7 Types of Vaginal Odor and
What They Mean

Written by Kathleen Morrison
Medically Reviewed by Andrea Sleeth WHNP-BC, MSCP

Key takeaways

• Every vagina has a unique scent. Subtle shifts in your vaginal fragrance throughout your menstrual cycle, after sex, or with hormonal changes are completely normal.
• Understanding the types of vaginal odors helps you recognize when something's off versus when it's just your body doing its thing.
• A fishy or yeasty vaginal odor, foul smell, or abnormal vaginal discharge paired with vaginal itching may be a sign of an infection like BV, yeast, or an STI.
• Healthy vaginal bacteria help keep your vagina healthy by producing lactic acid and maintaining an acidic pH. Supporting this balance can help you get rid of the smell.
• If you notice a strong vaginal odor that doesn't go away, it's time to see a doctor and get the care you deserve.
  

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 different vaginal smells, just remember: there is nothing wrong with naturally having a smell coming from your vagina.

However, if the vaginal pH changes or you've been exposed to a type of sexually transmitted infection (STI), your vaginal odor may change.

STIs can be scary, but they're also preventable and treatable. Remember, most women experience some kind of abnormal vaginal odor at least once, so you're not alone!

With all that in mind, let's talk about the different types of vaginal 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 vaginal area. 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 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 normal bacteria may 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 the different types of vaginal odors mean?

These are the most common odors and where they come from:

1. Fishy odor

That unmistakable fishy smell? It's one of the most common signs that something's up with your vaginal health.

It usually points to bacterial vaginosis (BV).

Here's the deal: your vagina has a unique community of bacteria present in the vagina. When the balance gets thrown off, the anaerobic bacteria Gardnerella vaginalis can overgrow and cause a fishy odor.

Normally, good vaginal flora, called Lactobacilli, keep the vagina acidic and keep Gardnerella in check.

But when that balance tips, you might notice a strong vaginal odor along with a burning sensation when you pee or have penetrative intercourse.

You might also spot some abnormal vaginal discharge that looks thin and grayish-white.

The good news? You don't have to guess what's going on.

If you're dealing with a smelly vaginal situation, you can take a BV & Yeast Test from the comfort of your home to figure out what's causing the odor and get the right treatment fast.

Because honestly, life's too short to be uncomfortable down there.

2. Yeasty smell

If you find vaginal discharge in your underwear that kind of looks like cottage cheese and smells a bit like baking yeast or bread (odor similar to the smell of fermented foods), 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 that has a strong smell, vaginal itching, and burning when you pee or have intercourse.

3. 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 vaginal bleeding is normal for you, you shouldn't be concerned with a coppery smell.

If the bleeding is abnormal or if you're bleeding between your menstrual cycles, consult with a licensed medical provider right away.

4. 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.

This type of body odor in the vaginal cavity is also normal and usually goes away once you hydrate.

5. Foul smell

A foul vaginal smell is not typical and requires medical evaluation right away. If you have a Trichomoniasis infection you might experience a vaginal odor that smells foul.

This often comes with greenish vaginal discharge or grayish discharge alongside vaginal itching and burning.

These symptoms are easily confused with BV, and both are treatable with a healthcare provider's help.

6. 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—this is just body odor. Once you finish sweating and rinse off, the unpleasant odor should go away.

These smells that are normal don't require treatment.

7. Rotten smell

A rotten smell coming from your vagina should raise a red flag and needs to be addressed immediately.

Many adjectives to describe the vaginal odor created by your normal cycle exist, but "rotten" isn't one of them.

Don't be scared of this! You may notice this smelly odor when you're on your period.

Sometimes, a rotten smell can come from a forgotten tampon left inside your vaginal area. It is important to be mindful of leaving a tampon in, as it can put you at risk of TSS (tampon shock syndrome).

On light days, it's easy to forget that you put one in, and after several hours, vaginal odor could become really unpleasant. Just remove the tampon and let your vagina naturally flush the smell away.

If the smell doesn’t go away, reach out to your provider.

How long should a normal vaginal odor last?

Your vagina's smell has everything to do with what's going on in your body at any given moment.

A healthy vagina usually has a mild scent.

Think slightly tangy or musky (it's common for vaginas to produce a tangy scent because Lactobacilli keep things acidic).

These normal vaginal smells can change slightly based on:

• Menstrual cycle phases: Your vaginal smell might shift from slightly metallic during your period to more musky around ovulation.
• Sweat and physical activity: After a workout, you might notice a stronger scent—totally normal and usually clears up after a shower.
• Sex (especially semen exposure): Semen has a higher pH, so things might smell a bit different for a day or two after unprotected sex.
• Hormonal birth control or hormonal shifts: Starting or stopping birth control, pregnancy, or menopause can all lead to vaginal changes.

These healthy vaginal scent changes are temporary and shouldn't last more than a day or two.

If you've heard an abnormal vaginal odor described as "fishy" or "foul" and that's what you're experiencing (and it's sticking around), that's your cue to check in with a healthcare provider.

When should I see a healthcare provider?

If at any time you feel uncomfortable with the vaginal smell or have unusual vaginal discharge, consult with a healthcare provider.

Our providers will ask you some questions, and once they determine what's causing the odor, 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 may be a 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.

Wisp treatment options are available only after consultation with a licensed medical professional. You should consult with your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement or treatment regimen. Individual results may vary.

What can I do to keep my vagina healthy and smelling like me?

The following tips can help you support vaginal health and wellness:

• 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 vaginal imbalance 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 to the outside of the vagina.
• 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. Certain products can help—use a 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 can help support vaginal moisture. If you're experiencing dryness or irritation due to vaginal dryness, internal vaginal moisturizer and external vulva cream can help restore your skin's moisture.
  

Take charge of your vaginal health

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.

Ready to figure out what's going on? Take the Symptoms Quiz to get personalized treatment recommendations, or chat with one of our providers to get the care you deserve—fast, discreet, and judgment-free.

This blog post is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the information provided here.