We called up Dr. She helped us get down to specifics with all the medical accuracy but less of the medical jargon. Some compare it to the smell of fermented foods. In fact, yogurt, sourdough bread, and even some sour beer contain the same type of good bacteria that dominate most healthy vaginas: Lactobacilli.
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.
If your vagina has had contact with semen, this may change the pH level and cause a metallic smell. We mean robust and earthy. An odor similar to bleach or ammonia could be a couple different things. Sometimes, this odor is reason to see a doctor. Many people find a similarity between body odor and marijuana. But thanks to the sweat glands down there, at least we do know why vaginas and body odor can smell so similar.
When you are stressed or anxious, the apocrine glands produce a milky fluid. On its own this fluid is odorless. But when this fluid contacts the abundance of vaginal bacteria on your vulva, it can produce a pungent aroma. Decomposing fish is the more apt comparison. Trimethylamine, which is the chemical compound responsible for both the distinct aroma of rotting fish and some abnormal vaginal odors. A rotten odor that makes your nose wince and your face contort is definitely not the norm.
If the smell is putrid, like a dead organism, it may not be your vagina but something in your vagina. In general, abnormal odors should be easy to spot. Rotting fish, dead organism, decay — these are all red flag odors. Subtle shifts in your vaginal fragrance is normal. Remember, the way 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. Sometimes, an inserted tampon can turn sideways or the tampon string can move up into the vagina. As a result, you may forget about the tampon or have such difficulty removing it that it remains there for longer than intended. Symptoms of a stuck tampon include:. The cervical opening is not large enough to allow a tampon to go past your vagina.
But a trapped tampon can cause serious side effects, including an illness known as toxic shock syndrome. To keep this from happening, remove the tampon with clean hands and trimmed fingernails as quickly as possible. Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection STI that affects an estimated 3. Treatments include antifungal medications, such as metronidazole. A person can get trichomoniasis again, even if they were previously treated.
A rectovaginal fistula is an abnormal connection between the rectum and vagina that causes stool and other bowel contents to leak into the vagina. The most common cause is trauma related to childbirth that causes a third or fourth degree vaginal tear. Hormonal changes due to menopause can lead to the thinning of vaginal tissues, which can affect the pH balance in the vagina. This can cause an unusual, acidic smell.
Cancers of the cervix or vagina do not usually cause symptoms until their later stages. However, some people may notice:. Treatments depend upon the cancer type and if it has spread. They may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. People with penises are also vulnerable to infections and other conditions that may cause unusual and strong-smelling odors.
These include the following examples. Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes excessive sweating. Men are especially vulnerable to this in the groin area due to testicles that can rub against their skin, creating friction, and increasing sweating. The extra sweat can attract fungus and bacteria, which leads to bad smells.
If the sweating continues, a doctor may be able to prescribe medications to treat excessive sweating. Smegma can occur in uncircumcised males, causing dead skin cells, fluids, and oils to build up. As a result, smegma that is thick, whitish, and has a strong odor can build up underneath the foreskin.
Excess buildup can cause swelling, redness, and discomfort. If left untreated, smegma can lead to balanitis see below. Removing smegma involves pulling back the foreskin and cleaning gently with soap and warm water. Balanitis is a condition that usually affects uncircumcised men, causing an infection and irritation in the foreskin. Symptoms include:. Treatments for balanitis include topical creams to reduce inflammation and itching as well as oral antibiotics or antifungals to treat the infection.
Non-gonococcal urethritis is an inflammation of the urethra tube where urine flows through before exiting the penis. Common causes include chlamydia infections as well as injuries to the urethra, such as from catheter trauma.
The extra presence of bacteria can cause an unpleasant smell. Treatments include antibiotics to treat the infection and surgical removal of dead tissues.
Remember, your vagina is located inside of your body, while everything surrounding it is your vulva, or your external genitals. But do tell your doc if you often have trouble making it to the bathroom on time. There are meds and other interventions that can help. Feeling swampy? But other parts of your body—especially your armpits and groin—are home to apocrine glands, which release more of a stinky sweat, Suzanne Friedler, MD , of Advanced Dermatology in New York City.
Wearing panty liners and exercising frequently can also lock in odor, since heat gets trapped in. Some people also deal with excessive sweating, a condition known as hyperhidrosis. Trimming your pubic hair also helps since it can trap odor, especially during the warmer months. It sounds crazy, but Dr.
Streicher says that lots of women insert a tampon and forget to take it out. You could have mindlessly inserted a new tampon without taking the first one out.
You doctor can easily remove it, or you can take a crack at it yourself: Lie flat on your back and put two fingers deep into your vagina.
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