What Does My Vagina's
Smell Mean?

Vaginal Odor

Did you know that all vaginas have a natural scent that is completely unique, including yours? It's incredible that we all have our own special fragrance! And before we start getting into the low-down on vaginal odors, just remember: there is nothing wrong with naturally having a smell coming from your vagina.

However, if the pH of your vagina changes or you've been exposed to a type of sexually transmitted infection (STI), the odor of your vagina may change. STIs can be scary, but they're also preventable and treatable. Remember, most women experience some kind of unusual vaginal odor at least once, so you're not alone!

With all that in mind, let's talk about the different types of smells that can come from the vagina, what they mean, and how to care for your "down there."

What Causes My Vagina To Smell Differently?

There are several reasons why you might experience a different or bad smell coming from your vagina. One of the main reasons is that something has thrown off your vaginal microbiome’s natural pH levels. A balanced microbiome has an acidic pH, which keeps the naturally occurring bacteria and yeasts in the vagina living in harmony together.

However, plenty of things can disrupt your vaginal microbiome, like taking antibiotics, douching, or unprotected sex. When this happens, the good bacteria can get overtaken by bad bacteria. This imbalance increases your risk of infections like bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and STIs like Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Trichomoniasis. But don’t worry! All of these conditions are treatable. When you catch them early and treat them with properly prescribed medication, they generally clear up quickly.

What Do These Different Vaginal Odors Mean?

Each unusual smell has a cause. These are the most common odors and where they come from:

Fishy Odor

If you notice a distinct fishy smell coming from your vagina or underwear, that's usually an indication of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). BV is commonly caused by an overgrowth of the anaerobic bacteria Gardnerella vaginalis. Gardnerella is normally found in the vagina and is kept in check by good vaginal flora called Lactobacilli. When Gardnerella overgrows, you might notice a fishy smell along with a burning sensation when you pee or have penetrative intercourse.

Yeasty Smell

If you find discharge in your underwear that kind of looks like curd or cottage cheese and smells a bit like baking yeast or bread, it's probably caused by a Yeast Infection. The yeast, Candida, naturally grows in the vagina without causing any problems. However, when Candida starts to overgrow, you can end up with a yeast infection. Signs and symptoms are usually discharge, a yeasty smell, itching and burning when you pee or have intercourse.

Copper Smell

Many women say that when they're on their period, their vagina smells a bit like a copper penny. Blood contains iron, which often has a slightly metallic smell to it. As long as the bleeding is normal for you, you shouldn't be concerned with a coppery smell. If the bleeding is unusual or if you’re bleeding between your cycles, consult with a licensed medical provider right away.

Chemical Smell

If you notice a smell like a freshly cleaned bathroom, or something similar to Lysol, that could indicate ammonia buildup. Urine contains ammonia, and if you're dehydrated, your urine could smell stronger.

Foul Smell

A foul smell is not typical and requires medical evaluation right away. If you have a Trichomoniasis Infection you might experience a foul-smelling green or grayish discharge with itching and burning. These symptoms are easily confused with BV, and both are treatable with a healthcare provider’s help.

Skunky Odor

The groin area has lots of sweat glands. The apocrine sweat glands in your armpit and groin produce a pungent-smelling fluid when you're sweating or under stress. When the fluid mixes with the natural vaginal bacteria, you may notice a skunky smell. Once you finish sweating and rinse off, the odor should go away.

Rotten Smell

A rotten smell coming from your vagina should raise a red flag and needs to be addressed immediately. As with a foul smell, rotten smells can indicate that something is off. Don't be scared of this! You may notice this odor when you're on your period. Sometimes, a rotten smell can come from a forgotten tampon left inside of your vagina. On light days, it's easy to forget that you put one in, and after several hours may make your vagina smell bad. Just remove the tampon and let your vagina naturally flush the smell away.

When Should I See a Healthcare Provider?

If at any time you feel uncomfortable with the smell of your vagina or have unusual discharge, consult with a healthcare provider at Wisp. Our providers will ask you some questions, and once they determine the cause of the smell, they will prescribe medication to treat it, if safe and appropriate. The medicine can be picked up at your local pharmacy, or we will ship it to your home in discreet packaging, so no one in your house has to know you are taking it.

What Are the Treatments For Infections?

Think your vagina’s smell is the sign of an infection? Common vaginal infections are super easy to treat! Once our providers make a diagnosis, we'll get you the right medicine. Bacterial Vaginosis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Trichomoniasis are treated with antibiotics. Yeast Infections are treated with anti-fungal medication. Both are simple to use and generally get rid of the infection quickly. Our providers might also recommend a daily probiotic to restore your gut and vaginal flora, especially with antibiotic treatment.

What Can I Do To Keep My Vagina Healthy and Smelling Like Me?

The following tips can help you prevent unusual vaginal odors and keep your vagina healthy:

• Avoid douching: The vagina naturally cleans itself and keeps a pH balance that helps to prevent an overgrowth of bacteria and yeast. Douching can alter your pH levels and may cause an overgrowth that can lead to a bacterial or yeast infection.
• Use condoms: One of the best ways to protect yourself from unwanted bacteria is to use condoms or dental dams when having any kind of sex.
• Wipe from front to back: After using the toilet, wipe from front to back to avoid spreading bacteria.
• Wear cotton underwear: Synthetic fabrics can trap moisture and warmth, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. Cotton underwear lets your “down there” parts breathe.
• Wash before and after sex: Either shower or wash gently with a pH-friendly vaginal wipe before and after sex. You can use Wisp’s Balancing Wash, a Wisp provider-approved wash that’s perfect for the delicate skin of your vulva. Use it with warm water on external genital skin and rinse thoroughly to keep things clean and avoid irritation.
• Stay hydrated and moisturized: Drinking water helps to reduce ammonia buildup and keep your vagina moisturized. If you’re experiencing dryness or irritation, internal vaginal moisturizer and external Vulva Coco Cream can help restore your skin’s moisture.

The Bottom Line 🍑

How your vagina smells is nothing to be embarrassed about–but it is something to pay attention to! Fishy or foul odors may indicate an infection that needs treatment from a healthcare professional. And if you need help keeping your “down there” balanced, clean, fresh, and moisturized, Wisp has got your back.