A woman’s v agina is meant to smell. Well, at least not in any way
offensive. Physicians say a woman’s v agina is filled with different
types of (good) bacteria and that each woman’s “smell” is completely
different and unique to them — just like the v aginas themselves in
terms of shapes and sizes.
“Some women’s v aginas may naturally smell stronger than others – and all of this is completely normal,” experts say.
However, there are some things a woman’s nether regions can smell
like that can be a bit off – and can be a sign of a health issue. The
following are the five smells you need to look out for:
1. It smells like … yeast. While yeast infections
don’t often smell, if you notice a thick, cottage cheese-like discharge,
this could be a sign of infection. Your v agina will also be itchy and
could be red. So, it’s best to see a doctor.
2. It smells … musky. If you have exercised
recently or are wearing non-breathable underwear, this can cause a musky
scent from the trapped sweat. This should go away once you have a
shower; but to minimise the scent, don’t sit around in sweaty clothes.
3. It smells like … fish. If it smells like you
brought the fish market home with you, this is the most common scent
that points towards bacterial v aginosis. This is the most common v
aginal infection in women between ages 15 and 44. It occurs when the v
agina’s pH levels are thrown off by an overgrowth of “bad” bacteria –
but it’s not a sexually transmitted disease and is mostly harmless.
4. It smells … metallic. This one is no cause for
concern, as it will generally happen when a woman gets her period. Blood
can change the pH levels of a v agina and make it smell coppery. This
odour should pass once the period ends. Avoid scented soaps, as this
will throw off your pH balance even more.
5. It smells … rotten. This would normally happen
if a tampon has accidentally been left in for a few days or more. If you
can’t get the tampon out yourself, head to the doctor and they can get
it out for you. However, something to be wary of is toxic shock syndrome
which is a fatal condition linked to the tampon being left in for too
long, Daily Star says.
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