Why do I smell sour down there?

Author: Astrid Gleichner  |  Last update: Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Normal vaginal odors A vaginal odor that smells slightly sour or tangy may be a sign that the pH level in your vaginal flora is slightly more acidic than is typical. This smell is associated with the good bacteria in your vagina, lactobacilli. Some people describe the odor as yeasty, similar to sourdough bread.

What does it mean when you have a sour odor?

That sour smell is usually a combination of factors. Your diet, for one, can play a big role. Foods that are high in sulfur, like garlic and onions, can impart a pungent aroma to your sweat. And let's not forget about stress.

Is a sour smell a yeast infection?

Bacterial vaginosis is an overgrowth of bacteria typically present in the vagina. It's a common vaginal condition that can cause vaginal odor. Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection, also can lead to vaginal odor. A yeast infection usually doesn't cause vaginal odor.

How do you get rid of sour taste down there?

Avoiding tobacco and caffeine may also help induce a more favorable flavor. Drinking plenty of water is another way to filter chemicals out of the body and water down the acidity of vaginal fluids. Dietary changes may not always be feasible for an occasional, perhaps unexpected, jaunt of oral sex.

What does it mean when down there smells sour?

Tangy, fermented, or sour.

These are perfectly healthy adjectives to describe the vaginal odor created by your normal bacterial flora. Good bacteria help keep your vagina healthy by producing lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and other substances to keep harmful bacteria at bay.

WHAT YOUR VAGINA IS SUPPOSED TO SMELL LIKE | Dr. Aisha Rush

Why does my discharge smell weird but not fishy?

This scent will vary by person and may be described as fleshy or musky. It may also smell metallic near your period or bleach-like after intercourse. These scents are normal and can vary depending on diet, exercise and hormone fluctuations. There is no need to take any action to remove or cover up these normal odors.

How do you get rid of a tangy VAG smell?

How to reduce vaginal odor
  1. Adopt good hygiene measures. Adopting safe and gentle vaginal hygiene practices can help reduce vaginal odor. ...
  2. Use internal menstruation products. ...
  3. Care for the vagina after sex. ...
  4. Consume probiotics. ...
  5. Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing. ...
  6. Cut sugar and boost hydration.

How to tighten your Virginia naturally?

To perform Kegel exercises, you need first to locate your pelvic floor muscles. These are the muscles that you use to stop the flow of urine midstream. Once you have located the muscles, contract them for five seconds, then relax for five seconds. Repeat this ten times in a row, then rest for a minute.

What pills are good for smelly discharge?

To treat bacterial vaginosis, your doctor may prescribe one of the following medicines:
  • Metronidazole (Flagyl, Metrogel-Vaginal, others). This medicine comes as a pill or topical gel. ...
  • Clindamycin (Cleocin, Clindesse, others). ...
  • Tinidazole (Tindamax). ...
  • Secnidazole (Solosec).

Why does it smell when I open my legs?

We get it — it's a common problem, but sometimes it can make you self-conscious (“wait, can other people smell that, too?!”) and affect your confidence. Inner thigh odor is caused by various factors, including excessive sweating, fungal infections, poor hygiene, and hormonal changes.

Can others smell my discharge?

The truth is that when everything's normal, no one else smells any odors from a girl's vagina. If a girl has an infection like bacterial vaginosis, she may notice a fishy smell. But even then, it's unlikely that people around her will notice it.

How can I clear my BV on my own?

To help eliminate bacterial vaginosis naturally, consider taking probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus species, to restore vaginal flora balance, and using natural remedies like boric acid suppositories or tea tree oil.

Why does under my breast smell sour?

While sweat itself doesn't smell, you may develop body odor when there is the presence of bacteria on your skin. This is particularly why sweaty breasts smell sour or musky. Body odor comes from bacteria on the skin, which breaks down sweat produced by the apocrine glands.

What does bacterial vaginosis smell like?

Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include: an unusual vaginal discharge that has a strong fishy smell, particularly after sex. a change to the colour and consistency of your discharge, such as becoming greyish-white and thin and watery.

How do I get rid of sour smell in my body?

The following suggestions may help:
  1. Bathe daily. Regular bathing, especially with an antibacterial soap, reduces the growth of bacteria on your skin.
  2. Choose clothing to suit your activity. For daily wear, choose natural fabrics, such as cotton, wool and silk. ...
  3. Try relaxation techniques. ...
  4. Change your diet.

Why does my girlfriend feel loose now?

The two most common reasons females experience vaginal laxity is a combination of menopause and ageing, and vaginal childbirth.

How to make your Virginia clean and smell good?

How can vaginal odor be prevented?
  1. Practice good hygiene. Shower regularly and only use mild, unscented soap and warm water to clean your vulva. ...
  2. Don't douche. ...
  3. Wear light, breathable clothing. ...
  4. Drink plenty of water. ...
  5. Protect your vagina (and vaginal flora) during sex.

What fruit can I eat to tighten my Virginia?

Pelvic floor can be strengthened with a strict diet that include oestrogen rich foods like pomegranates, soybeans, carrots, apples, berries etc….

Is it OK to smell sour down there?

A slightly tangy or sour aroma, similar to the smell of some fermented foods, is normal. This is due to the presence of the “lactobacilli” bacteria that dominates most healthy vaginas. This bacteria helps keep the vagina acidic, protecting against the growth of bad bacteria.

Why do I smell bad even with good hygiene?

Still, it's possible that things like diet, medical conditions or a bacterial buildup on the skin could be causing odor, Kopelman says. Hyperhidrosis, the medical term for excessive sweating, could also contribute, because bacteria thrives in moist environments.

Why are my pants always wet and smelly?

Many people find that they suffer from urge incontinence or stress incontinence, particularly as they age or after having children. This incontinence means that urine leaks onto your pants, causing an ammonia smell.

What does high estrogen smell like?

Does estrogen have a smell? Estrogen doesn't have a scent, but hormonal changes during menopause can alter body odor. As estrogen drops and testosterone becomes more dominant, sweat may attract more bacteria, leading to stronger smells, particularly during hot flashes.

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