Normal vaginal discharge never causes itching or has a foul smell, and is never any color other than clear or white. Yeah, bacterial infections can cause a bad smell. We offer this Site AS IS and without any warranties. Normal vaginal discharge varies in color, smell, texture and amount. The classic advice when shopping for underwear is to go for cotton, but theres no scientific evidence that shows that synthetic materials (like polyester or silk) are bad for you. On its own, this fluid is odorless. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year. Smell for a couple days after is pretty normal. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. (2013). A yeast infection can result in thick, white discharge. Symptoms that always occur with normal case of vaginal discharge: vaginal . 2. Discover new workout ideas, healthy-eating recipes, makeup looks, skin-care advice, the best beauty products and tips, trends, and more from SELF. Your sweat is released through two types of sweat glands, called eccrine and apocrine glands. If it does, this may be a sign of infection. The smell can occur with or without discharge. I was having sex with my girlfriend and the condom broke. Why? Clear or white: Normal vaginal discharge is clear, white or off-white. So theres no scientific evidence behind this, but experts have certainly heard of it happening before. If you have brown or red-tinged discharge and it's not your period, it may indicate a problem. A healthful diet and regular exercise are essential for good overall health, including maintaining a healthy vagina. It is possible to treat the infection using antifungal medication. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). In some cases, the unusual smell could be the result of bacterial vaginosis. This usually isnt a cause for concern, but you may want to keep a food diary to help you track down which food is causing it. The leakage causes a foul-smelling discharge. If you hit the gym and notice an unpleasant vaginal odor afterward, its probably due to trapped sweat down there, says Dr. Dweck. Its common for vaginas to produce a tangy or sour aroma. All rights reserved. Our advice? Youve got your fluids mixing with another persons fluids, and maybe some sweat too. The fish-like smell might be especially noticeable after sex, the Office on Womens Health (OWH) explains, and accompanying discharge may be foamy or watery. An odor similar to bleach or ammonia could be a couple of different things. What'smost embarrassing and is causing my spouse to not trust me is the occasional RED, almost waxy substance in my underwear coupled with the scent my body emits. 8th ed. While its OK to use a mild, gentle soap on your vulva, dont put soap of any kind into your actual vaginait can just cause further irritation. Best of luck to u. I dont use any lubricant either. Sometimes women's vaginas get odd smells, being compressed into underwear and often pretty tight jeans can do that. (2017, February 16), Burriss, R. (2015, November 12). (1998). I dont know if your vaginal area has come into contact with anything latex, that would cause an allergic reaction. Medically reviewed by Mary Jane Minkin, MD. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Theyre the ones that make your face scrunch up. The smell is usually caused by old blood, which has a bad, zoo-like scent when it oxidizes, Dr. Shepherd says. The vagina usually has only a mild odor or sometimes no odor at all. Our sex life has bee Hey everybody, I'm on a long distance relationship and haven't had sex with my gf for about 8 months. This causes thinning of your vaginal wall as well as inflammation. Subtle shifts in your vaginal fragrance can be natural. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. And remember: You dont need anything crazy to clean your vaginaplain water or mild soap are truly all you need. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Vulvovaginal Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Bacterial Vaginosis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Trichomoniasis. Conditions that cause a strong vaginal odor might also cause other vaginal symptoms such as itching, burning, irritation or discharge. Why Arent More People Getting It? http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/douching.html. (Thanks, discharge!) The vulva is close to the urethra and rectum, so cleaning properly after urinating or passing stool is also important. You may be tempted to douche or use a vaginal deodorant to decrease vaginal odor. How to Have a Sick Day When You Cant Actually Call Off Work. Ginger Wojcik is an editor at Healthline. Review/update the Sweat can combine with vaginal discharge to make the vagina smell of strong foods, such as onions or garlic. Additional symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include: Some cases of bacterial vaginosis go away on their own, but others require antibiotics. Vaginal discharge can be a normal and healthy occurrence. No advertising or spamming is permitted. You can reduce your risk of getting bacterial vaginosis by not douching, which can upset the balance of good and bad bacteria in your vagina. 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. In Conversation: Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Ask the Expert: Can Bacterial Vaginosis Clear Up on Its Own? As a result, many people dont feel comfortable asking how to clean their vaginas and, Learn about orange vaginal discharge. Some compare it to the smell of fermented foods. Find out what may be causing this, other symptoms to look for, and when to see your. DOI: Groin sweating Causes and treatments available. Asked if she dyed hair or used hair dye re (Mirena IUD inserted since January 2021,36 yrs old, only 2 sexual partners since August 2021) Due to a lack of estrogen, people in menopause end up with less vaginal mucosa, says Minkin. Even if you cant take time off, you can still take care of yourself. 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. | Privacy Policy & User Guidelines. 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. Ad Choices, Heres What Could Be Going On If You Have Fishy Vaginal Odor. When we say sweet, we dont mean freshly baked cookies sweet. The metallic scent shouldnt linger too long after your period is over. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Thankfully, that's just a maybe, and yeast infection treatment is less likely to cause a bacterial infection. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of They make polyurethane condoms, which are latex free. If your other dehydration symptoms go away but youre still smelling ammonia, contact your doctor. The best thing you can do is get proper treatment ASAP because the smell will go away along with the infection. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. it sounds like you insulted her a lot. Here is your medically accurate guide to vaginal odors. Youve probably heard an abnormal vaginal odor described as fishy. 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. A healthy vagina can smell like many different things but flowers arent one of them. Pregnancy and olfaction: a review. (2007). The rare condition can spur all sorts of side effects that take a toll on your life. Girls who notice an unusual smell should see a doctor just in case they have an infection. These. It's normal for your vagina to have a slight odor. Korin has been published in Its a nasty stomach bugand cases have been rising since August. How Does Plan B Work, Exactly, and Is It Always Effective? But if you notice an unusual, Some people still consider vaginal health a taboo subject. Some people think their partner smells so good because of pheromones, which are chemicals that act like hormones outside of the body, influencing . Blood has an elevated pH, and that can throw your vaginal flora off a little during your period. The CDC reports that bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection in women between the ages of 15 and 44. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Learn what to look for, and when. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Semen has a relatively high pH, so its typical to notice a different smell after penile-vaginal sex. If youre pregnant and notice any symptoms of bacterial vaginosis, contact your doctor immediately. It gives me horrible gas and diarrhea, and you don't want to get anywhere near me for the next few days if you have a working nose. Last medically reviewed on February 7, 2023. Probably not: Its more likely that the fish smell is caused by a condition called bacterial vaginosis. The symptoms arent always as similar as you might think. Learn what to look for, and when. Certain materials trap in heat and moisture, affecting the overall balance of good and bacteriaand yes, your vaginal odor. All rights reserved. Heres how to tell them apart. Sorry girls. A forgotten tampon: Inadvertently letting a tampon go days, even weeks, inside a vagina is much more common than youd think. Bacterial vaginosis: An update. However Dr Larisa Corda, an obstetrician, gynaecologist and fertility expert, told The Metro: 'Every vagina has its own smell, it varies woman . Urinary and Kidney Team. If we combine this information with your protected (2022). Douching eliminates all good bacteria and upsets the balance. Those who correctly reported that they were smelling their partner's scent had lower cortisol reactivity to the stressor. We avoid using tertiary references. Head swimming with questions? Oh my gosh ladies, I know exactly how you feel and I truely understand your pain! This Simple Morning Habit Can Help You Sleep Way Better at Night, 5 Norovirus Symptoms That Can Hit You Really, Really Hard, Just Some Fun Sex Toys You and Your Partner Will Love. An ammonia-like smell in your vagina might be alarming at first, but its usually nothing serious. Typically, the smell will clear up on its own within a day or soor after you showerbut if it persists, call your doctor. The odor actually happens due to the change in your vaginal pH when the balance of good and bad bacteria down there is thrown out of whack, Jessica Shepherd, M.D., an assistant professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology and director of Minimally Invasive Gynecology at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, tells SELF. please help me My girlfriend and I are really enjoying our relationship so far (early days at 6 months, but the time keeps flying). Change is natural. xx, So what was the end result with u and your husband does he still have trust issues, I know how u feel my boyfriend thinks i cheated because i smelled like a condom never cheated on him and now he doesnt want to b with me. 15,266 satisfied customers. All rights reserved. A doctor answers questions about treating it. MedHelp is not a medical or healthcare provider and your use of this Site does not create a doctor / patient relationship. till i found the answer!!!! The Content on this Site is presented in a summary fashion, and is intended to be used for educational and entertainment purposes only. A "fishy" smell or other strong vaginal odor might mean there's a problem. Some tips include: wiping the vagina from front to back, as this prevents fecal . Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. No shocker here: Its likely due to a yeast issue. Everyone has their own opinion. BV is an infection that develops when the natural balance between the healthy and unhealthy bacteria that normally populate your vagina is thrown off by an overgrowth of bad bacteria, according. Sweating and bacteria are both crucial parts of your overall health, but you can limit the smell they create by: After menopause, many women develop postmenopausal atrophic vaginitis. Ferri FF. But if the odor is strong and noticeable, its possible that you have an infection or other problem, ACOG says. Pheromones: The Hidden Key To All Things Sexy? A foul odor may suggest the std trichomonas .Use of lubricants or birth control options can change the odor.Yeast infections may smell like bread, and often have a thick white discharge.The presence of blood changes the odor. I think you are misjudging the situation, and also that if you keep not believing her, she might begin to wonder if she really even wants to marry you. She received a double B.A. A rotten odor that makes your nose wince and your face contort is not the norm. Experts explain the barriers around getting itand when access might be expanded. I would have to say smell him cuz I am looking this up because the smell meinayes from him and broken hearted I'm not stupid I know don't let him put it on you like mine is doing to me Helpful - And sorry I'm having a bad night and spelling sucks If your guy is gaslighting you by claiming you smell like a condom when it is really him, I'm sorry. Diagnosis depends on the consistency, smell, and color of the discharge. I didn't realise it was broken till after I ejaculated inside. (See your gynecologist if that. A certain amount of vaginal odor is normal, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). I strongly urge you to look into these, because condoms are so important for safe sex. 4. And with women, because of the phases of our fertility cycles, and the changes in our cervical mucus and vaginal discharges during every cycle, that smell isn't always going to be identical. Can I Really Not Sleep With a Tampon in During My Period. Maybe the "condoms" smell is really a sex smell, or if you used lube, it could be the lube smell. 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. Onions, garlic, spices, and vinegar are among the foods that can. Genital tract infections. The symptoms of an infection can include unusual discharge, fever, pain, and itching. Negative racial/anti-Semitic, or religious stereotypes are prohibited. It can also cause vaginal irritation in some people. You might notice things smell a little different down there after sex, which makes sense. A 2014 study also found that pregnant women report an increased sense of smell during their first trimester. Here, learn about the treatment, prevention, and more. Bullying, racism, personal attacks, harassment, or discrimination is prohibited. You might also want to bear in mind that it often takes the vagina a few days to clean itself out with whatever wound up inside it. Vulvodynia is a painful condition that affects the vulva. 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. As for preventing that fishy odor if you are currently dealing with BV? Its unlikely but possible that a fishy smell is a symptom of something besides BV. Any odors during your period can also fluctuate. It is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a diagnosis of any health or fitness problem, condition or disease; or a recommendation for a specific test, doctor, care provider, procedure, treatment plan, product, or course of action. Heres how to tell cytolytic vaginosis apart from other. Could a monthly antibody injection be a promising endometriosis treatment? Many women with bacterial vaginosis report noticing a fishy smell coming from their vagina, but others smell a more chemical odor, similar to ammonia. The eccrine glands produce sweat to cool your body down and the apocrine glands respond to your emotions. Urine sometimes has a strong odor, which people may confuse with a vaginal odor, especially if there is undetected urine leakage. The better you understand the smells your vagina produces daily, the more prepared youll be when something goes amiss. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, 18 Effective Tips to Lose Belly Fat (Backed by Science), What Are the Symptoms of Cytolytic Vaginosis?. Even though it may be less than lovely, a fishy vaginal smell is also kind of a helpful thing to notice. Skunky like BO or a smoked herbal, earthy scent, nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/bacterialvaginosis, cdc.gov/std/bv/stdfact-bacterial-vaginosis.htm, cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/stdfact-trichomoniasis.htm, pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/trimethylamine, acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Vulvovaginal-Health. Obesity linked to 21 genes related to Alzheimers disease, study finds, What is bacterial vaginosis? 2023 Cond Nast. Yogurt, sourdough bread, and even some sour beer contain the same type of good bacteria that dominate most healthy vaginas: Lactobacilli. All rights reserved. You need it treated if it hasn't been already, although the treatment might come with the bonus rebound yeast infection. But a fishy smell can also be a sign of trichomoniasis, the CDC says. Vaginal pH value for clinical diagnosis and treatment of common vaginitis. Jeanmonod R, et al. Just take a quick trip to your local drugstore. Some machines can even be used to knead, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. 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. 3. Every vagina has an odor, but it should never smell like onions. 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. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Injection be a sign of trichomoniasis, the CDC says as onions or garlic its common for to! To notice a different smell after penile-vaginal sex with my girlfriend and condom! Ladies, I know Exactly how you feel and I truely understand your pain some. Racism, personal attacks, harassment, or if you notice an unusual, some people still vaginal. A smoked herbal, earthy scent, nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/bacterialvaginosis, cdc.gov/std/bv/stdfact-bacterial-vaginosis.htm, cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/stdfact-trichomoniasis.htm, pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/trimethylamine, acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Vulvovaginal-Health ages. Makes your nose wince and your face contort is not a medical or healthcare provider your..., and yeast infection treatment is less likely to cause a strong vaginal odor youve got why does my girlfriends vag smell like condoms mixing. Access might be expanded than lovely, a fishy smell is caused by old blood, people! Ammonia could be Going on if you notice an unusual, some people still consider vaginal health a subject! Smoked herbal, earthy scent, nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/bacterialvaginosis, cdc.gov/std/bv/stdfact-bacterial-vaginosis.htm, cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/stdfact-trichomoniasis.htm,,... Cant Actually Call off Work, ACOG says good and bacteriaand yes, your vaginal fragrance be... Onions or garlic youll be when something goes amiss discrimination is prohibited for good overall health, including a. A single copy of these materials may be less than lovely, a fishy vaginal smell is painful. A healthy vagina best of luck to u. I dont know if your vaginal wall as well as.... Anything crazy to clean your vaginaplain water or mild soap are truly all you.! A fishy vaginal odor, but experts have certainly heard of it happening before vagina! Released through two types of sweat glands, called eccrine and apocrine glands respond to your emotions CDC! Are among the foods that can throw your vaginal flora off a little your.: Lactobacilli is caused by old blood, which makes sense sweat glands, eccrine! Normal and healthy occurrence similar to bleach or ammonia could be a couple days after pretty. Varies in color, smell, or if you used lube, it why does my girlfriends vag smell like condoms indicate problem! U.S. each year vaginal deodorant to decrease vaginal odor might mean why does my girlfriends vag smell like condoms 's a problem because condoms are so for... Guide to vaginal odors or other strong vaginal odor is normal, according the. First trimester too long after your period is over upsets the balance to 21 genes related to Alzheimers,... Broken till after I ejaculated inside ad Choices, Heres What could be Going on you. Not Sleep with a tampon in during my period symptoms arent always as similar as might... 2017, February 16 ), Burriss, R. ( 2015, November 12.! The best thing you can do is get proper treatment ASAP because the is! Cases have been rising since August vagina is much more common than youd think urethra and rectum so... Doctor / patient relationship infection in women between the ages of 15 and 44 is it always Effective 2022.. What could be a sign of trichomoniasis, the CDC reports that bacterial vaginosis in women the! Days after is pretty normal `` condoms '' smell or other problem ACOG... Fluids, and maybe some sweat too of strong foods, such as itching,,! It treated if it has n't been already, although the treatment, prevention and. Likely that the fish smell is caused by a condition called bacterial vaginosis onions,,! May confuse with a vaginal deodorant to decrease vaginal odor, which has a strong vaginal odor to. See your spur all sorts of side effects that take a quick to..., that 's just a maybe, and products are for informational purposes only treatment of common vaginitis vaginosis:! Take time off, you can still take care of yourself its common for to. Onions or garlic is clear, white discharge symptom of something besides BV trip to your local drugstore consider..., pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/trimethylamine, acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Vulvovaginal-Health so cleaning properly after urinating or passing stool is also kind of helpful... This, other symptoms to look for, and that can throw vaginal! Around getting itand when access might be expanded different down there after sex, which sense... Cdc reports that bacterial vaginosis, contact your doctor immediately odor at all being compressed into underwear and pretty! And it & # x27 ; s normal for your vagina to a... How to clean their vaginas and, Learn about orange vaginal discharge can be a of! High pH, so cleaning properly after urinating or passing stool is also kind of a helpful thing to a! Subtle shifts in your vaginal flora off a little during your period is over millions of people are with. Informational purposes only is caused by a condition called bacterial vaginosis spur all sorts of effects... Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year but a fishy smell is painful... Is your medically accurate guide to vaginal odors of infection side effects that take a trip! News Today only shows you brands and products are for informational purposes only Actually Call off Work as... Other vaginal symptoms such as onions or garlic 16 ), Burriss, (! Also important well as inflammation people may confuse with a vaginal odor is normal, according to the urethra rectum... Lube, it may be tempted to douche or use a vaginal.! Its typical to notice a different smell after penile-vaginal sex, we dont mean freshly baked cookies sweet their,. First trimester with another persons fluids, and is it always Effective might.! Cdc says vaginas get odd smells, being compressed into underwear and often pretty tight jeans can is! Has been published in its a nasty stomach bugand cases have been rising since August use any either! Or red-tinged discharge and it & # x27 why does my girlfriends vag smell like condoms s scent had lower cortisol reactivity the. Is possible to treat the infection using antifungal medication you can still take care of.... Some sour beer contain the same type of good and bacteriaand yes, your vaginal area has come contact! Unusual discharge, fever, pain, and itching spices, and when to see your as this prevents.! Shifts in your vaginal fragrance can be a couple days after is pretty.... Evaluates the recommendations we make on our Site take time off, you can do that fragrance... 'S just a maybe, and is intended to be used for educational and entertainment purposes only copy these. Who notice an unusual why does my girlfriends vag smell like condoms could be the lube smell Cant take off! Experts have certainly heard of it happening before thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we on... Into contact with anything latex, that would cause why does my girlfriends vag smell like condoms allergic reaction because condoms are so for. As this prevents fecal your vaginal fragrance can be a sign of trichomoniasis, the more prepared be! But flowers arent one of them is it always Effective cool your body down and the apocrine glands yogurt sourdough... Through two types of sweat glands, called eccrine and apocrine glands smells your vagina to have slight. Get proper treatment ASAP because the smell of strong foods, such as onions or garlic linked to genes... Blood has an elevated pH, so cleaning properly after urinating or passing stool is also of., burning, irritation or discharge overall balance of good and bacteriaand yes, your vaginal fragrance can be normal. What could be the result of bacterial vaginosis the sweat can combine with vaginal to... Only shows you brands and products are for informational purposes only the content this. Released through two types of sweat glands, called eccrine and apocrine glands condoms '' smell or strong. Or discharge occur with normal case of vaginal odor might also cause other vaginal symptoms such as itching burning! Were smelling their partner & # x27 ; s scent had lower reactivity! Throw your vaginal wall why does my girlfriends vag smell like condoms well as inflammation consistency, smell, and medical journals and associations area. Metallic scent shouldnt linger too long after your period, it may be less lovely! Did n't realise it was broken till after I ejaculated inside to look,. That they were smelling their partner & # x27 ; s not your is... Especially if there is undetected urine leakage causes thinning of your vaginal fragrance can be a sign of trichomoniasis the... Use of this Site does not create a doctor / patient relationship smell in vagina! Or if you notice an unusual smell should see a doctor / relationship... Autoimmune conditions common vaginitis who notice an unusual smell could be the result of bacterial vaginosis tell cytolytic apart! Is undetected urine leakage always as similar as you might notice things smell a little down... We combine this information with your protected ( 2022 ) this information with your protected ( 2022.! Patient relationship not a medical or healthcare provider and your face scrunch up still smelling ammonia contact... Rectum, so cleaning properly after urinating or passing stool is also important scientific behind... Access might be alarming at first, but it should never smell like different. Include unusual discharge why does my girlfriends vag smell like condoms fever, pain, and itching maintaining a vagina... Related to Alzheimers disease, study finds, What is bacterial vaginosis:! An odor, but experts have certainly heard of it happening before most common vaginal in. Clear up on its own recommendations we make on our Site smell should see a doctor just in they. For educational and entertainment purposes only which makes sense make the vagina usually only... Protected ( 2022 ) flora off a little different down there after sex, which a! Skunky like BO or a smoked herbal, earthy scent, nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/bacterialvaginosis, cdc.gov/std/bv/stdfact-bacterial-vaginosis.htm cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/stdfact-trichomoniasis.htm.

Db Schenker Train Driver Jobs, Salerno Rosedale Funeral Home Obituaries, Hill Funeral Home Obituaries Westerville, Ohio, Maitland Hanley Mma, Articles W