bad-smelling discharge.
If you forget to remove a tampon, you may eventually notice an odor like rotten meat. The smell goes away once you or a healthcare provider removes the tampon.
What causes vagin*l odor during pregnancy?
Vaginitis is a common cause of unpleasant vagin*l smells during pregnancy. Still, other factors may also make you notice new smells down there. Many people report a heightened sense of smell during pregnancy. In addition, cravings may cause you to eat different foods, affecting your vagin*’s scent. Increased blood flow to your vagin* and changing levels of pregnancy hormones, like estrogen, progesterone and prolactin can affect your pH level and cause new smells.
Postpartum vagin*l odor is common. As your uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy state, it releases blood, mucus and other debris related to pregnancy called lochia. Lochia has a stale, metallic musty odor similar to period blood.
