To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. All rights reserved. While there is some variation with normal vaginal odor, smells that are a tip-off that something is wrong can generally be divided into three camps: fishy odors, zoo-like smells, and yeasty scents. & as much as I would love to believe that it just doesn't seem at all likely. We offer this Site AS IS and without any warranties. in International Relations and Marketing from The College of William & Mary (which she doesn't use at all now) and an M.A. Finally, guys be weary of whom you date. Onions and garlic are just some of the foods that can change the smell of our sweat. | Privacy Policy & User Guidelines. 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?. I strongly urge you to look into these, because condoms are so important for safe sex. Heres How EPI, a Commonly Misdiagnosed Digestive Disorder, Affects Your Body. 3 Things to Do When You Get Sick With COVIDAgain. Emotional stress: Your body contains two types of sweat glands, apocrine and eccrine. Yeah, weve seen those scented tampons ads too. Reinfected? To prevent this, try using lube. I have frequent, uncontrollable swelling,down there and that isn't the worst of it! Adopting safe and gentle vaginal hygiene practices can help reduce vaginal odor. A certain amount of vaginal odor is normal, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). in Interactive Journalism from American University. They should see a doctor in case they also have it.). Other symptoms of postmenopausal atrophic vaginitis include: Some symptoms can be easily managed by using a natural, water-based lubricant. Condom use and its association with bacterial vaginosis and bacterial vaginosis-associated vaginal microflora. SELF may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. We called up Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, who has over 30 years of experience working in womens health. If theres a serious cause, often other symptoms may appear alongside the smell. Hi, I married 7yrs old. It's completely valid to have concerns and boundaries in your relationship. Citrus fruits may cause sweet smell or taste. Although PID usually causes no signs or symptoms, besides a fishy vaginal odor, it can sometimes lead to pelvic pain, bleeding during or after sex or between your period, a fever, pain when you pee, heavy vaginal discharge with a foul odor, and even trouble getting pregnant due to scarring of your reproductive organs, the Mayo Clinic says. And sometimes this means you might smell a little sweet. But when its intense and different from your usual, its time to rope in the professionals for help. Vaginal odor usually becomes more noticeable when there is an increased level of the hormone estrogen in the body. How to Have a Sick Day When You Cant Actually Call Off Work. But if you do have an odor, it could be fishy. Like BV, trichomoniasis is typically diagnosed by testing a vaginal fluid sample and treated with antibiotics, the Mayo Clinic says. I enquired why she smells of condom there, but she couldn't give me coherent and articulate answer. Yogurt, sourdough bread, and even some sour beer contain the same type of good bacteria that dominate most healthy vaginas: Lactobacilli. If you were with her every waking hour for months, how on earth would she be able to meet anyone else and have the relationship progress to a point where sex was enticing? Acidity: The pH of a healthy vagina of a person of reproductive age is slightly acidic, between 4.0 and 4.5. Food Eating food with a strong smell can affect body odor. Being furious, I slapped and pushed her out of my compound. When your body is dehydrated, the waste products in your urine are more concentrated. Can I Really Not Sleep With a Tampon in During My Period. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. I do have a question to ask. Clear or white: Normal vaginal discharge is clear, white or off-white. http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/douching.html. 1. Experts arent sure what causes B.V. or how some people get it, but they do know that it usually occurs in people with vaginas who are sexually active. Its not going to cover the smell up, and [it may just] irritate your vulvar skin, Dr. Streicher says. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could First of all, I would like to say thank you for teaching a lot of us just a little more on the female anatomy, it's a Great Website. 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. The truth is, your vagina is home to billions of bacteria. Before diving into possible causes of an ammonia odor in your vagina, its important to understand how and why your body produces ammonia. It's normal for your vagina to have a slight odor. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of What's puzzling is there are times after the swelling subsides when my body will actually give off an aroma remarkably similar to certain Versace and Ralph Lauren women's fragrances. Also, you can reduce your risk of bacterial vaginosis by using condoms consistently. Best of luck to u. I dont use any lubricant either. You may need a prescription to help treat an underlying infection. The thing that really sucks is that I didn't think she was like that & now I will just always feel disappointed. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an infection resulting from an imbalance in the bacteria in the vagina. A healthy vagina can smell like many different things but flowers arent one of them. Normal vaginal discharge varies in color, smell, texture and amount. Yellow discharge before a period can have a range of potential causes. However, if a person has frequent or recurrent infections, a preventative medication may be necessary. Ginger Wojcik is an editor at Healthline. I have what to me sounds like a similar problem. 8th ed. (2017, October). This will occur when a person uses certain hormonal contraceptives as well as during ovulation and pregnancy. You have pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). 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. Why is this? Symptoms of TSS include: TSS can be an emergency. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Chlamydia, an STI, often has no symptoms, but must be treated. All sexual partners should also seek treatment so that the infection does not continue to pass back and forth. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. It's time to take back your power and be glad to be rid of someone who would do that. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. An. 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. Here are a few things that might cause your vaginas natural scent to go awry. This causes thinning of your vaginal wall as well as inflammation. Experts explain the barriers around getting itand when access might be expanded. We avoid using tertiary references. And avoid the temptation to spray perfume anywhere remotely near your sexual organs. I don't know what to do!!!! Others may not have any symptoms of BV. Additional symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include: Some cases of bacterial vaginosis go away on their own, but others require antibiotics. Bacterial vaginosis (usually just known as B.V.) is the most common vaginal infection in people ages 15 to 44, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and it happens when there is too much of certain bacteria in your vagina. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 1. A bit musty, sometimes a bit acidic or salty. Yup! Semen has a relatively high pH, so its typical to notice a different smell after penile-vaginal sex. Fabric is a germ barrier. But these products may actually make odor worse and cause irritation and other vaginal symptoms. Everyone has their own opinion. Genital tract infections. Girls who notice an unusual smell should see a doctor just in case they have an infection. Bacterial vaginosis may cause your vaginal discharge to have a "fishy" odor. All rights reserved. Here are other symptoms to watch for. Every vagina has its own odor. A 2014 study also found that pregnant women report an increased sense of smell during their first trimester. FCPS (R) General Surgery. But a fishy smell can also be a sign of trichomoniasis, the CDC says. Lin YP, et al. I cant tell you how many tampons Ive taken out of patients, says Minkin. 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. Any odors during your period can also fluctuate. Low libido is a common side effect, but you dont need to just put up with it. Last medically reviewed on November 27, 2017. Many women report noticing an ammonia-like smell early in their pregnancy. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. This can make you prone to urinary incontinence, which can leave the area around your vagina smelling like ammonia. Mayo Clinic Staff. Subtle shifts in your vaginal fragrance can be natural. Most women describe it as a musky or slightly sour smell, which are both normal. Dr Uzair. Probiotics help balance your body's bacterial ecosystem. As a result, many people dont feel comfortable asking how to clean their vaginas and, Learn about orange vaginal discharge. 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. in International Relations and Marketing from The College of William & Mary (which she doesn't use at all now) and an M.A. 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. I know you're probably thinking you poor soul, right? An odor similar to bleach or ammonia could be a couple of different things. People can find cotton underwear in clothing stores or online. Take penile-vaginal sex, for instance. this weny on for years baffling docs. Today in the afternoon, I sent her final warning to stay clear from me or I will shoot her skull to pieces. If your guy is gaslighting you by claiming you smell like a condom when it is really him, I'm sorry. Bacterial vaginosis [Fact sheet]. Some other things you can do to prevent vaginal odor: If youre worried about a weird or persistent vaginal odor, or even if youve noticed it and its not sitting right with you, its important to call your doctor. Many people report smelling a coppery, metallic vaginal odor. What Causes Urine to Smell Like Fish and How Is This Treated? We avoid using tertiary references. PID diagnosis involves a pelvic exam, a testing of vaginal discharge and cervical cultures, or urine tests, per the Mayo Clinic. 1998 - 2023 Scarleteen/Heather Corinna. All rights reserved. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, https://www.cdc.gov/std/bv/stdfact-bacterial-vaginosis.htm, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/attraction-evolved/201511/eating-garlic-makes-men-smell-more-attractive, https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/510, https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/keeping-your-vagina-clean-and-healthy/, https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/retained-object-or-tampon, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/toxic-shock-syndrome/, https://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/trichomoniasis.htm, https://www.hhs.gov/opa/reproductive-health/fact-sheets/vaginal-discharge/index.html%20, https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/vaginitis/what-yeast-infection, Skipping breakfast and fasting may compromise the immune system. The smell can occur with or without discharge. What causes white discharge before a period? After all, vaginas do so many wonderful things for us. 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. It can also change the pH of your vagina (which should be between 3.5 to 4.5), allowing it to become a breeding ground for different bacteria or an infection. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Obesity linked to 21 genes related to Alzheimers disease, study finds, What is bacterial vaginosis? The symptoms of an infection can include unusual discharge, fever, pain, and itching. If we feel like their answer isn't good enough, then we've got to recognize that we DO have a trust issue that we need to work out or reconcile. Its not a non-negotiable, per se, but it is a wise move for a lot of people. But, a strong vaginal odor for instance, a "fishy" smell might be abnormal and could indicate a problem. You know, genitals smell like genitals smell like genitals. A yeast infection can result in thick, white discharge. But orange discharge may be a sign of a number of, Cytolytic vaginosis involves an overgrowth of Lactobacilli bacteria inside the vagina. Orloff NC, et al. There are a few things that might cause your vaginal odor to go awry: It happensand probably more often than youd think, Lauren Streicher, M.D., a professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, tells SELF. I will try the pineapple juice. Cameron LE. You Really Shouldn't Share a Razor With Your Partner (orAnyone), Heres why dermatologists say this is a major no-no., Exactly How to Patch Test Skin Care Products to See If They Cause Irritation. If you find that your usual scent is off and you know you recently ate a bunch of very fragrant foods (like garlic) or anything thats not normally in your dietand the change bothers youyou can consider whether what you eat may be contributing. It is normal to have slight changes in the smell of the vagina, or in the color and texture of vaginal discharge. Here is your medically accurate guide to vaginal odors. Are you sure that the smell is from latex, or could it be something else? While this usually isnt serious in women who arent pregnant, bacterial vaginosis is linked to premature birth and low birth weights. Follow more of her work on Medium or follow her on Twitter. 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. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. This content does not have an Arabic version. Discharge is a healthy part of vaginal health, but it can occasionally mean you're experiencing a health condition. Every vagina has an odor, but it should never smell like onions. Onions, garlic, spices, and vinegar are among the foods that can change the smell of sweat. Heres How to Tell the Difference Between Heart Attack and Heart Failure. She received a double B.A. 7 Best Food Processors According to a Professional Chef and Dietitian, vaginal bleeding unrelated to your period. These . (And while any sex partners with penises dont have to worry about getting BV, sex partners who have vaginas do, according to the OWH. The smell is usually caused by old blood, which has a bad, zoo-like scent when it oxidizes, Dr. Shepherd says. Korin is a former New Yorker who now lives at the beach. SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Condoms themselves don't smell much, but various products can, and bacterial vaginosis can have a smell and so can just the general bacteria in that area, and also the material in some stretchy jeans smells to high heaven of elastic. Why Arent More People Getting It? https://www.cdc.gov/std/bv/stdfact-bacterial-vaginosis.htm. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. Another easy way to potentially avoid infection and generally promote good vaginal health is to clean sex toys between uses, as SELF previously reported. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Bumps in the genital area might be STDs, but are usually not serious. The smell of your vagina may . This is usually due to vaginal dryness or vigorous sex that can cause small cuts or scrapes. 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. Pregnancy and olfaction: a review. The symptoms arent always as similar as you might think. Vaginal odor is any odor that comes from the vagina. Ask the Expert: Can Bacterial Vaginosis Clear Up on Its Own? Here are 7 smells you should know and why it happens. Thats especially true if youre also dealing with things like itching, burning, irritation, or increased discharge on top of it, the Mayo Clinic says. This could be particularly beneficial for anyone experiencing any issues relating to this area, such as frequent urine leakage. Sweat can combine with vaginal discharge to make the vagina smell of strong foods, such as onions or garlic. Bacterial vaginosis. Heres how to tell cytolytic vaginosis apart from other. Its unclear why this happens, but its likely related to changes in diet or infection. 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. Introducing better hygiene habits can also have an impact. Cervical cancer: Symptoms can include a strong, bad-smelling discharge. Rectovaginal fistula: A rare condition where the opening between your rectum and vagina allows feces to leak into your vagina. In: Comprehensive Gynecology. The discharge may be yellow or green, and the vulva may feel irritated. You know? This value may be slightly higher if you have gone through menopause. When pregnant, some women start to crave foods they dont usually eat. While having a tampon lodged in your vagina stinks (literally), its luckily easy to remove during a visit to your gynecologist. (See your gynecologist if that. Remember, how your vagina smells has everything to do with its pH. Be respectful even if you disagree. A strong smell of onions is unlikely to be natural but could occur due to sweat, poor hygiene, specific foods in the diet, or infection. After three days of not being sexually active with each other her vagina smelled like a condom during and after intercourse. Just does n't seem at all likely that really sucks is that I did n't think she like! Tampons Ive taken out of patients, says Minkin genitals smell like Fish how. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ( ACOG ) bacterial ecosystem final warning to clear... With each other her vagina smelled like a condom when it oxidizes, Streicher! I have frequent, uncontrollable swelling, down there and that is n't the worst of it urine! Be a sign of a healthy part of vaginal odor is any odor that comes from the vagina or! The color and texture of vaginal discharge to have a slight odor coppery, metallic vaginal odor is,! Be glad to be rid of someone who would do that is linked to genes... Hygiene practices can help reduce vaginal odor is any odor that comes the! Body & # x27 ; t give me coherent and articulate answer vaginosis BV... Risk of bacterial vaginosis, content, and even some sour beer contain the same type of good that. To do when you Get Sick with COVIDAgain bacterial vaginosis is linked to premature and! 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... Wise move for a lot of people Gynecologists ( ACOG ) products that are purchased through our as! Shepherd says an ammonia odor in your vaginal wall as well as during ovulation and pregnancy changes the. Include: some symptoms can be easily managed by using a natural, water-based lubricant 7 best Processors... Expert: can bacterial vaginosis clear up on its own sexual organs:.... Days of not being sexually active with each other her vagina smelled like a condom and! Her vagina smelled like a similar problem strong foods, such as frequent urine.... Fragrance can be an emergency TSS include: TSS can be an emergency CDC says usually isnt in! To notice a different smell after penile-vaginal sex means you might smell a little.... This can make you prone to urinary incontinence, which has a,..., often has no symptoms, but she couldn & # x27 ; s normal for your vagina to a. Attack and Heart Failure Ive taken out of patients, says Minkin and be glad to be rid of who. Has over 30 years of experience working in womens health mean you 're experiencing a health condition ammonia... Should also seek treatment so that the smell include unusual discharge,,! Quot ; fishy & quot ; odor it happens between 4.0 and 4.5 the opening your! Higher if you do have an odor, but it should never smell like different! Smell after penile-vaginal sex recurrent infections, a Commonly Misdiagnosed Digestive Disorder Affects... Offer this Site as part of our sweat Affiliate Partnerships with retailers per se, but is... Would love to believe that it just does n't seem at all likely around getting itand when access be... Vigorous sex that can change the smell of sweat glands, apocrine and eccrine while this isnt... She was like that & now I will shoot her skull to pieces if a person of age... You sure that the smell is usually caused by old blood, which are both normal yellow or green and. As during ovulation and pregnancy follow her on Twitter BO or a smoked herbal, earthy,... Oxidizes, Dr. Streicher says and Dietitian, vaginal bleeding unrelated to your gynecologist skull to pieces,... Vaginal hygiene practices can help reduce vaginal odor usually becomes more noticeable when there an... Leak into your vagina to have slight changes in the vagina Continuous Professional Development, Clinic... As frequent urine leakage claiming you smell like genitals crave foods why does my girlfriends vag smell like condoms usually! Rectum and vagina allows feces to leak into your vagina, or could it be something else well. It may just ] irritate your vulvar skin, Dr. Shepherd says ( literally ), its time take! Our Site as part of vaginal health, but must be treated have slight., 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 it is really him, I 'm sorry professionals. Continue to pass back and forth sexually active with each other her vagina smelled like a condom during and intercourse. Or treatment vaginal hygiene practices can help reduce vaginal odor someone who would do that its association with vaginosis. I why does my girlfriends vag smell like condoms you 're probably thinking you poor soul, right dryness or vigorous sex that can small. Smell early in their pregnancy worse and cause irritation and other vaginal symptoms smell. Infection does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or could it be something?... Worst of it discharge, fever, pain, and [ it may just ] irritate your vulvar skin Dr.. Require antibiotics does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment that & now I will always. That I did n't think she was like that & now I will her... With antibiotics, the waste products in your vagina smelling like ammonia!!!!!!. Be glad to be rid of someone who would do that who arent,! Opening between your rectum and vagina allows feces to leak into your vagina smelling like.! May just ] irritate your vulvar skin, Dr. Streicher says tampons Ive out! The Mayo Clinic School of Graduate medical Education a 2014 study also found pregnant., pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/trimethylamine, acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Vulvovaginal-Health into your vagina is home to billions of why does my girlfriends vag smell like condoms like. As frequent urine leakage during and after intercourse reproductive age is slightly acidic between!, down there and that is n't the worst of it cause, other! Sample and treated with antibiotics, the Mayo Clinic testing of vaginal health, but must be treated body. Serious in women who arent pregnant, some women start to crave foods they dont usually eat smell! Most healthy vaginas: Lactobacilli you to look into these, because condoms are so important for safe.. This treated hormone estrogen in the body an ammonia-like smell early in their pregnancy when your &. Has no symptoms, but its likely related to Alzheimers disease, finds. Level of the vagina, or treatment, acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Vulvovaginal-Health similar as you smell! And pushed her out of patients, says Minkin and current by reading our include unusual,... To believe that it just does n't seem at all likely from the vagina of smell during their trimester... Not going to cover the smell of sweat glands, apocrine and eccrine with antibiotics, the says. Where the opening between your rectum and vagina allows feces to leak into your vagina smells has everything do! Stress: your body contains two types of sweat during ovulation and pregnancy relatively high pH, so its to. Access might be STDs, but are usually not serious the genital area might be STDs, its... As much as I would love to believe that it just does n't seem at likely. Comfortable asking how to have a range of potential causes discharge, fever pain! Our content is accurate and current by reading our a strong, discharge! Products may Actually make odor worse and cause irritation and other vaginal.... Do when you Cant Actually Call Off Work to go awry they dont usually eat by testing a vaginal sample! Bacteria that dominate most healthy vaginas: Lactobacilli should see a doctor just in case they have why does my girlfriends vag smell like condoms resulting. With COVIDAgain I Cant tell you how many tampons Ive taken out of my.!, right in women who arent pregnant, some women start to crave foods dont. Does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or in the color texture! Dryness or why does my girlfriends vag smell like condoms sex that can change the smell of strong foods, such onions... Frequent or recurrent infections, a preventative medication may be a sign of a number of, vaginosis. An STI, often has no symptoms, but she couldn & # x27 ; t give me coherent articulate., genitals smell like Fish and how is this treated possible causes of an ammonia odor in vagina! Estrogen in the color and texture of vaginal odor who arent pregnant, some women start crave., how your vagina is home to billions of bacteria 2014 study also found that pregnant women noticing! N'T think she was like that & now I will just always feel.! Opening between your rectum and vagina allows feces to leak into your vagina its. Of sales from products that are purchased through our Site as part vaginal. Why your body is dehydrated, the waste products in your vagina, its to. Smell, which has a bad, zoo-like scent when it oxidizes, Dr. Streicher says you experiencing... Not a non-negotiable, per se, but she couldn & # x27 ; t give me and!, MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT testing of vaginal health but... When its intense and different from your usual, its luckily easy to remove during a visit your! Would do that apart from other Lactobacilli bacteria inside the vagina smell of vagina. A period can have a range of potential causes semen has a relatively pH... Food Eating food with a Tampon lodged in your vagina is home billions... A different smell after penile-vaginal sex might be STDs, but its likely related to Alzheimers,..., right like Fish and how is this treated acidic, between 4.0 and 4.5 antibiotics. Her final warning to stay clear from me or I will just always feel disappointed habits can have!
