Vaginal Odor

All vaginas naturally have a smell. And your vaginal odor can change throughout your menstrual cycle or after certain activities, like exercise or sex. Everyone’s vagina has a unique scent, and that’s completely natural. Knowing what’s normal for you can help you notice when something changes.

A new, strong or unpleasant odor — especially a fishy smell — may be a sign of a health problem. This is especially true if you also have grayish-white vaginal discharge, burning or itching. If you notice these changes, talk to a healthcare provider. They can help find the cause and recommend treatment.

What causes vaginal odor?

Your vaginal odor can change when the balance of bacteria in your vagina changes. These bacteria help keep your vagina at a healthy pH, or acidity level. When this balance is upset, your vagina may develop a fishy, musty or unpleasant smell.

Normal vaginal odors

Many changes in vaginal odor are temporary. They don’t last long and they’re usually not a reason to worry. For example:

• A slightly sour or tangy smell can be normal. It may come from good bacteria in your vagina called Lactobacilli. The smell can be similar to sourdough bread.
• A slightly sweet or bittersweet smell may be a sign that your pH levels have changed.
• Your vaginal discharge may smell metallic — like copper pennies — when you’re on your period.
• A vagina that smells like ammonia may be a sign that there’s leftover pee on your genitals. It could also mean you’re dehydrated.
• A skunky or sweaty smell may happen when you’re stressed and sweating more.

Odors may be related to hormonal changes or the foods you eat, too. For example, foods with a strong smell, like garlic or fish, can cause odor changes in your vagina.

But an unpleasant odor that doesn’t go away may be a sign that you need to see a healthcare provider.

Abnormal vaginal odors

If a vaginal odor is strong, unpleasant or doesn’t go away, it may be a sign of a problem that needs treatment. An unusual odor can happen for several reasons, including infections and other conditions.

Some infections can cause a fishy or foul-smelling vagina:

• Bacterial vaginosis (BV): BV is a vaginal infection that can cause a strong, fishy vaginal odor. The smell may be especially strong after sex. You may also notice a thin, gray or grayish-white vaginal discharge.
• Trichomoniasis: This is an infection caused by a parasite. “Trich” doesn’t always cause symptoms. When it does, it can cause a fishy or musty smell. Another common symptom of trich is a greenish-yellow discharge.

Other things can also cause an unusual vaginal odor, even when you don’t have an infection, including:

• Something left in your vagina: A forgotten tampon or other object can cause a strong smell, similar to rotten meat.
• Vaginitis: Inflammation or irritation of your vagina can sometimes cause an unusual odor. It can happen because of scented products or other irritants.

Rarely, vaginal odor is a symptom of:

• Rectovaginal fistula: A rare condition where the opening between your rectum and vagina allows poop to leak into your vagina. The leakage causes a foul-smelling discharge.
• Vaginal cancer: Symptoms include heavy vaginal discharge with a strong odor.
• Cervical cancer: Symptoms can include a strong, bad-smelling discharge.

What causes vaginal odor during pregnancy?

Vaginal odor can change during pregnancy because of changes in your hormones and vaginal pH. Pregnancy can also make your sense of smell stronger. This can mean you notice the smell of your vagina (and everything else!) more.

After delivery, vaginal odor is also common. As your uterus returns to its normal size, your body releases blood, mucus and other tissue called lochia. Lochia can have a stale, metallic or musty smell.

How is abnormal vaginal odor diagnosed?

To find out what’s causing the smell, a healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history and perform a vaginal exam. They may also:

• Take a sample of your vaginal discharge to check for infection
• Check your vaginal pH

How is vaginal odor treated?

Abnormal vaginal odor sometimes goes away on its own. If it doesn’t, your healthcare provider can find the cause and recommend treatment. If a bacterial infection is causing the odor, your provider may prescribe antibiotics. These may come as pills, creams or gels.

Antibiotics commonly prescribed for bacterial infections that cause vaginal odors include:

• Clindamycin (Cleocin®)
• Metronidazole (Flagyl®)
• Tinidazole (Tindamax®)

If irritation from a product is causing the odor, stopping that product can also help.

How do I get rid of vaginal odor at home?

The best way to get rid of a smelly vagina is to find out what’s causing it. Temporary changes in odor related to your menstrual cycle, stress or other activities may go away on their own. You can help keep your vagina healthy by avoiding douching and scented soaps. If the odor is strong, new or doesn’t go away, talk to your healthcare provider.

How can vaginal odor be prevented?

You can put healthy habits in place to keep your vulva clean and protect your vagina from infection. Here are some tips:

• Practice good hygiene. Use mild, unscented soap and warm water to clean your vulva. Shower and change after exercising or swimming. Bacteria grow more easily in warm, wet places.
• Don’t douche. Douching can upset the balance of bacteria in your vagina and increase your risk of infection. If you already have an infection, douching can make it worse.
• Wear light, breathable clothing. Avoid wearing clothes that are too tight on your vulva. Instead, wear cotton underwear that won’t hold in heat and moisture.
• Drink plenty of water. Your vagina may have a strong ammonia smell if you’re dehydrated. Without enough water, your pee can become very concentrated and smelly.
• Protect your vagina (and vaginal flora) during sex. Use condoms to lower your risk of STIs and other infections. If you use lubricant, choose an unscented, unflavored product to help prevent irritation.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

See your healthcare provider if vaginal odor is strong, lasts several days or comes with irregular discharge, burning or itching. If you’re pregnant, it’s especially important to get checked. Some infections can cause pregnancy complications.