Understanding the Basics
A healthy vagina has a natural scent given off by your natural vaginal secretions, and the probiotic bacteria that grow inside it to help fend off both vaginal and urinary infections. The exact smell may vary based on factors like diet, and hormonal fluctuations during your monthly cycle, pregnancy or menopause.
However, persistent or unusual smells could signal an infection or another underlying issue. The important thing to remember is that all these issues can be fixed, so don’t suffer in silence.
Here’s a closer look at some common causes of smelly vagina
The natural scent of a healthy vagina comes from the friendly bacteria which help prevent infections that could spread up to the womb or bladder. The commonest causes of a smelly vagina are infections which change the microbiome.
Bacterial Vaginosis
BV is a common bacterial infection affecting the vagina. An overgrowth of harmful bacteria can get out of hand once the natural balance has been upset, leading to a fishy smell or sometimes other types of bad whiff. The smell is accompanied by a discharge that usually looks off-white or sometimes greyish and can be a little gloopy. You will need a swab and diagnosis by a doctor, and antibiotic treatment is crucial to restore vaginal health.
Yeast Infections
Candida albicans overgrowth, commonly known as a yeast infection, can result in a distinct, bread-like odour along with a snow white, smooth discharge that looks like hand cream. This very common imbalance often occurs due to factors such as antibiotic use, hormonal changes, or a weakened immune system. Every woman has some candida in the vagina, but it’s normally kept in check by the friendly bacteria of the vagina. A little-known cause of recurrent candida infections is iron deficiency, which affects around 14% of teenage girls and women.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a common STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. It can cause itching, irritation, and changes in vaginal discharge which may be yellowish-green and either thick, thin or even frothy. While not everyone with trichomoniasis experiences a noticeably smelly vagina, some women may describe an unpleasant or strong scent that’s rather fishy.
Key Points
Causes of a smelly vagina which need medical treatment are bacterial or yeast infections which include bacterial vaginosis, candida albicans and trichomoniasis.
The Wrong Hygiene Habits that Cause Smelly Vagina
The wrong hygiene practices can contribute to unpleasant smells. Too much cleaning will get rid of the probiotic bacteria your vagina needs to stay healthy and fend off harmful bacteria and other types of infection. Most soaps are also the wrong acidity level. A healthy vagina should be quite acidic with a pH of around 4. Only clean your groin area with a pH-balanced soap specially designed for the vaginal area and never use anything scented, which could cause skin irritation.
Messing up the healthy bacteria in your vagina makes you more vulnerable to cystitis and urinary infections. If you think this could be causing your smelly vagina problems, a probiotic supplement for women could help restore the right vaginal microbiome. Certain ‘friendly’ bacteria for women will attack and displace pathogens in the vagina and improve the microbial flora. You can take them orally or, in a few cases, insert them in the vagina to rebuild a healthy flora down there and prevent infections.
Sweating During Periods
Menstruation can temporarily alter the vaginal scent, and this is normal. You may be prone to getting sweaty down there during periods, especially if you use pads, and this can result in rather a smelly vagina. Regular changing of menstrual products and maintaining good hygiene during your period is essential.
Key Points
Washing with scented soaps, and simply having your period, can change the acidity level of the vagina. This may trigger an imbalance of bacteria and cause a smelly vagina.
Causes of Smelly Vagina During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the body undergoes a multitude of changes, and some of these can impact the vaginal environment, potentially leading to changes in smell.
Infections such as bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections can also occur during pregnancy and may cause a smelly vagina. Never hesitate to consult your doctor if you have any concerns whatsoever about a possible vaginal infection during pregnancy.
Here are some factors that may contribute to changes in vaginal smell during pregnancy:
Hormonal Fluctuations
Pregnancy triggers a surge in estrogen levels, especially during the first trimester. Estrogen influences the vaginal environment by increasing blood flow to the area and altering the balance of microorganisms.
Vaginal Discharge Changes
A common occurrence during pregnancy is an increase in vaginal discharge, known as leukorrhea. This discharge is usually thin, white, and milky, and it is the body’s way of maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in the vagina. While this discharge is normal, it may have a distinct smell that can be more noticeable than usual.
Microbial Changes Causing a Smelly Vagina
The increased blood flow to the pelvic area during pregnancy can affect the composition of the vaginal flora. Hormonal changes and increased nutrient availability may alter the growth patterns of microorganisms.
The pH of the vagina tends to be more acidic due to the presence of Lactobacilli, which produce lactic acid. Pregnancy-related hormonal changes can impact the acidity of the vagina, potentially influencing the growth of different microorganisms and altering the smell.
Personal Hygiene Habits
Any woman has been pregnant knows that it makes our sense of smell go bionic. Some pregnant women may experience increased sensitivity to their own natural body smells. This heightened sensitivity can lead to a perception of changes in vaginal smell, even if the actual smell remains within a normal range.
Key Points
Hormonal changes in pregnancy can alter the vaginal bacteria. The body may make extra vaginal discharge to keep the microbiome healthy, which can have a smell. Also, many pregnant women become highly sensitive to smells which may make them extra sensitive to their natural smell.
Causes of Smelly Vagina During Menopause
During menopause, women undergo significant hormonal changes, primarily a decrease in estrogen levels. These hormonal shifts can influence the vaginal environment, leading to changes in both the composition of vaginal flora (microorganisms present) and the pH level. Understanding these changes helps to appreciate their potential impact on vaginal smells.
Smelly Vaginal Flora Changes
Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the vaginal epithelium (lining) and supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria like Lactobacilli. As estrogen levels decline during menopause, the vaginal epithelium may become thinner, and the number of Lactobacilli may decrease.
Lactobacilli are key in maintaining an acidic environment in the vagina, which helps prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria. A reduction in Lactobacilli may lead to an altered balance, allowing opportunistic bacteria to thrive, potentially contributing to changes in odour.
pH Level Changes
Normally, the vagina maintains an acidic pH (around 3.8 to 4.5), primarily due to the production of lactic acid by Lactobacilli. This acidity provides a protective barrier against infections and supports overall vaginal health.
With the decline in estrogen and the decrease in Lactobacilli, the vaginal pH may become less acidic and more neutral or even slightly alkaline. This change in pH can create a less favorable environment for Lactobacilli and may contribute to the growth of other microorganisms that produce different smells.
The natural, slightly acidic pH of the vagina creates an environment where beneficial bacteria flourish and unwanted bacteria are kept in check. As the pH becomes less acidic during menopause, it may alter the microbial balance and contribute to an environment where certain smells become more noticeable.
It’s important to note that changes in your vaginal smell during menopause are often subtle, and a certain degree of variation is normal. However, if your vagina remains persistently smelly, see your GP. They can help determine whether the changes are related to hormonal shifts, infections, or other factors, and give you the right guidance.
Key Points
Falling estrogen in menopause makes the vagina less acidic. This leads to changes in the bacteria in the vagina, which may allow smelly vaginal bacteria to multiply.
Conclusion
The most important thing to bear in mind is that you should not feel ashamed or guilty if the smell of this intimate part of your body seems off. Your vaginal smell is a vital indicator of your overall health, and something to help you take proper loving care of yourself and your health.
Embracing your body’s natural changes and staying informed about potential causes of a smelly vagina ensures that you can confidently navigate this aspect of women’s health with knowledge and empowerment.
