The vagina is an intricate part of women’s reproductive system, and therefore, understanding its nuances and variations is vital for overall health and well-being. The normal vaginal pH in a person is slightly acidic, and it’s normal to have a tangy odor. A Vaginal Odor can change in response to sex, menstruation, and pregnancy.
However, a strong, unpleasant odor with a discharge may be a sign of a health problem like vaginitis. All in all, addressing vaginal odor is a crucial aspect of maintaining your intimate health and well-being. Eager to know more? Continue scrolling the page and find everything you need to know.
What are the Different Types of Vaginal Odor?
Vaginal odor mainly depends on your vaginal pH or how acidic your vagina is. Various types of bacteria live in your vagina, and they together make up vaginal flora. These bacteria exist in the right balance to maintain the pH level of your vagina. Therefore, an imbalance of bacteria is one of the causes of vaginal odor. Here’s a quick rundown of the different types of vaginal odors. Let’s have a look.
1. Tangy or Fermented
Since your vaginal pH is slightly acidic, you can expect a tangy or fermented vaginal odor from your lady gig. Lactobacilli dominate the most healthy vaginas; hence, you can compare this fermented smell with some of the foods like Yogurt, Sourdough bread, and more.
2. Coppery Smell
Most women report smelling a coppery vaginal odor. One of the major causes of such odor is blood. It contains iron, which has a metallic smell. You might experience such odor during your menstrual cycle when blood and tissues are shed from your uterine lining. Thankfully, a metallic or coppery smell rarely signifies a problem.
3. Sweet Odor
Have you ever experienced a sweet vaginal smell, like something robust and earthy? Well, the culprit is the bacteria again. Your vagina is a kind of bacterial ecosystem, and sometimes, it might smell like a little sweet. Thankfully, a sweetish tinge is no cause for concern, and you can carry on your daily work without thinking about the same.
4. Chemical Smell
This odor may be a serious reason to see a doctor. Sometimes, your vagina may produce a chemical smell similar to bleach and ammonia. It usually occurs due to the presence of urea in your urine. Keep in mind that urine smelling strong is a sign of dehydration.
5. Skunky Like BO
Ever felt the similarity between your vagina and cannabis? Well, that might be because of stress. Your body contains two types of sweat glands, and they together produce a skunky smell like BO. The apocrine gland produces a milky fluid, and when this fluid mixes with the vaginal bacteria, it produces a pungent aroma.
How to Prevent Vaginal Odor?
Wondering how to prevent vaginal odors? Well, there are plenty of methods to keep unpleasant odors at bay. Follow the tips and tricks below and reduce the risk on your own.
1. Practice Good Hygiene
The first thing you should know to reduce the vaginal odor is to practice the good intimate hygiene. Wash your vagina regularly and wear light, breathable clothing to avoid the moisture buildup.
2. Avoid Douching
Although some people believe that douching is a good vaginal odor treatment, the reality is totally different. Douching often kills the good bacteria, thus affecting the bacterial balance inside the vagina and causing pungent vaginal odors. Hence, avoid douching as much as possible.
3. Drink Plenty of Water
Sometimes, unpleasant, pungent vaginal odors occur due to dehydration. Hence, it’s always advised to drink lots of water and keep your body dehydrated. Without enough water, the waste material in your urine can become concentrated and foul-smelling. Water can help with hydration and eliminate the smell.
Summing Up
A Female’s vagina is a bacterial ecosystem; hence, different vaginal odors are pretty common. However, if you are struggling with prolonged abnormal vaginal odor, discharge, burning, or itching sensation, then wait no more and visit the healthcare provider right away. Sometimes, the odor signifies the onset of infection, for which you might need immediate medical assistance.
FAQs
1. How Do I Stop Smelling Down There?Simple lifestyle changes can help you reduce the vaginal odor. Clean your vagina regularly and drink lots of water to keep your body hydrated.
2. What does BV smell like?BV often smells like a stinky fish. An imbalance in your vaginal bacteria causes this infection; hence, it is associated with a fishy, unpleasant smell.
3. What causes vaginal odor in pregnancy?Vaginitis is one of the common causes of vaginal odor during pregnancy.
