The supermarket shelves are lined with products encouraging
us to keep our lady parts clean and pleasant-smelling . Many of us still
remember the line “Do you ever get that not-so-fresh feeling?” from a douche
commercial years ago that made many a woman begin doubting their vaginal
cleanliness at a very young age. The truth is that most women’s natural scent
is normal. Your vagina doesn’t need to smell like that field of flowers on the
box of feminine deodorant spray.
Why does the vagina smell?
The
vagina
is a carefully balanced ecosystem of fluid (discharge) and bacteria meant to
keep the vaginal PH at a healthy 4.5. This combination of fluid and bacteria
that make up the vaginal discharge that can, at times, emit certain odors. Most
of these odors are natural and normal, but there are times when excess odor can
signal a problem.
So what is a “normal” amount of odor? After performing a
very unscientific poll of all the gynecologist I know, we determined that one
can smell a normal vagina from 1 foot away. More pungent odor or any associated
with pain, burning or itching should prompt a visit to your provider.
Some common causes of vaginal odor include:
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) – The vagina is normally colonized
with healthy bacteria, but if something disturbs the ecosystem, then unhealthy
bacteria like BV can take over. BV is most commonly caused by an overgrowth of
the bacteria Gardnerella vaginalis. Symptoms include a thin grey, runny
discharge and a strong fishy odor. The odor is more pungent when in contact
with semen, so often women will first notice this as a strong odor after sex.
BV is annoying and can increase your risk of other infections, but is easily
treated with antibiotics.
Your Diet – The old adage “You are what eat” is true, all
the way down to your lady bits. Garlic, onion, asparagus, and curry are few of
the more odoriferous foods known to affect body odor.
Medications/ Supplements - Medications such as
antibiotics can affect the bacterial balance of your vagina leading to changes
in odor and discharge. Antihistamines can lead to vaginal dryness and decreased
vaginal secretions, which can also have an effect. Additionally, herbal
therapies and the newly popular essential oils can lead to changes in vaginal
odor.
Sweat - Much like your underarms, the skin around your
genitals is prone to excessive sweating. Sweat when combined with discharge can
escalate the natural musk to a whole new level of stank. This is a natural
odor, though sometimes slightly unpleasant. To minimize the smell, change clothes
after exercising and wear breathable fabrics.
Hormonal Changes – The amount of discharge varies throughout
menstrual cycles. Hormonal therapies, birth control pills and vaginal creams
can have an effect the vaginal PH and odor as well. Menopause also leads to
major changes as the decreasing estrogen levels can lead to increasing
incidence of yeast infection and BV.
A Forgotten Tampon – There is one odor that is so foul, it
is unlike anything you have every smelled in your entire life. It’s the one smell
that makes even the gynecologist gag: the forgotten tampon. The patients on
many occasions have described the odors as ”it smells like something crawled up
in there and died.” I would have to agree that this is an honest
statement. While the odor is particularly offensive, it does resolve quickly
after the tampon is removed. Rarely, the retained tampon can also lead to
serious infection, so it is important to see your doctor should this occur
(symptoms include a brown discharge and odor).
Douching is never indicated for vaginal odor or any other
reason. It only further changes the bacterial content and can spread infection.
You do not need to insert anything inside your vagina to clean it: no douche,
no essential oils, no soap, no Listerine (yes, these are all things I’ve had
patients use to ‘clean themselves’). Simply think of the vagina as a
“self-cleaning oven.”
If you’re concerned about your odor, but have no other
symptoms, you may first try increasing your water intake and cutting out any
odorous foods. You might also take a probiotics to help restore normal
bacterial balance. For proper hygiene, clean the external area of your vagina
(vulva and labia) with a mild soap. If odor persists despite these
measures, then follow up with your provider.
Culled: webmed
