Home / Health Insurance / Articles / Diseases / Vaginal Odour: Meaning, Symptoms, Causes, and More

Vaginal Odour: Meaning, Symptoms, Causes, and More

TeamAckoJan 18, 2024

Are you experiencing an unpleasant smell in your vaginal area? If yes, then you are not alone. Many women suffer from this issue, which can be quite bothersome. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about Vaginal Odour (VO), including its meaning, symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

Contents

What is Vaginal Odour?
Symptoms of Vaginal Odour
Causes of Vaginal Odour
Treatment for Vaginal Odour
How to prevent Vaginal Odour
Types of Vaginal Odour
What is an abnormal Vaginal Odour?
What causes Vaginal Odour during pregnancy?
When to seek medical help for Vaginal Odour?
What is a ‘bad’ vaginal smell?
Can intercourse cause Vaginal Odour?
How long does Vaginal Odour take to go away?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Vaginal Odour?

Vaginal Odour refers to an unpleasant smell that emanates from the vaginal area. It can range from mild to severe and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, burning, and discharge. The VO is usually caused by an imbalance in the natural bacteria in the vagina, which can be due to several factors.

Symptoms of Vaginal Odour

The symptoms of Vaginal Odour can vary from person to person. Some common symptoms include the following.

Unpleasant smell from the vaginal area
Discharge
Itching or burning sensation
Pain during sexual intercourse
Pain while urinating

Causes of Vaginal Odour

Vaginal Odour can be caused by several factors, including the following.

Poor hygiene
Bacterial vaginosis
Yeast infections
Sexually transmitted infections
Hormonal changes
Diet
Certain medications
Menopause

Treatment for Vaginal Odour

The treatment for Vaginal Odour depends on the underlying cause. Some common treatment options include the following.

Antibiotics
Antifungal medications
Probiotics
Over-the-counter products
Hormonal therapy
Lifestyle changes

How to prevent Vaginal Odour

Preventing Vaginal Odour is possible with a few simple lifestyle changes. Here are some tips that can help.

Keeping the vaginal area clean and dry is essential to prevent bacterial growth.
Tight clothing, synthetic fabrics, and non-breathable underwear can trap moisture in the vaginal area, leading to bacterial growth. Choose loose-fitting, breathable clothing made of natural fibres like cotton to allow air to circulate and keep the area dry.
A diet high in sugar, processed foods, and refined carbohydrates can lead to an overgrowth of yeast in the vaginal area. It is best to eat a balanced diet rich in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Using condoms during sexual activity can prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections that can cause VO. It is also important to clean the genital area before and after sex.

Types of Vaginal Odour

Here are some common types of Vaginal Odour:

Fishy odour: A fishy VO is often associated with bacterial vaginosis, a common infection caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. This odour may be more noticeable after sex or during menstruation.
Yeasty odour: A yeasty odour is often associated with a yeast infection, which is caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina. This odour may be accompanied by itching, burning, and discharge that resembles cottage cheese.
Faecal odour: A faecal odour may indicate that faecal matter is leaking into the vagina, which can be caused by a rectovaginal fistula or other underlying conditions. This odour may be more noticeable after bowel movements.
Metallic odour: A metallic VO may indicate the presence of blood, which can be caused by menstruation, pregnancy, or other underlying conditions.
Ammonia odour: An ammonia VO may indicate dehydration or a bacterial infection, such as bacterial vaginosis.

What is an abnormal Vaginal Odour?

Abnormal Vaginal Odour is a foul-smelling odour that is different from the normal Vaginal Odour. While a slight VO is normal and can vary throughout the menstrual cycle, abnormal VO can be a sign of an underlying infection or condition.

Some characteristics of abnormal VO include a strong, unpleasant smell, a fishy or musty odour, or a foul-smelling discharge. The odour may be accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, burning, irritation, or pain during sex or urination.

Common causes of abnormal VO include bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, sexually transmitted infections, poor hygiene, menopause, and certain medications. In some cases, abnormal VO may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as cervical cancer or pelvic inflammatory disease.

If you experience abnormal VO, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. Your healthcare provider may perform a pelvic exam, take a sample of vaginal discharge for testing, or recommend further testing or treatment.

Overall, abnormal VO should not be ignored, as it could be a sign of an underlying condition that requires prompt medical attention.

What causes Vaginal Odour during pregnancy?

Here are some of the common causes of Vaginal Odour during pregnancy:

Bacterial vaginosis: Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal infection that can cause a fishy odour. Pregnant women are more susceptible to bacterial vaginosis due to hormonal changes.
Yeast infection: Yeast infections are also common during pregnancy, and can cause a yeasty odour in the vagina.
Increased vaginal discharge: During pregnancy, the body produces more vaginal discharge to help prevent infection. This discharge can sometimes have a mild odour.
Sweat: Increased sweating during pregnancy can lead to a stronger VO, especially during exercise or in hot weather.
Poor hygiene: Poor hygiene practices during pregnancy can also lead to VO.

When to seek medical help for Vaginal Odour?

Here are some reasons to seek medical help for VO.

Strong, unpleasant odour: A strong, foul-smelling odour that is different from your usual VO may indicate an infection or other underlying condition.
Discharge: Abnormal vaginal discharge that is thick, discoloured, or accompanied by itching, burning, or pain may indicate an infection.
Pain or discomfort: Pain during sex or urination, or general discomfort in the vaginal area may be a sign of an underlying condition.
Recurrent symptoms: If you experience recurrent VO or other symptoms, it may indicate an ongoing condition that requires treatment.
Other symptoms: If you experience other symptoms such as fever, nausea, or abdominal pain, it may indicate a more serious condition that requires medical attention.

What is a ‘bad’ vaginal smell?

A "bad" vaginal smell is one that is noticeably strong, unpleasant, or different from your usual Vaginal Odour. VO can vary from person to person and may change throughout the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy. In general, a healthy VO is mild and slightly musky.

If you notice a sudden change in your VO, or if the odour is strong, foul-smelling, or accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, burning, or discharge, it may be a sign of an underlying condition such as bacterial vaginosis, a yeast infection, or a sexually transmitted infection.

Can intercourse cause Vaginal Odour?

Sex itself does not cause Vaginal Odour, but it can contribute to changes in VO. During sex, natural lubrication and sweat mix with vaginal fluids, which can lead to a temporary increase in VO. This is generally not a cause for concern and can be managed with regular hygiene practices such as washing the genital area with mild soap and water.

However, if the VO persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, burning, or discharge, it may be a sign of an underlying condition such as bacterial vaginosis, a yeast infection, or a sexually transmitted infection.

How long does Vaginal Odour take to go away?

The length of time it takes for VO to go away can vary depending on the underlying cause of the odour. For example, if the odour is caused by a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis, treatment with antifungal or antibiotic medications can often provide relief within a few days to a week.

However, if the odour is caused by a more chronic condition such as hormonal changes or an underlying medical condition, it may take longer to resolve. In some cases, ongoing management or treatment may be necessary to control symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some FAQs about Vaginal Odour.

Is Vaginal Odour normal?

Mild VO is normal. However, if the odour is strong and accompanied by other symptoms, it may indicate an underlying condition that requires medical attention.

Can poor hygiene cause Vaginal Odour?

Yes, poor hygiene can lead to an overgrowth of bacteria in the vaginal area, which can cause an unpleasant smell.

Can Vaginal Odour be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection?

Yes, some sexually transmitted infections can cause VO, along with other symptoms such as discharge and pain during sexual intercourse.

Can diet affect Vaginal Odour?

Yes, a diet high in sugar and processed foods can lead to an overgrowth of yeast in the vaginal area, which can cause an unpleasant smell.

Can wearing tight clothing cause Vaginal Odour?

Yes, wearing tight clothing can cause sweating in the vaginal area, which can create an ideal environment for bacterial growth and lead to an unpleasant smell.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. Please consult a doctor before making any health-related decisions.