7 Different Vaginal Smells and Why They Happen

7 Different Vaginal Smells and Why They Happen

The Normal Range of Vaginal Odors

The normal vaginal pH in a person of reproductive age is slightly acidic, which means it’s normal for it to have a tangy odor. However, a healthy vagina can have a variety of odors. The truth is, your vagina is home to billions of bacteria, and the precise makeup of this bacteria changes on a daily – sometimes hourly – basis.

- Advertisement -

Understanding the Causes of Vaginal Odors

We called up Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, who has over 30 years of experience working in women’s health. She helped us get to specifics with all the medical accuracy but less medical jargon. Here is your medically accurate guide to vaginal odors.

1. Tangy or Sour Aroma

It’s common for vaginas to produce a tangy or sour aroma. Some compare it to the smell of fermented foods. Yogurt, sourdough bread, and even some sour beer contain the same type of good bacteria that dominate most healthy vaginas: Lactobacilli. If it smells curiously similar to that sour IPA you had last weekend, there’s no need to stress.

2. Coppery or Metallic Smell

Many people report smelling a coppery, metallic vaginal odor. This is usually nothing to worry about. Rarely, it signifies a more serious problem. A coppery smell can also be due to less common but serious causes of vaginal bleeding. The metallic scent shouldn’t linger too long after your period is over. If your vagina has had contact with semen, this may change the pH level and cause a metallic smell.

3. Sweetish Tinge

When we say sweet, we don’t mean freshly baked cookies sweet. We mean robust and earthy. But a sweetish tinge is no cause for concern.

4. Bleach or Ammonia-Like Odor

An odor similar to bleach or ammonia could be a couple of different things. Sometimes, this odor may be a reason to see a doctor. Bacterial vaginosis is a common infection. Symptoms can include:

• A foul or fishy odor
• Thin gray or white discharge
• Vaginal itching
• Burning during urination

5. Body Odor-Like Smell

No, it’s not just you. Many people find a similarity between body odor and cannabis. There isn’t a good scientific answer for this, although Vice did take a stab at it. But thanks to the sweat glands down there, at least we do know why vaginas and body odor can smell so similar.

6. Fishy or Rotten Odor

You’ve probably heard an abnormal vaginal odor described as fishy. Fresh fish shouldn’t smell like much at all. Decomposing fish is the more apt comparison. Why? Trimethylamine is the chemical compound responsible for the distinct aroma of rotting fish and some abnormal vaginal odors. In rare cases, a fishy smell can indicate a more serious condition.

7. Putrid or Rotten Odor

A rotten odor that makes your nose wince and your face contort is not the norm. If the smell is putrid, like a dead organism, it may not be your vagina but something in your vagina. Minkin says it’s perfectly safe to remove a forgotten tampon on your own.

Conclusion

Subtle shifts in your vaginal fragrance can be natural. Remember, how your vagina smells has everything to do with its pH. And there are lots of things that affect your pH. Take penile-vaginal sex, for instance. Semen has a relatively high pH, so it’s typical to notice a different smell after penile-vaginal sex. This change is only temporary. Menopause also affects vaginal pH. Due to a lack of estrogen, people in menopause "end up with less vaginal mucosa," says Minkin. "Vaginal mucosa lines the vagina and nurtures the Lactobacilli bacteria. So, without these cells, you can end up with a much higher pH."

FAQs

Q: Is it normal for my vagina to smell different after sex?
A: Yes, it’s normal for your vagina to smell different after sex due to the change in pH levels caused by semen.

Q: Can menopause affect my vaginal odor?
A: Yes, menopause can affect your vaginal odor due to the lack of estrogen, which can cause a change in pH levels and vaginal mucosa.

Q: What if I notice a strong, fishy smell from my vagina?
A: If you notice a strong, fishy smell from your vagina, it may be a sign of an infection or another underlying issue. It’s best to consult a doctor to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

Q: Can I remove a forgotten tampon on my own?
A: Yes, you can remove a forgotten tampon on your own, but it’s always best to consult a doctor if you’re unsure or uncomfortable doing so.

Q: Why do some people’s vaginas smell like cannabis?
A: The exact reason why some people’s vaginas smell like cannabis is unknown, but it’s likely due to the interaction between sweat glands and vaginal bacteria.