It’s one of those things we all wonder but rarely speak up about: Why does my vagina smell? Sure, odds are you have some kind of eau de vagina going on at all times, but sometimes it varies...and it's natural to get a little worried when that happens.
According to women’s health expert Jennifer Wider, M.D., vaginal smells even vary from woman to woman. “There’s not a one size fits all here,” she says. “There’s a wide range of normal.”
Jessica Shepherd, M.D., an assistant professor of clinical obstetrics & gynecology and Director of Minimally Invasive Gynecology at The University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, agrees and says it’s all due to a combination of factors like genetics, differences in how women produce discharge and sweat, and how your body metabolizes bacteria.
While vaginal odor is different from woman to woman, it can also change throughout your cycle, Wider says. So, how are you supposed to know what you should be worried about and what’s totally normal? Experts break it down:
Your vagina is probably fine if…
It smells sweet
It could simply be because of something you ate. “Sometimes changes in food can contribute to the scent of vaginal discharge,” Shepherd says—and pineapple and citrus fruits are notorious for this.
It could simply be because of something you ate. “Sometimes changes in food can contribute to the scent of vaginal discharge,” Shepherd says—and pineapple and citrus fruits are notorious for this.
It smells musty
Your smell usually changes up after you have sex, Wider says, especially unprotected sex, where his semen can mix with your natural scent to create an old basement-like odor. Don’t stress—it’s totally normal.
Your smell usually changes up after you have sex, Wider says, especially unprotected sex, where his semen can mix with your natural scent to create an old basement-like odor. Don’t stress—it’s totally normal.
It smells armpit-y
You sweat when you work out, and some of that can work its way into your vagina, where it creates a sweaty-type smell, Wider says.
You sweat when you work out, and some of that can work its way into your vagina, where it creates a sweaty-type smell, Wider says.
Talk to your doctor if…
It smells a lot
Think: You’re worried someone will notice-level stench. “The smell that one woman's vagina has should not be overpowering,” Shepherd says.
Think: You’re worried someone will notice-level stench. “The smell that one woman's vagina has should not be overpowering,” Shepherd says.
It smells fishy
It could be a sign of an infection like bacterial vaginosis, a yeast infection, trichomoniasis, or a forgotten tampon, Wider says. If the smell is strong and persists, call your doctor.
It could be a sign of an infection like bacterial vaginosis, a yeast infection, trichomoniasis, or a forgotten tampon, Wider says. If the smell is strong and persists, call your doctor.
It smells like bread
Go figure: A yeast-y smell down there can be a sign of a yeast infection. Just check your discharge, too, Wider says. If it’s more than usual or has a cottage cheese-like look, you should get it checked out.
Go figure: A yeast-y smell down there can be a sign of a yeast infection. Just check your discharge, too, Wider says. If it’s more than usual or has a cottage cheese-like look, you should get it checked out.
Experts stress that it’s normal for your vagina to smell on some level. But, if you have concerns, it never hurts to flag a scent to your doctor.