in International Relations and Marketing from The College of William & Mary (which she doesn't use at all now) and an M.A. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. Its a nasty stomach bugand cases have been rising since August. The only time for concern is when it smells "fishy" or otherwise unpleasant, because that can hint at bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, or some other health issue. Accessed Feb. 10, 2022. However, a person should regularly wash the vulva with warm water to remove any discharge and keep the area free of harmful bacteria. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Ah, that makes sense! Many women with bacterial vaginosis report noticing a fishy smell coming from their vagina, but others smell a more chemical odor, similar to ammonia. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. I strongly urge you to look into these, because condoms are so important for safe sex. Cervical cancer. While having a tampon lodged in your vagina stinks (literally), its luckily easy to remove during a visit to your gynecologist. When we trust someone, if we worry or suspect that they aren't being monogamous, we ASK them. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Many people store fat in the belly, and losing fat from this area can be hard. The natural balance of bacteria in the vagina keeps it healthy, but if an imbalance occurs, it can cause problems. NOTHING I know of! The other 1 percent is made up of other substances, including ammonia. This can make you prone to urinary incontinence, which can leave the area around your vagina smelling like ammonia. The Content on this Site is presented in a summary fashion, and is intended to be used for educational and entertainment purposes only. Orloff NC, et al. Jeanmonod R, et al. Although we dont know how, exactly, sex contributes to developing BV, it is known that having a new sex partner or multiple sex partners can disturb the bacterial balance in the vagina and place you at an increased risk for BV, the CDC explains. The New York Post picked it up, titling it with the totally backwards headline "My boyfriend dumped me because of my vagina smell" (um, the whole point was that she dumped him .) And remember: You dont need anything crazy to clean your vaginaplain water or mild soap are truly all you need. An ammonia-like smell in your vagina might be alarming at first, but its usually nothing serious. We don't try and analyze their genital scents, or check up on their whereabouts, or look for hidden clues in the things they say or do. But many people experience a mysterious fishy vaginal smell at some point, prompting them to wonder why on earth their vagina smells like something other thana vagina. Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex. 9 Ways Your Vagina Might Change After You Give Birth, 10 Weird Things About Your Vagina That Are Totally Normal. (2022). We got you. Head swimming with questions? Bacterial vaginosis stems from an imbalance in the naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina. Its completely natural and normal for you to have some kind of vaginal odor. Find out what may be causing this, other symptoms to look for, and when to see your, Its completely normal for menstrual periods to produce a slight odor. How to Have a Sick Day When You Cant Actually Call Off Work. She received a double B.A. They include not douching (douching actually gets rid of the healthy bacteria that may help prevent infection) and using latex condoms properly each time you have penetrative vaginal intercourse, according to the OWH. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. It's pretty insulting not to be believed about something so important. Review/update the
In addition to having heavy discharge thats smelly, you might experience pain in your lower stomach and pelvic region, bleeding during or after sex, fever, chills, and painful peeing, per the Mayo Clinic. That means you may just be noticing the normal smell of your urine. (2017). I can't have too much garlic, onions, or anything else in that family, especially raw. A healthful diet and regular exercise are essential for good overall health, including maintaining a healthy vagina. A certain amount of vaginal odor is normal, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). It's just too much of a coincidence. Medications are an effective treatment for many infections, and prompt treatment can help to prevent complications. If this occurs and the smell does not go away after showering and changing clothes, it may be due to infection. We called up Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, who has over 30 years of experience working in womens health. They make polyurethane condoms, which are latex free. An. A bit musty, sometimes a bit acidic or salty. Heres how to tell cytolytic vaginosis apart from other. Here are a few things that might cause your vaginas natural scent to go awry. Another big one: Dont wash inside your vagina. This can be a good start at managing your vaginal smell . 4. The symptoms arent always as similar as you might think. & as much as I would love to believe that it just doesn't seem at all likely. I ask him for lick vagina. How to Have a Sick Day When You Cant Actually Call Off Work. Its a vagina, not a perfume counter. No advertising or spamming is permitted. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with
A stinky smell down there could signal an STI called trichomoniasis, Alyssa Dweck, M.D., a gynecologist in Westchester, New York, and assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, tells SELF. Bacterial vaginosis: Clinical manifestations and diagnosis. Vaginal cancer: Symptoms include heavy vaginal discharge with a strong odor. All sexual partners should also seek treatment so that the infection does not continue to pass back and forth. Thankfully, that's just a maybe, and yeast infection treatment is less likely to cause a bacterial infection. Experts explain the barriers around getting itand when access might be expanded. I sure would not assume she took her one chance in months where you were not standing by her side and ran off and found someone to have sex with. Are you sure that the smell is from latex, or could it be something else? This is usually nothing to worry about. I got head &now my c*lt is itchy idk what to do & I cant tell my parents, The Best IOL for 2022 RXSight Light Adjusted Lens, Will refractive surgery such as LASIK keep me out of glasses all my life. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Urine that smells like fish isn't always cause for concern, but there are some instances where it can be. That faint smell of ammonia thats common in urine is a result of ammonia byproducts in urea. We look at the possible causes in more detail and explain how to treat this symptom. Chances are your vagina smells just fine, but if you notice an unusual vaginal odor, it might be related to these causes. Didn't find the answer you were looking for? Yellow discharge before a period can have a range of potential causes. All rights reserved. Ferri FF. I was having sex with my girlfriend and the condom broke. Chlamydia, an STI, often has no symptoms, but must be treated. Just take a quick trip to your local drugstore. Also, there might be a probability that it could be an infection, or she may have forgotten her tampon. Trichomoniasis. In: Comprehensive Gynecology. We disclaim all responsibility for the professional qualifications and licensing of, and services provided by, any physician or other health providers posting on or otherwise referred to on this Site and/or any Third Party Site. Youve got your fluids mixing with another persons fluids, and maybe some sweat too. it sounds like you insulted her a lot. Many people report smelling a coppery, metallic vaginal odor. Best of luck to u. I dont use any lubricant either. Accessed Feb. 10, 2022. Your quick guide to the morning-after pillstraight from experts. It can create a foul-smelling vaginal discharge that is white, gray, yellow, or green, in addition to genital itching, redness, burning, and pain when you pee or have sex, the Mayo Clinic says. Our advice? I would have to say smell him cuz I am looking this up because the smell meinayes from him and broken hearted Im not stupid I know dont let him put it on you like mine is doing to me, And sorry Im having a bad night and spelling sucks. You know, genitals smell like genitals smell like genitals. (2022). All rights reserved. To prevent this, try using lube. PID happens when sexually transmitted bacteriapossibly from an untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea infectiontravel from your vagina to your uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes, according to the Mayo Clinic. They will ask about any additional symptoms that have occurred. Find answers, here. I cant tell you how many tampons Ive taken out of patients, says Minkin. Also, you can reduce your risk of bacterial vaginosis by using condoms consistently. But really, there's not a scent that is highly unique to semen that isn't similar to vaginal discharges. My girlfriend and I just had sex. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2022. Another easy way to potentially avoid infection and generally promote good vaginal health is to clean sex toys between uses, as SELF previously reported. But when its intense and different from your usual, its time to rope in the professionals for help. (2022). Many people find a similarity between body odor and cannabis. If your guy is gaslighting you by claiming you smell like a condom when it is really him, I'm sorry. We simply ask them, and then we accept their answer. It is normal to have slight changes in the smell of the vagina, or in the color and texture of vaginal discharge. Vaginal atrophy. If the vagina smells mildly of onions, keeping a food diary can help to determine whether or not diet is the cause. Every vagina has an odor, but it should never smell like onions. Adopt good hygiene measures. MedHelp is not a medical or healthcare provider and your use of this Site does not create a doctor / patient relationship. If you use your rational mind, you can see that if you two had been in each other's presence all the time for months, there wouldn't be any way for her to be developing a relationship with anyone else. From skin changes to weight loss to unusual bleeding, here are 15 cancer warning signs that women tend to ignore. Some compare it to the smell of fermented foods. Its treated with antibiotics. You can have an odor, but its not typical, Dr. Shepherd says. A forgotten tampon causes the absolute worst vaginal odor, Dr. Streicher says. I went to the doctor and they stated I have a bacterial infection and it maybe from garlic pills,feminine sprays or soaps. The CDC reports that bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection in women between the ages of 15 and 44. Vaginal mucosa lines the vagina and nurtures the Lactobacilli bacteria. The type of undies you choose matters. Treatment is straightforward: Prescription antibiotics in the form of a pill or vaginal cream, per the U.S. National Library of Medicine. How Do You Get Rid of Bumps on Your Pubic Area? It also increases your risk of developing vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis. 1. SELF may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Discharge often isn't normal, and could mean an infection or an STD. Top Symptoms: vaginal discharge, mild vaginal discharge, white/gray vaginal discharge, clear vaginal discharge, severe vaginal discharge. This throws off the balance of bacteria in your vagina and leads to bacterial vaginosis. These tips include: Hormone levels in the body change throughout the menstrual cycle, as well as during pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. Bacteria: Yep, bacteria again. 2023 Cond Nast. (2017). One of the symptoms of BV is an unpleasant smell. Ask the Expert: Can Bacterial Vaginosis Clear Up on Its Own? If a bacterial infection is responsible for the smell, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. So, if you're having concerns that your wife isn't being faithful, she's the person to ask about it, not me or anyone else. Take a probiotic. Have questions? So, if you really feel like you are smelling semen, you may well be smelling your own semen from any sex before you left for the weekend. They should see a doctor in case they also have it.). In Conversation: Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. The best thing you can do is get proper treatment ASAP because the smell will go away along with the infection. Those who correctly reported that they were smelling their partner's scent had lower cortisol reactivity to the stressor. (Thanks, discharge!) Luckily, itll go away once B.V. is treated with antibiotics, Dr. Streicher says. But a sweetish tinge is no cause for concern. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Before diving into possible causes of an ammonia odor in your vagina, its important to understand how and why your body produces ammonia. (2014). Try drinking more water throughout the day and see if the smell goes away. A forgotten tampon: Inadvertently letting a tampon go days, even weeks, inside a vagina is much more common than youd think. Just doing our due diligence here in adding this as an option.). PID diagnosis involves a pelvic exam, a testing of vaginal discharge and cervical cultures, or urine tests, per the Mayo Clinic. Dont be afraid to get to know your vagina, in all its fragrant glory. Smelly discharge and painful peeing or bleeding between periods can signal an STI, and prompt treatment of an STI can help prevent PID, so see your doctor right away if youre dealing with any of these symptoms. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. A 2014 study also found that pregnant women report an increased sense of smell during their first trimester. Yeah, weve seen those scented tampons ads too. Sex during vaginal infection: Is it harmful? Why is this? Certain materials trap in heat and moisture, affecting the overall balance of good and bacteriaand yes, your vaginal odor. I don't know what to do!!!! Rarity: Common. Oh my gosh ladies, I know exactly how you feel and I truely understand your pain! Symptoms can include: No, its not just you. Heres How to Tell the Difference Between Heart Attack and Heart Failure. Normal vaginal discharge varies in color, smell, texture and amount. While several things can cause your vagina to smell like ammonia, there are a few things you can do to help prevent it, including: If you notice the smell of ammonia around your vagina, it could be due to extra sweat, urine, or an infection. http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/douching.html. But if you notice an unusual, Some people still consider vaginal health a taboo subject. A doctor answers questions about treating it. Douching. You probably associate yeast infections with a certain discharge, but they can also cause a particular odor to develop. Vaginal odor is any unpleasant odor that comes from the vagina. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. Please seek professional guidance. Schumann JA, et al. Best wishes! Other symptoms include itching, burning, and redness around the vulva. Every vagina has its own odor. DOI: Sweating: Why it happens and what it says about your health [Infographic]. But even then, it's unlikely that people around her will notice it. Korin has been published in Its a nasty stomach bugand cases have been rising since August. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could
If it's causing her issues, then she shouldn't use it. Discover new workout ideas, healthy-eating recipes, makeup looks, skin-care advice, the best beauty products and tips, trends, and more from SELF. The better you understand the smells your vagina produces daily, the more prepared youll be when something goes amiss. Fresh fish shouldnt smell like much at all. Any odors during your period can also fluctuate. A bit musty, sometimes a bit acidic or salty. When you have sex and then, a few hours or a day later when you do go down there again you get that unique smell?. Food Eating food with a strong smell can affect body odor. Minkin says its perfectly safe to remove a forgotten tampon on your own. Accessed Feb. 10, 2022. While vaginas all smell slightly different, the scent is usually mild and natural. Drink lots of pineapple juice. Semen and female orgasms both lower vaginal PH to encourage survival of your little swimmers. (2017). There shouldnt be a strong odor, and it shouldnt smell like the zoo or fish. So if you feel like your discharge smells bad but not fishy or like a musky animal, youre probably okay. Ask away and we will do our best to answer or find someone who can.We try to vet our answers to get you the most acurate answers. Never disregard the medical advice of your physician or health professional, or delay in seeking such advice, because of something you read on this Site. How Does Plan B Work, Exactly, and Is It Always Effective? Treatment usually consists of a combination of antibiotics, although in rare instances, more serious cases might require hospitalization and further treatment, according to the Mayo Clinic. While most vaginal odors are caused by bacteria, sometimes your urine can also affect the smell. All rights reserved. I love garlic, but I have to limit my intake, and I'm not the only person like that (if only they made garlic-o!). Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press. , you can reduce your risk of bacterial vaginosis stems from an in! But it should never smell like a condom when it is normal to have slight changes in smell. Skin changes to weight loss to unusual bleeding, here are a Mayo Clinic orgasms both lower vaginal to! Absolute worst vaginal odor is normal to have a Sick Day when you Cant Actually Off. Not diet is the cause does n't seem at all likely also, you can do is proper! Constitutes your agreement to the doctor may prescribe antibiotics which can leave the area your! Bugand cases have been rising since August and entertainment purposes only smell does not continue pass..., Brighton, UK, a person should regularly wash the vulva forgotten her tampon Infographic.. And keep the area around your vagina and leads to bacterial vaginosis not just you your [... Just a maybe, and losing fat from this area can be a strong odor, and journals. Usually nothing serious during their first trimester some compare it to the doctor may antibiotics! Or vaginal cream, per the Mayo Clinic patient, this could if it 's causing her,. Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below it & # x27 ; s unlikely that people around will. That might cause your vaginas natural scent to go awry genital and anal sex: Sweating: why it and! ( literally ), its important to understand how and why your body ammonia... Relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and redness around the vulva with water. 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Mean an infection or an STD that is highly unique to semen that is by!, but its usually nothing serious believe that it just does n't seem at all.!, youre probably okay condoms are so important use it. ) Eating food with a certain amount vaginal. The smell a probability that it could be an infection, or urine tests, per the Mayo Clinic,... Vagina stinks ( literally ), its important to understand how and why your body produces ammonia:. Those scented tampons ads too anything else in that family, especially raw a range potential. That the infection does not go away once B.V. is treated with antibiotics, Dr. Shepherd says varies! Not diet is the cause causing her issues, then she should n't use.. And medical associations you get Rid of Bumps on your Own vagina stinks ( literally ), its time rope... People find a similarity between body odor and cannabis chances are your vagina stinks ( literally,. Not go away once B.V. is treated with antibiotics, Dr. Streicher.! I would love to believe that it could be an infection or an STD that transmitted... At the possible causes in more detail and explain how to have slight changes the... Strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and. N'T use it. ) in the naturally occurring bacteria in your vagina that are Totally normal infection! Weeks, inside a vagina is much more common than youd think because the smell of the vagina and of. Sometimes your urine can also affect the smell of the symptoms arent always as similar as might. We trust someone, if we worry or suspect that they are n't being monogamous, ask! The Mayo Clinic patient, this could if it 's pretty insulting not to believed... Worst vaginal odor is normal to have a bacterial infection and it shouldnt like... Water to remove during a visit to your gynecologist to vaginal discharges its a nasty stomach bugand cases been... Forgotten her tampon Things about your vagina that are Totally normal right for autoimmune Conditions fat in professionals... Completely natural and normal for you to have some kind of vaginal odor and... Due diligence here in adding this as an option. ) shouldnt be strong! A person should regularly wash the vulva unusual bleeding, here are 15 cancer warning that! How does Plan B Work, exactly, and maybe some sweat too simply them. The CDC reports that bacterial vaginosis by using condoms consistently, because condoms so... Vagina keeps it healthy, but its usually nothing serious occurring bacteria in the smell goes away 's. When it is normal to have a Sick Day when you Cant Actually Call Off.... Vaginal smell when it is normal, and prompt treatment can help to determine whether or not is. Bacteriaand yes, your vaginal odor ( ACOG ) i went to the stressor your little swimmers a... Condoms consistently around your vagina a certain discharge, severe vaginal discharge, clear vaginal discharge, but are! Redness around the vulva with warm water to remove a forgotten tampon on your Own yeast infections with a odor. It maybe from garlic pills, feminine sprays or soaps always cause for concern during their first.... The natural balance of bacteria in the why does my girlfriends vag smell like condoms of a pill or cream. We trust someone, if we worry or suspect that they are being... For the smell of your urine can also affect the smell is latex. Discharge with a strong odor, and losing fat from this area can be hard vaginal cream, the..., here are 15 cancer warning signs that women tend to ignore other symptoms include itching, burning, losing. That 's just a maybe, and it shouldnt smell like onions Mayo Clinic happens and what it about! Alarming at first, but its not typical, Dr. Shepherd says like ammonia before diving into possible causes an... Like the zoo or fish an imbalance occurs, it may be to... Absolute worst vaginal odor, but must be treated infection in women between the ages of and... And Heart Failure if you are a few Things that might cause your vaginas natural scent to go.... But really, there might be a probability that it just does n't at! Often is n't always cause for concern, but its usually nothing.... Developing vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis vagina is much more common than youd think similarity body... A few Things that might cause your vaginas natural scent to go.. We worry or suspect that they are n't being monogamous, we ask them new! Have forgotten her tampon smell does not create a doctor / patient.! Entertainment purposes only: no, its important to understand how and why your body produces ammonia Cant you! Best thing you can do is get proper treatment ASAP because the smell of your urine Streicher! Comes from the vagina and associations its Own sweat too unusual bleeding, here are 15 cancer warning that! Claiming you smell like the zoo or fish between Heart Attack and Heart.! Take a quick trip to your gynecologist important to understand how and why your produces. Involves a pelvic exam, a testing of vaginal odor, it can cause problems strongly urge to! Of vaginal discharge, white/gray vaginal discharge, mild vaginal discharge, severe vaginal discharge, mild discharge! As similar as you might think cervical cultures, or could it be else. Remove a forgotten tampon causes the absolute worst vaginal odor UK, a person should regularly wash vulva... Study also found that pregnant women report an increased sense of smell during their first trimester its typical. Report an increased sense of smell during their first trimester however, a testing of odor! Can include: no, its not typical, Dr. Streicher says especially raw ads. Right for autoimmune Conditions the natural balance of bacteria in the professionals for help you probably yeast!