Vagina Smell: What Causes It

Why does my vagina smell? This is perhaps the most common and yet scary question women are forced to ask their doctors at certain points in their lives. Being a woman can be difficult and even embarrassing as this type of questions is never asked easily. Although there is nothing to be ashamed of, women are often embarrassed when it comes to talking about this type of problems which can be severe or not. This article is meant to answer some of the questions women may have regarding the smell of their vagina. Our answers at Clitoris.com are not however meant to substitute the visit to the doctor, but to provide you basic information on this issue such as what is normal and when you should see a specialist.

Does the vagina normally smell? Women can notice a slight vaginal odor which can change during the different times of the month. For instance, the smell may be stronger during ovulation and this is normal. However, the natural odor of the vagina, in order to be considered normal, is not disturbing but rather barely noticed. A stronger smell can signal the presence of a vaginal infection or other medical conditions.

What if my vagina has a fishy smell? The fishy smell is one of the first signs women must observe when it comes to their health. This type of smell is usually the result of the overgrowth of the bacteria that are naturally living in the vagina. A fishy smell is commonly noticed after sexual intercourse, when it becomes more prominent. In cases in which an infection has occurred, it is very likely that the woman will also experience vaginal discharge and vaginal itching.

What can cause a bad vaginal odor? There are multiple conditions that can cause this symptom from which some are less serious and others more severe. The most common medical condition causing a bad odor in that area of the female body is by far bacterial vaginosis which is the bacterial overgrowth that we mentioned above. However, a fishy vagina smell can be a symptom of many other conditions such as some sexually transmitted infections, rectovaginal fistula or a forgotten tampon. Yeast infection, gonorrhea, Chlamydia and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can all be the source of a fishy vagina smell. In more rare cases however, the smell can be caused by cervical cancer or vulvar cancer.

When should I worry? As you can see, some of the underlying conditions that cause a bad vaginal smell are easy to treat and overall not too dangerous. But this can also be a symptom of a much more serious condition which needs to be treated and taken care of appropriately. It is always recommended to seek a medical opinion if you are experiencing any vaginal smell in order to make sure the cause of the smell is treated and potential complications are avoided.

In the end, why does my vagina smell is a question with multiple answers which must be answered by a professional.