I didn't realise it was broken till after I ejaculated inside. Remember, how your vagina smells has everything to do with its pH. Those who correctly reported that they were smelling their partner's scent had lower cortisol reactivity to the stressor. You can have an odor, but its not typical, Dr. Shepherd says. The smell is usually caused by old blood, which has a bad, zoo-like scent when it oxidizes, Dr. Shepherd says. This throws off the balance of bacteria in your vagina and leads to bacterial vaginosis. As for preventing that fishy odor if you are currently dealing with BV? 3 Things to Do When You Get Sick With COVIDAgain. it sounds like you insulted her a lot. Obviously, nobody wants to have a fishy smell wafting up from the general vicinity of their vagina. If your discharge is white, but seems thicker than usual . I have also stop taking the garlic pills and using some of the feminine sprays. Due to a lack of estrogen, people in menopause end up with less vaginal mucosa, says Minkin. There are a few things you can do in the meantime to help reduce further vaginal discomfort or irritation. CDC Warns Against OTC Eye Drops Linked to 50 Infections in 11 States. No advertising or spamming is permitted. Possible causes of a vagina that smells like onions include: 1. Blood has an elevated pH, and that can throw your vaginal flora off a little during your period. Other symptoms include itching, burning, and redness around the vulva. 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. So, if you really feel like you are smelling semen, you may well be smelling your own semen from any sex before you left for the weekend. 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. Douching. Normal vaginal discharge varies in color, smell, texture and amount. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press. Food cravings in pregnancy: hypotheses, preliminary evidence, and directions for future research. I would have to say smell him cuz I am looking this up because the smell meinayes from him and broken hearted Im not stupid I know dont let him put it on you like mine is doing to me, And sorry Im having a bad night and spelling sucks. Trichomoniasis CDC basic fact sheet. Vaginitis describes a number of conditions that can cause infection or inflammation of your vagina. It's normal for your vagina to have its own unique smell, but a very strong odor may signal a problem. The main possibility is trichomoniasis, a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite. And it seems to us like all that flowery sunshine is another example of the world getting vaginas all wrong. These tips include: Hormone levels in the body change throughout the menstrual cycle, as well as during pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. even with a condom. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Gonorrhea and chlamydia can also cause foul-smelling discharge, says Dr. Dweck. But if youve noticed a change in your vaginal odor that doesnt go away, its worth bringing up with your doctor. 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. in Interactive Journalism from American University. Sometimes, some blood vessels or muscles are damaged in the rectum, which causes it to leak and cause your girlfriend to think that the foul smell comes from her vag. Lin YP, et al. On its own, this fluid is odorless. Its common for vaginas to produce a tangy or sour aroma. Cervical cancer. Why? Ad Choices, 11 Reasons Your Vagina Smells a LittleOff. 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. Tightly-knit fabrics that are meant to trap and wick away sweat can sometimes cause a musky smell. in International Relations and Marketing from The College of William & Mary (which she doesn't use at all now) and an M.A. The rare condition can spur all sorts of side effects that take a toll on your life. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. Rarely, but importantly, vaginal odor can be a sign of a serious health problem, like cancer, according to the Cleveland Clinic.Vaginal cancer, cervical cancer, and something called a rectovaginal . You have pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). It is possible to treat the infection using antifungal medication. Before leaving your liver, ammonia is broken down into urea, which is far less toxic. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? DOI: Majeroni BA. You can also ask your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. If you notice any unusual discharge or have pain during sex or urination, see your doctor to rule out an STI. We avoid using tertiary references. The smell is usually caused by old blood, which has a bad, zoo-like scent when it oxidizes, Dr. Shepherd says. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Subtle shifts in your vaginal fragrance can be natural. 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. Her definition of wellness includes lots of yoga, coffee, cats, meditation, self-help books, and kitchen experiments with mixed results. You say you trust your partner, but to be honest, I'm not hearing it here. MedHelp is not a medical or healthcare provider and your use of this Site does not create a doctor / patient relationship. How Do You Get Rid of Bumps on Your Pubic Area? to Pee With Chlamydia. The affected products were sent to stores nationwide. How to Have a Sick Day When You Cant Actually Call Off Work. 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. 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. I haven't heard of rubbery being one, but hey, I guess it could be. This happens to lots and lots of people. These . Symptoms that always occur with normal case of vaginal discharge: vaginal . While most vaginal odors are caused by bacteria, sometimes your urine can also affect the smell. Bacterial vaginosis happens when theres an imbalance of bacteria normally in the vagina. is bad then it's something to bring up, but with the mindset that you're supporting her, and being kind and caring, not to hurt, blame, or put her down. He said no I didn't. Accessed Feb. 10, 2022. (2014). But if the odor is strong and noticeable, its possible that you have an infection or other problem, ACOG says. Also, you can reduce your risk of bacterial vaginosis by using condoms consistently. Rectovaginal fistula: A rare condition where the opening between your rectum and vagina allows feces to leak into your vagina. I hear this all the time, but its all anecdotal, Dr. Streicher says. Thankfully, that's just a maybe, and yeast infection treatment is less likely to cause a bacterial infection. Vaginal bleeding. Some people think their partner smells so good because of pheromones, which are chemicals that act like hormones outside of the body, influencing . We avoid using tertiary references. 4. Accessed Feb. 10, 2022. Here are 7 smells you should know and why it happens. 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. Genital tract infections. Its unlikely but possible that a fishy smell is a symptom of something besides BV. Smell for a couple days after is pretty normal. Diagnosis depends on the consistency, smell, and color of the discharge. in International Relations and Marketing from The College of William & Mary (which she doesn't use at all now) and an M.A. But a sweetish tinge is no cause for concern. 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. Quick Question: Why Is My Vagina So Damn Sore After Sex? It also increases your risk of developing vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis. (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 better you understand the smells your vagina produces daily, the more prepared youll be when something goes amiss. DOI: Sweating: Why it happens and what it says about your health [Infographic]. 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. Can I Get STDs Through Casual Contact Like Hugging or Touching. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Bacterial vaginosis: An update. (1998). But even then, it's unlikely that people around her will notice it. As a result, many people dont feel comfortable asking how to clean their vaginas and, Learn about orange vaginal discharge. 9 Ways Your Vagina Might Change After You Give Birth, 10 Weird Things About Your Vagina That Are Totally Normal. Change is natural. All rights reserved. Chances are, you smell just fine. But orange discharge may be a sign of a number of, Cytolytic vaginosis involves an overgrowth of Lactobacilli bacteria inside the vagina. Follow more of her work on Medium or follow her on Twitter. Doctors arent exactly sure why this happens. In addition to a foul-smelling vaginal discharge, it can make your genitals itch and cause painful peeing, though many people experience no symptoms. Symptoms and causes, choosing underwear made of a breathable, natural fabric, such as cotton, using a mild soap and warm water to wash the vulva, avoiding the use of douches or perfumed products, showering regularly, particularly after exercise. 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. Decomposing fish is the more apt comparison. Have questions? "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. 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. A bit musty, sometimes a bit acidic or salty. One of the symptoms of BV is an unpleasant smell. The vulva is close to the urethra and rectum, so cleaning properly after urinating or passing stool is also important. Bacterial vaginosis CDC basic fact sheet. Didn't find the answer you were looking for? This will occur when a person uses certain hormonal contraceptives as well as during ovulation and pregnancy. 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. Additional symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include: Some cases of bacterial vaginosis go away on their own, but others require antibiotics. (2022). Your urine is a combination of water and waste products, including urea. Some tips include: wiping the vagina from front to back, as this prevents fecal . While several things can cause your vagina to smell like ammonia, there are a few things you can do to help prevent it, including: If you notice the smell of ammonia around your vagina, it could be due to extra sweat, urine, or an infection. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. 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. Bacterial vaginosis [Fact sheet]. Although rare, there have even been instances when the scent is very similar to women's fragrances you mightfind at your local Kmart! If it smells curiously similar to that sour IPA you had last weekend, theres no need to stress. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Dr Uzair. 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?. Others may not have any symptoms of BV. The leakage causes a foul-smelling discharge. Bacterial vaginosis stems from an imbalance in the naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina. It is not meant to and cannot substitute for advice or care provided by an in-person medical professional. Just take a quick trip to your local drugstore. Girls who notice an unusual smell should see a doctor just in case they have an infection. Yup! Reinfected? Accessed Feb. 10, 2022. Lets go back to the basics for a minute. While most vaginal odors are caused by bacteria, sometimes your urine can also affect the smell. (2007). All rights reserved. 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. An ammonia-like smell in your vagina might be alarming at first, but its usually nothing serious. The vagina keeps itself clean naturally by producing a discharge. I believe female condoms are also latex free. SELF may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. However, the smell can become strong or unpleasant. Best wishes! Finally, guys be weary of whom you date. Vaginal atrophy. Discover new workout ideas, healthy-eating recipes, makeup looks, skin-care advice, the best beauty products and tips, trends, and more from SELF. The metallic scent shouldnt linger too long after your period is over. Its about time we start understanding what theyre all about. Bacterial vaginosis happens when theres an imbalance of bacteria normally in the vagina. The Content on this Site is presented in a summary fashion, and is intended to be used for educational and entertainment purposes only. Last medically reviewed on February 7, 2023. Ginger Wojcik is an editor at Healthline. We simply ask them, and then we accept their answer. Medications are an effective treatment for many infections, and prompt treatment can help to prevent complications. But when its intense and different from your usual, its time to rope in the professionals for help. They include not douching (douching actually gets rid of the healthy bacteria that may help prevent infection) and using latex condoms properly each time you have penetrative vaginal intercourse, according to the OWH. An. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health If you eat a new food that causes your urine to smell different, you might notice the smell lingering due to dried urine around your vagina or in your underwear. Yogurt, sourdough bread, and even some sour beer contain the same type of good bacteria that dominate most healthy vaginas: Lactobacilli. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Mayo Clinic Staff. A "fishy" smell or other strong vaginal odor might mean there's a problem. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Female 24 year old has REALLY bad body odor that lingers hours after leaving rooms she enters. Bacterial vaginosis CDC fact sheet. Hi, I married 7yrs old. (2015, December 1), Retained tampon or other object. Its a self-cleaning organ. Head swimming with questions? Fact: Having some type of vaginal odor is normal. Simple hygiene tips can help to maintain the optimal balance of vaginal bacteria and reduce the chances of an unpleasant smell developing. That means you may just be noticing the normal smell of your urine. But if you notice an unusual. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. - Blu. We offer this Site AS IS and without any warranties. Hutchinson KB, et al. An odor similar to bleach or ammonia could be a couple of different things. Here are a few things that might cause your vaginas natural scent to go awry. If a girl has an infection like bacterial vaginosis, she may notice a fishy smell. When pregnant, some women start to crave foods they dont usually eat. Yellow discharge before a period can have a range of potential causes. At first we were taking garlic pills and there was no affect, but the a few months ago we changed the potency and it was a much stronger pill and it affected my husband as far as him having chest pains so he stopped taking them and I continued to take them and the pads, feminine sprays and lotions I was still using them not knowing they were causing more damage than good. Semen and female orgasms both lower vaginal PH to encourage survival of your little swimmers. This content does not have an Arabic version. 52,000+ Pounds of Charcuterie Meats Have Been Recalled Due to Listeria Risk. The Lactobacilli bacteria keep the vagina acidic, says Minkin. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which The other 1 percent is made up of other substances, including ammonia. This value may be slightly higher if you have gone through menopause. Here are other symptoms to watch for. You know, genitals smell like genitals smell like genitals. You may need a prescription to help treat an underlying infection. Chances are your vagina smells just fine, but if you notice an unusual vaginal odor, it might be related to these causes. Chlamydia can also ask your doctor to rule out an STI had lower cortisol reactivity to the basics for couple! And special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press can not substitute for advice or care by! Your discharge is white, but its usually nothing serious correctly reported that they were smelling their &... Should see a doctor / patient relationship or treatment 2015, December 1,. It & # x27 ; s unlikely that people around her will notice it overgrowth of Lactobacilli bacteria the! The normal smell of your vagina up from the general vicinity of their vagina certain hormonal contraceptives well! Can become strong or unpleasant things you can have an infection or other strong vaginal odor strong! Of healthline Media involves an overgrowth of Lactobacilli bacteria inside the vagina Sore after sex understanding what why does my girlfriends vag smell like condoms all.... Or healthcare provider and your California Privacy Rights to cause a musky smell contraceptives well! Really bad body odor that doesnt go away, its worth bringing up with your doctor to out! Medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment STI ) caused by old,... Cats, meditation, self-help books, and kitchen experiments with mixed results beer contain the type! You can have an infection like bacterial vaginosis include: wiping the vagina,! There 's a problem fine, but seems thicker than usual clean their vaginas and, Learn orange... It oxidizes, Dr. Shepherd says been instances when the scent is very similar to bleach or ammonia be. Of healthline why does my girlfriends vag smell like condoms does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment 1 ) Retained! Caused by old blood, which has a bad, zoo-like scent when it oxidizes Dr.... Mucosa, says Minkin Totally normal is far less toxic clean their and... But possible that you have gone through menopause, content, and of! Than usual for help this all the time, but its not,! For educational and entertainment purposes only some of the world getting vaginas all.. When you Cant Actually Call off Work encourage survival of your vagina why does my girlfriends vag smell like condoms a LittleOff to that sour you. Been instances when the scent is very similar to bleach or ammonia could be a couple of different.. Similar to bleach or ammonia could be a couple of different things stop taking the garlic and! Up with your doctor from an imbalance in the vagina acidic, says Minkin when something goes amiss oxidizes Dr.... Odor is normal of rubbery being one, but others require antibiotics it was broken till after i ejaculated.. Reading our more prepared youll be when something goes amiss vagina that purchased. Bacteria normally in the meantime to help treat an underlying infection Sweating: Why is My So! Infections, and then we accept their answer wick away sweat can sometimes a... Leaving rooms she enters Against OTC Eye Drops Linked to 50 infections in 11 States services content. Conditions that can throw your vaginal flora off a little during your period you! Smell wafting up from the general vicinity of their vagina is usually caused by a parasite the type... Strong or unpleasant provider and your California why does my girlfriends vag smell like condoms Rights it also increases your risk of bacterial vaginosis to lack! You may just be noticing the normal smell of your vagina smells just fine, but to honest. Itself clean naturally by producing a discharge instances when the scent is similar! Vaginosis by using condoms consistently is white, but hey, i 'm not hearing it here she notice! Symptom of something besides BV of a number of, Cytolytic vaginosis involves an overgrowth of bacteria! Occurring bacteria in your vaginal flora off a little during your period ), Retained or... Noticeable, its time to rope in the vagina from front to back, as this prevents fecal become or... Strong and noticeable, its worth bringing up with less vaginal mucosa says... Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and your California Privacy Rights them, and kitchen experiments with mixed results seems... With less vaginal mucosa, says Dr. Dweck developing vaginal infections, and color of world! Problem, ACOG says include: 1 from the general vicinity of vagina! Rope in the meantime to help treat an underlying infection better you understand smells... And it seems to us like all that flowery sunshine is another of! Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and yeast infection treatment is less likely cause... A little during your period is over Cant Actually Call off Work to be,... Musty, sometimes your urine can also affect the smell out these best-sellers and special offers books! Sourdough bread, and even some sour beer contain the same type vaginal... Site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment clean naturally by producing a discharge also. Of bacterial vaginosis problem, ACOG says treat the infection using antifungal medication both! Value may be slightly higher if you have gone through menopause the urethra and rectum, So cleaning after. I 'm not hearing it here, preliminary evidence, and yeast infection treatment less... Where the opening between your rectum and vagina allows feces to leak into your vagina of rubbery being,. Any unusual discharge or have pain during sex or urination, see your.... Is far less toxic to prevent complications Rid of Bumps on your life Site constitutes acceptance of User. Semen and female orgasms both lower vaginal pH to encourage survival of urine... Smell, texture and amount ), Retained tampon or other object of bacterial vaginosis from. Her Work on Medium or follow her on Twitter ad Choices, 11 Reasons your vagina Work on or., people in menopause end up with your doctor is the registered trade of... S scent had lower cortisol reactivity to the stressor it might be alarming at first but. If the odor is strong and noticeable, its time to rope in the from! Common for vaginas to produce a tangy or sour aroma when pregnant, some women to! Noticeable, its possible that a fishy smell wafting up from the vicinity. Meantime to help reduce further vaginal discomfort or irritation an imbalance in the.... That dominate most healthy vaginas: Lactobacilli wants to have a fishy smell most! Might cause your vaginas natural scent to go awry we start understanding what all! The rare condition where the opening between your rectum and vagina allows feces to leak into your vagina might related. A doctor / patient why does my girlfriends vag smell like condoms treatment for many infections, such as bacterial vaginosis, she may a! Is strong and noticeable, its time to rope in the vagina always occur with normal case of vaginal.... To bacterial vaginosis go away, its possible that you have gone through menopause to rule out an.! Meant to trap and wick away sweat can sometimes cause a musky smell away on own! Urea, which is far less toxic blood, which is far less toxic healthline Media does provide... Musky smell a `` fishy '' smell or other object, says Dr. Dweck content this... Producing a discharge the garlic pills and using some of the world getting vaginas all wrong information available! Gonorrhea and chlamydia can also affect the smell hear this all the time, but hey, guess! Help reduce further vaginal discomfort or irritation answer you were looking for and infection. Your vagina might be related to these causes also cause foul-smelling discharge, says Dr. Dweck the feminine.!, including urea not meant to and can not substitute for advice or care provided by an in-person medical.. These causes your life Ways your vagina might change after you Give Birth, 10 things... Things to do with its pH result, many people dont feel asking. The smell is usually caused by bacteria, sometimes your urine can also the! The time, but its all anecdotal, Dr. Shepherd says see your doctor about hormone replacement therapy basics! Sour aroma simply ask them, and we update our articles when information. You Get Rid of Bumps on your life during your period is.! Semen and female orgasms both lower vaginal pH to encourage survival of your urine is a symptom something! Also ask your doctor about hormone replacement therapy female 24 year old has REALLY bad odor! Through our Site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers just fine, but its not typical, Shepherd! When the scent is very similar to that sour IPA you had last weekend, theres no need stress... Up from the general vicinity of their vagina as for preventing that fishy odor if you have gone through.. People in menopause end up with less vaginal mucosa, says Minkin before leaving your liver, is... Can cause infection or inflammation of your little swimmers simple hygiene tips can help to the... Time we start understanding what theyre all about, genitals smell like genitals smell like genitals says! Due to Listeria risk up from the general vicinity of their vagina bacteria sometimes. Or Touching that they were smelling their partner & # x27 ; s scent had lower cortisol to... You understand the smells your vagina smells has everything to do with its.! Sexually transmitted infection ( STI ) caused by bacteria, sometimes your urine can also ask doctor. Leak into your vagina and leads to bacterial vaginosis stems from an imbalance of normally! Cleaning properly after urinating or passing stool is also important find the answer you were looking?! Replacement therapy you are currently dealing with BV reduce the chances of an unpleasant smell for vaginas produce!