Many women wonder if having a smell “down there” is normal or if having a vaginal scent is a sign of a vaginal infection. The truth is, it is perfectly normal to have a feminine odor.

All vaginas have an odor— yes, even healthy ones. In fact, many vaginal scents are even a sign of a healthy vagina. However, it is important to know the difference between a healthy feminine odor and a smell that should alert you to talk to your doctor.

Why Do Vaginas Smell?

Vaginas aren’t meant to smell like flowers or perfume. Every vagina has its own natural scent, even after showering. For some women, their natural smell is very mild. For others, it might be a little more noticeable or distinct.

Your vagina has a smell, just like other parts of you, like your armpits, feet, or breath. One reason the vagina has a smell has to do with its unique environment.

The vagina maintains a complex microbiome with specialized bacteria that help protect against infections. This delicate ecosystem naturally produces some odor and is actually a sign of good vaginal health.

It’s even common for feminine odors to change throughout the day, especially during your menstrual cycle, after sex, and when pregnant. Your feminine odor can even change after eating certain foods or using feminine hygiene products.

Also, like other parts of your body with sweat glands, the groin area can get sweaty. So, what you might perceive as vaginal odor could simply be normal gland secretions and body scents from being hot or exercising between showers.

More times than not, vaginal odors should not incite a need to be alarmed. However, there are a few instances where the smell of your vagina can indicate something is not right.

We will discuss this in more detail, but for example—If your vagina develops a strong, unusual smell, particularly one with a fishy smell or when your vagina smells like ammonia—it could signal a type of vaginitis or other feminine health issue that needs attention.

Another sign that your feminine odor isn’t normal is if it is accompanied by a sudden change in discharge. Many times, women will also have additional symptoms such as itching, swelling, or pain. If this is the case, then chances are you should consult with your OB/GYN.

These odor changes, especially when accompanied by other symptoms like itching, burning, or abnormal discharge, typically indicate common vaginal infections like bacterial vaginosis (BV) or yeast infections.

What Is A Normal Vaginal Odor?

Generally, a healthy vagina usually has only a mild odor or sometimes no odor at all.

Determining what is “normal” really comes down to understanding your body’s natural scents; that way, you can easily recognize when something might be off and require medical attention.

Every woman’s vaginal odor is slightly different, and as mentioned above, it can even change throughout your menstrual cycle, with hormonal fluctuations, after sexual activity, or during pregnancy.

Here are some completely normal vaginal odors you may experience:

  • Mild, musky, or earthy: This is the most common healthy vaginal scent, created by your vagina’s normal bacterial flora. These beneficial bacteria produce lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide that maintain an optimal pH balance (between 3.8-4.5 for premenopausal women and 4.5-6 for menopausal women), helping prevent bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.
  • Slightly sweet or tangy: A somewhat acidic, tangy scent indicates your vaginal pH is still in the healthy range. This natural acidity helps your body fight off potential infections and maintain vaginal health.
  • Metallic or coppery: This scent typically appears during or after menstruation due to the iron content in blood. You might also notice this smell after sexual intercourse that causes minor cervical irritation or small tears in vaginal tissue.
  • Bleach-like or ammonia: Yes, we mentioned earlier that a vagina that smells like ammonia could be a bad sign, but that isn’t always the case. If your vagina smells like ammonia, it most often relates to urine traces, especially if you’ve been dehydrated. However, a strong ammonia odor accompanied by burning or unusual discharge might indicate a urinary tract infection rather than a vaginal issue.

Additionally, any feminine scent change after sexual activity is most likely normal. Semen has a high pH (around 7.1-8), which can temporarily alter your vaginal pH and therefore its scent. This change typically resolves within a day as your vagina naturally rebalances.

Remember that your normal scent can change slightly depending on your diet, hydration levels, and where you are in your menstrual cycle.

The key is being familiar with your body’s typical patterns so you can identify when something seems unusual, like the fishy smell discharge associated with bacterial vaginosis or the significant changes that might indicate a yeast infection.

What Is An Unhealthy Vaginal Odor?

While all vaginas have a natural scent, certain odors can signal health issues that require medical attention. Once you understand what is “normal” for you, it’s pretty easy to know when something smells a little off.

Here are some common abnormal vaginal odors that likely warrant attention:

  • Strong fishy smell discharge: Perhaps the most common concerning odor is a distinct fishy smell. This odor often intensifies after sexual intercourse or during your period and typically indicates bacterial vaginosis (BV).
  • Unlike the mild, musky scent of a healthy vagina, BV produces a pronounced, unpleasant fishy odor due to an overgrowth of certain bacteria.
  • When your vagina smells like ammonia: While slight ammonia scents can be normal from urine, an overwhelming ammonia odor accompanied by unusual discharge might signal a urinary tract infection or another condition requiring treatment.
  • Yeasty or bread-like odor: Though yeast infections don’t typically cause strong odors like BV, they may produce a subtle yeasty smell along with a thick, white discharge resembling cottage cheese. The primary symptoms of a yeast infection are usually intense itching and irritation rather than odor.
  • Rotten or putrid odor: A strong foul smell could indicate a forgotten tampon or foreign object, or potentially a more serious infection. This type of odor demands immediate medical attention.

Of the above unhealthy vaginal odors, understanding the distinction between the odor associated with bacterial vaginosis and a yeast infection is probably the most important, as these are the two most common types of vaginosis that are often confused, leading many women to self-diagnose and self-treat the wrong condition.

For that reason, we’re going to go into a little more detail about the differences in feminine odors that are associated with each infection.

Recognizing the Difference: Bacterial Vaginosis vs. Yeast Infection

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) occurs when the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina is disrupted, allowing harmful bacteria to flourish. While not classified as an STD, sexual activity can trigger BV symptoms in some women.

While some women experience very mild symptoms or no symptoms, typically, the signs of BV include a thin, grayish-white discharge, vaginal irritation, and sometimes a burning sensation when urinating. Bleeding after sex might also be an indicator of BV.

However, the most telling sign that you likely have BV is that it is almost always accompanied by a distinctive fishy odor that becomes more noticeable after intercourse. That fishy odor is the number one way you can distinguish between BV and a yeast infection.

Unlike BV, yeast infections usually don’t cause strong odors. Yeast infection symptoms develop when Candida fungi overgrow, often following antibiotic use, hormonal changes, or immune system fluctuations. So, if there is an odor, it is usually a very subtle yeast smell.

The most telling sign that you have a yeast infection is a change in discharge. Yeast infections produce thick, white discharge resembling cottage cheese, along with significant itching and irritation.

If you’re experiencing abnormal vaginal odors, especially when accompanied by other symptoms like itching, burning, unusual discharge, or discomfort during urination or intercourse, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider.

Both BV and yeast infections require specific treatments, and using the wrong over-the-counter medication could actually worsen your symptoms.

What Not To Do If You Have Feminine Odor

We understand that when you have an unusual feminine odor, it can be embarrassing. Of course, you want to get rid of it. However, in doing so, you could make it worse.

If you have feminine odor, here are some things you should not do:

Do Not Douche

The number one thing you should avoid if you have feminine odor is douching or overly-cleansing. It can be tempting to want to take issues into your own hands and use over-the-counter feminine cleaning products, like douches.

Douching is never a good idea. While douching may initially make you feel cleaner, it can actually cause more harm than good.

Douches change the pH of the vagina, upsetting the normal balance of bacteria and other microbes, and this can cause infections or bacteria imbalances. Furthermore, some douche formulas can even cause an allergic reaction.

Do Not Use Harsh Cleansers

You also do not need harsh soaps or feminine wash products with fragrances. Only use water or gentle fragrance-free soaps or soaps designed for intimate areas, like pH-balanced feminine washes.

Remember that the vagina is a self-cleaning organ—douching or excess cleaning is not necessary. If you have concerns regarding any changes in your feminine odor or color, you should consult your doctor, who can work with you to make sure you are in optimal health.

Use Caution With OTC Products

Yeast infection tests and vaginal pH test strips are available over the counter and can be helpful tools in determining if your feminine odor is related to bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection.

While vaginal test strips can be helpful tools, they aren’t always 100% accurate and can sometimes lead to incorrect self-diagnosis.

Same with OTC vaginosis treatments. There are over-the-counter creams and suppositories that you can try, such as Monistat for a yeast infection, or boric acid, or Gynocare BV treatment.

Many women find relief using these products, but only when they are certain of the type of vaginosis it is, and the symptoms are mild. If you’ve had vaginosis in the past and are certain you’re experiencing the same symptoms, you can start by using these products.

However, if this is the first time you are experiencing a feminine odor that seems off, you are having recurring issues, or your feminine odor is accompanied by a discharge that is any color other than white/slightly yellow, pain, bleeding, itching, or burning— it’s best to not self-diagnose or self-treat and consult with your gynecologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Remember that symptoms of BV and yeast infection can sometimes be similar. Using the wrong treatment could potentially make your condition worse. Additionally, when it comes to some vaginal infections, there really isn’t a solid OTC approach.

For example, there isn’t an oral over-the-counter medication for BV, and oftentimes, a yeast infection needs more than a cream; you might also need an oral prescription fungal medication.

And when it comes to an STI, such as trichomoniasis, chlamydia, or gonorrhea, there isn’t a home treatment at all.

A proper examination by a trusted gynecologist ensures you receive the most effective treatment for your specific situation.

When to See a Gynecologist About Feminine Odor

The most important thing you can do is be observant. Get to know your body and its unique feminine scent. That way, you can quickly identify when something is off.

When in doubt, and especially if your odor is accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, irritation, pain, or bleeding during/after sex, it’s best to book an appointment with an OB-GYN.

To recap, you should always contact a gynecologist if you notice:

A Strong Fishy Odor

The key word here is strong and one that is different from your typical vaginal scent. This could be an instance of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), particularly if the smell is accompanied by a watery, thin discharge that is greyish-white in color.

While BV is a very common condition, it doesn’t typically go away without some sort of treatment. Sometimes boric acid can be used to treat BV, but typically a course of antibiotics or a combination of boric acid and an antibiotic is recommended to restore the normal balance of vaginal bacteria and treat any other symptoms like pelvic pain or itching.

White/Yellow Discharge That is “Chunky”

Normal discharge can have a white or yellowish tint, but if it becomes chunky and/or has a pasty or yeasty smell, it may be a yeast infection that requires a doctor’s visit.

There are plenty of over-the-counter antifungal treatments available to treat yeast infections. However, these don’t always fully resolve the problem. Often, a higher dose than is listed on the directions or a prescription strength medication is needed to completely clear the infection, especially if it’s recurring or particularly stubborn.

Very Yellow or Green Discharge

While normal discharge can be slightly yellow, if it is very yellow or green, this is not typically normal and can be indicative of an STI infection. For example, trichomoniasis has a characteristic green discharge, and chlamydia and gonorrhea also produce discharges often accompanied by a smell.

Strong Ammonia Smell

A few other feminine odors may not be a direct result of infection, but they do garner some attention. Some women notice a strong smell of ammonia, and while this is often a byproduct of urination, it can also be a sign of dehydration, and a persistent smell can be a sign of menopause.

Rotten Smell

Some women report a rotten smell, and most often, this is a result of leaving a tampon inserted for too long. This can be especially dangerous as it can lead to Toxic Shock Syndrome.

Any Persistent or Recurrent Abnormal Odors

A healthcare professional should always evaluate any persistent or recurrent abnormal odors to rule out serious conditions and receive appropriate treatment.

BOTTOM LINE…

At the end of the day, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your vaginal health.

Remember that feminine odor and the vaginal infections that can cause it, like bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections, are incredibly common and nothing to be embarrassed about—many women will experience at least one of these conditions during their lifetime.

If your feminine odor seems off, schedule an appointment with Cool Springs OBGYN. Let us help you determine the source of your feminine odor and address the root cause so that it hopefully doesn’t come back again.

There’s no need to suffer in silence or risk prolonged discomfort or complications. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment with our experienced gynecologist in Middle Tennessee. We’re here to provide answers, expert care, and the proper treatment to get you feeling your best again.