Women have a high concentration of sweat glands around the outside of the vagina on the labia majora. These “apocrine glands” are similar to those found in the armpits, and can produce a fluid that reacts to the presence of vaginal bacteria to create a pungent, “body odor” aroma.
It's normal to smell “down there,” even after bathing. Your vagina resides in a warm, dark place loaded with lymph nodes and glands. It has its own delicately balanced ecosystem with unique, odor-producing bacterial flora.
Vaginal fishy odour accompanied with a white, yellow, or greenish discharge, is usually an indication of an infection. Therefore, identifying the cause is essential as it could indicate a STD and start the necessary treatment.
Vaginal odor can change from day to day during the menstrual cycle. An odor might be especially noticeable right after having sex. Sweating also can cause a vaginal odor. Bacterial vaginosis is an overgrowth of bacteria typically present in the vagina.
Sweat is a combination of water, salt, and other chemicals. When it comes into contact with bacteria on the skin, it produces an odor. fungal infections: Fungal infections thrive in warm, moist areas, such as the groin area and inner thighs. They can cause a red, itchy rash and produce an unpleasant odor.
Gonorrhoea can cause unusual discharge (also known as a 'drip') from the penis, which may have a slightly foul smell, comparable to mushrooms or fish. presented the samples of sweat and saliva to a group of women who tested and compared those same samples to a group of 'healthy' men.
"The vagina has sweat glands and hair follicles, which can attract bacteria and contribute to strong odor," Dr. Ross said. Also, the vagina's location near the anus makes it crucial that you keep the area clean to avoid bacteria buildup that can lead to foul odors, Dr. Ross said.
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.
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.
Bacterial vaginosis is one of the most common causes of a smelly vagina, affecting 15% to 50% of women of reproductive age. 'It's a condition where there's an imbalance in the vaginal flora,' Dr Rosén explains. 'The first symptom is often a fishy smell, which can progress to a frothy, grey or green-ish discharge.
The acidity and antioxidants in cranberries, as well as citrus fruits, can help reduce vaginal odor by discouraging bacterial growth. Always consult with your healthcare provider if you think your vaginal scent or discharge is abnormal.
A strong vaginal odor may be a sign of vaginitis, or it may be a temporary smell related to your hygiene, lifestyle or other changes. Take note of whether you have other symptoms. If the odor is related to an infection, you'll usually notice other changes, like vaginal itching, burning and discharge.
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.
Olfactory reference syndrome (ORS), also known as olfactory reference disorder, is an underrecognized and often severe condition that has similarities to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). People with ORS think they smell bad, but in reality, they don't.
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.
If you sense a little body odor, it's because your pubic hair is doing its job of trapping sweat, oil, and bacteria.
Trichomoniasis – Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite that results in a foul-smelling vaginal odour. Gonorrhoea – Gonorrhoea can cause a yellow, white or green discharge which can cause an unpleasant odour.
Gonorrhea is a bacterial sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is sometimes called "the clap." The origin of this nickname is not known, but it can be traced to several words with various meanings, including the French word "clapier" (brothel), the old English word "clappan" (to beat or throb), and others.
Discharge: The hallmark sign of BV is discharge with a “fishy” smell. Discharge from yeast infections doesn't usually have a strong smell but may look like cottage cheese. Vaginal irritation: Typically, BV doesn't cause vaginal irritation or itchiness.
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.