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Vaginal Odour: Meaning, Symptoms, Causes, And More

TeamAckoDec 30, 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 bothersome.

An unhealthy vaginal odour is one of the many troubles that may beset women. Indeed, even while there are changes in the water content of the discharge and the smell of the vagina throughout the menstrual cycle, these changes do not constitute cause for concern as they do not qualify as a strong odour. There are, however, particular circumstances that should be avoided, and if present, one must seek professional advice. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about Vaginal Odour (VO), including its meaning, symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

vaginal-odour

Contents

What is Vaginal Odour?
What Is an Abnormal Vaginal Odour?
Symptoms of Abnormal Vaginal Odour
Types of Vaginal Odour
Causes of Abnormal Vaginal Odour
Treatment for Abnormal Vaginal Odour
Prevention of Abnormal Vaginal Odour
What Causes Vaginal Odour During Pregnancy?
Can Intercourse Cause Vaginal Odour?
When to Seek Medical Help for Vaginal Odour?
How Long Does Vaginal Odour Take To Go Away?
Key Takeaway
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Vaginal Odour?

A typical vaginal odour can vary from person to person and can change throughout your menstrual cycle. PH levels, bacterial balance, and hormonal changes often influence it.

Here are some common normal vaginal odours:

Slightly Sour or Tangy: This is often associated with healthy vaginal bacteria, lactobacilli, which help maintain a balanced pH level.
Slightly Sweet or Bittersweet: This can be a normal variation, especially during certain phases of your menstrual cycle.
Metallic: This is common during menstruation due to the iron content in menstrual blood.
Ammonia-like: This can occur if there's urine residue on the vulva or if you're dehydrated.
Body Odor-like: This might be related to stress or increased sweat production.

These are temporary and typically resolve on their own. However, if you experience a persistent, firm, or unusual odour, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying health conditions.

What Is an Abnormal Vaginal Odour?

Abnormal vaginal odour is a foul-smelling odour that is different from typical vaginal odour. While a slight VO is normal and can vary throughout the menstrual cycle, abnormal VO can indicate 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 severe condition, such as cervical cancer or pelvic inflammatory disease.

If you experience abnormal VO, seeking medical attention to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment is important. 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 indicate an underlying condition requiring prompt medical attention.

Symptoms of Abnormal Vaginal Odour

Most women experience abnormal odour from the vagina at some point in their lives. Most women will have subtle changes in the odour and viscosity of the vagina discharge during their menstrual cycle. These symptoms include:

Unpleasant odour: Characterised by a fishy smell, the most pronounced abnormality is an unusual and pungent odour, but a distinct fishy odour may be perceived as more robust after having sex.
Change in colour or consistency of discharge: The vaginal discharge that occurs during a woman's menstrual cycle is normal and can also have an odour. Of course, colours like green or yellow are infected, as is brown.
Itching or irritation: Vaginal infections can lead to discomfort, such as itching and burning. Yeast infections are one type of infection that can cause these symptoms.
Pain during intercourse or urination: Pain during sexual activity or urination, often accompanied by other symptoms like abnormal discharge or odour, may signal an underlying infection or other health issues such as Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) or Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases (PID), etc.
Abnormal vaginal discharge: This can manifest in several ways:
- Increased volume: More discharge than usual
- Change in colour: White, grey, yellow, green, or even bloody discharge
- Change in consistency: Watery, thick, clumpy, or frothy discharge
- Unusual odour: A strong, fishy, or foul smell
Painful urination: This symptom, often accompanied by a burning sensation, can indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI). It is important to note that UTIs can sometimes be linked to vaginal infections, especially in women.

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 a rectovaginal fistula or other underlying conditions can cause. 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 (BV).

Causes of Abnormal Vaginal Odour

A strong unpleasant smell in the vagina could mean underlying health issues. Various factors could also accompany it, bringing about changes in the odour of the vagina. Some common causes include:

Infections

Bacterial Vaginosis: Excess of certain bacteria in the vagina can cause bacterial vaginosis, which causes a fishy odour, often after sexual intercourse.
Yeast Infection: This condition may result from too much Candida yeast fungus. This yeast infection often causes the discharge to be thick and white and may cause itching.
Trichomoniasis: The vaginal infection is caused by a parasite that can also be sexually transmitted, characterised by a green or yellow frothy discharge accompanied by inflamed tissues and a fishy odour.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Abnormal vaginal discharge and odour are also characteristics of some STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea.

Hygiene and Lifestyle Factors

Poor Hygiene: More rare cleaning and frequent use of antibacterial soap, which is too strong, may lead to changes in the natural flora which exists in the vaginal cavity.
Hormonal Changes: Hormonal variations found during adolescence, pregnancy, and menopause also have an impact on the vaginal milieu which in return can encourage odour.
Diet: A diet that is mainly sugar and processed starch creates conditions for excessive bacteria, which can lead to infections of the vagina.
Certain Medications: Antibiotics and other medications that change the balance of microorganisms within the vaginal region are likely to make the person more susceptible to odours.

Other Factors

Menopause: As a result of decreased estrogen caused by menopause, the vaginal mucosa may become thinner and drier, which may become more prone to infection and odour.
Foreign Bodies: Objects such as tampons inserted in the vagina and which are never removed can cause infection, inflammation, and odour in the vagina.

Treatment for Abnormal Vaginal Odour

The treatment goals for abnormal vaginal odour should specifically focus on the underlying cause of the odour. Here are some of the solutions that are commonly sought after:

Over-the-counter Medications

Antifungal creams: Over-the-counter antifungal creams containing clotrimazole or miconazole may effectively relieve yeast infections. The product label instructions should be followed and continued even when the patient has reported relief. This is to avoid a situation where the treatment is stopped midway.
Vaginal pH balancers: These products help to bring back the initial acidic pH of the vagina that may have been lost. They help ease the situation of bacterial vaginosis or some bacterial infection, which increases pH levels in the vagina. Boric acid and Lactic acid are examples of such medications that are used as vaginal pH balancers.

Prescription Medications

Antibiotics: Identification of bacterial infections, such as bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis, may result in a healthcare provider administering oral or topical antibiotics. It is essential to follow the prescription and take the entire course of the medications. Otherwise, it would defeat the purpose of taking the medication in the first place.
Antifungal medications: It is a common practice to use prescription-strength oral antifungal agents to treat yeast infections. Antifungals like fluconazole may be required when oral antifungal treatments are ineffective.

Lifestyle Changes

Good hygiene: It is recommended to gently clean the vulva with warm water and mild, unscented soap. Avoid harsh soaps, douches, and perfumed feminine hygiene products, as these can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria.
Use wipes: Wipe from front to back after using the toilet to prevent the spread of bacteria from the anus to the vagina.
Breathable underwear: It is best to select cotton underwear, which promotes air circulation. Tightly woven synthetic materials should be avoided as they can become wet and harbour bacteria.
Avoid irritating products: Use unscented feminine hygiene products like pads and tampons. Scented products can irritate the delicate vaginal tissues and worsen symptoms.
Regular gynaecological checkups: Regular checkups can provide valuable assistance by spotting and dealing with underlying issues. An annual checkup is highly advisable for women of childbearing age.

Feel free to approach a doctor who can understand the problem and provide the necessary steps required for treatment. Attempting to treat the condition yourself may not work effectively and worsen it. Medical issues, such as vaginal discharge, can cause unpleasant odour and doctors must treat the underlying issue first for successful treatment.

Prevention of Abnormal Vaginal Odour

Here are some tips to help prevent abnormal vaginal odour:

The vulva region should be cleaned with soft, warm water and non-perfumed mild soap.
Avoid harsh soaps, douches, and perfumed feminine hygiene products, as these can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria.
Wipe from the front to the back when using the toilet. This is to avoid spreading bacteria from the anus to the vagina.
Wearing the right type of underwear is essential for women to maintain good hygiene. It is not ideal for wearing a synthetic mixture or fibres that do not breathe as the underwear will generally be tight-fitting and promote moisture retention.
The practice of douching (cleaning the vagina with water or other fluids) must be avoided. The vagina has a natural balance of bacteria that must not be disturbed. It may cause unnecessary and rampant bacterial growth and increase the chances of infections.
Do not wear scented feminine hygiene products. Feminine healthcare products that do not have a scent should be sufficient, including tampons and sanitary pads. It is important not to aggravate infections with scented products.
Women should have routine gynaecological examinations. It is essential to understand that with periodic practice, areas of concern may be managed before they even become a problem. Women who have reached reproductive age should schedule a gynaecological examination at least once yearly.
When these preventive measures are followed, the risk of developing foul and abnormal odours accompanying the vagina and other issues related to it are minimised.

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.

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 mixed with vaginal fluids 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, suppose the VO persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, burning, or discharge, it may indicate an underlying condition such as bacterial vaginosis, a yeast infection, or a sexually transmitted infection.

When to Seek Medical Help for Vaginal Odour?

Here are some reasons to seek medical help for VO.

Strong, unpleasant odour: A robust, foul-smelling odour 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 severe condition that requires medical attention.

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 a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis causes the odour, treatment with antifungal or antibiotic medications can often provide relief within a few days to a week.

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

Key Takeaway

Vaginal odour is a common concern for many women. Women and young girls note that there are times when they experience different discharges and odours. However, when the odour is pungent, it means that there is some underlying medical condition. Therefore, it is essential to understand the symptoms and methods of treating abnormal vaginal odour to maintain an accurate sense of health for the vagina.

To help avoid abnormal vaginal odour and other vaginal health problems, it is advisable to maintain good hygiene, wear cotton underwear, refrain from douching, avoid scented feminine products, and have regular visits to a gynaecologist.

If the vaginal odour is pungent, persistent and different from the typical odour, it is best to contact a medical professional for further advice. Quick action can avoid further problems and also reduce pain.

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.