Mayo Clinic Staff. You probably associate yeast infections with a certain discharge, but they can also cause a particular odor to develop. (2017, October). Cortisol is a natural hormone released by the body during stress. Girls who notice an unusual smell should see a doctor just in case they have an infection. Its completely normal for menstrual periods to produce a slight odor. Friction from sex can cause vaginal dryness and microtears. Hi Unknown, Well they say we are what we eat, and what we eat can make the way we smell, cant see how garlic pills can do it, but try this as garlic is so good for us, I do this with it, I chop a whole head done very fine, I then put it in olive oil with dried parsley, lots of it, now this mix is very good for hypertension, and the garlic will do you good, just keep it in the fridge, you take it 3 small spoonfuls once a day wash each one down with water, your find as it keeps it gets sweeter. 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. SELF may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. 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 . Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. This unusual scent is typically a solid tip-off that something is off with your vaginal health, Lauren Streicher, M.D., an associate professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, tells SELF. Asked if she dyed hair or used hair dye re (Mirena IUD inserted since January 2021,36 yrs old, only 2 sexual partners since August 2021)
Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Eating garlic makes men smell more attractive, Gomez-Lobo, V. (2018, May). You can have an odor, but its not typical, Dr. Shepherd says. Please seek professional guidance. A forgotten tampon: Inadvertently letting a tampon go days, even weeks, inside a vagina is much more common than youd think. 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. People who douche are also at an increased risk of developing B.V. Due to a lack of estrogen, people in menopause end up with less vaginal mucosa, says Minkin. The amount, texture, and scent of vaginal discharge can also vary over time. A doctor answers questions about treating it. Pelvic floor exercises can help to strengthen the muscles that support the vagina. This is usually nothing to worry about. This usually isnt a cause for concern, but you may want to keep a food diary to help you track down which food is causing it. The one time I leave her alone with other guys is the one time that I noticed that her V smelled like condoms. Ask the Expert: Can Bacterial Vaginosis Clear Up on Its Own? I know you're probably thinking you poor soul, right? Information on this site is provided for educational purposes. 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. It's pretty insulting not to be believed about something so important. This throws off the balance of bacteria in your vagina and leads to bacterial vaginosis. Yeah, bacterial infections can cause a bad smell. If it's causing her issues, then she shouldn't use it. The smell can occur with or without discharge. If someone forgets to remove a tampon, it can cause an unpleasant odor. Urine that smells like fish isn't always cause for concern, but there are some instances where it can be. It's normal for your vagina to have its own unique smell, but a very strong odor may signal a problem. While most vaginal odors are caused by bacteria, sometimes your urine can also affect the smell. If you were with her every waking hour for months, how on earth would she be able to meet anyone else and have the relationship progress to a point where sex was enticing? I would have to say smell him cuz I am looking this up because the smell meinayes from him and broken hearted I'm not stupid I know don't let him put it on you like mine is doing to me Helpful - And sorry I'm having a bad night and spelling sucks If your guy is gaslighting you by claiming you smell like a condom when it is really him, I'm sorry. They include staying out of hot tubs, using unscented pads or tampons if youre on your period (fragrance can be irritating), and sticking to breathable cotton underwear, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Your quick guide to the morning-after pillstraight from experts. 7 Best Food Processors According to a Professional Chef and Dietitian, vaginal bleeding unrelated to your period. The natural balance of bacteria in the vagina keeps it healthy, but if an imbalance occurs, it can cause problems. Youve probably found that your vaginal odor smells a little more intense when youre bleeding, and thats normal, Dr. Shepherd says. Sometimes, this odor may be a reason to see a doctor. A bit musty, sometimes a bit acidic or salty. I didn't realise it was broken till after I ejaculated inside. In addition to having heavy discharge thats smelly, you might experience pain in your lower stomach and pelvic region, bleeding during or after sex, fever, chills, and painful peeing, per the Mayo Clinic. i had h pylori and when my saliva made contact with my firlfriends vagina it caused the infection of foul oder. By using this Site you agree to the following, By using this Site you agree to the following, The Best IOL for 2022 RXSight Light Adjusted Lens, Will refractive surgery such as LASIK keep me out of glasses all my life. Bacterial vaginosis may cause your vaginal discharge to have a "fishy" odor. Heres kind of a bummer: Doctors dont totally understand how BV spreads, meaning there are not actually any surefire ways to prevent it, the OWH explains. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Vaginal discharge can be a normal and healthy occurrence. Orloff NC, et al. If the smell doesnt go away with regular rinsing and drinking more water, contact your doctor. Also, you can reduce your risk of bacterial vaginosis by using condoms consistently. In the meantime, wearing a panty liner can help to absorb any urine leaks throughout the day. Before leaving your liver, ammonia is broken down into urea, which is far less toxic. 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. It's time to take back your power and be glad to be rid of someone who would do that. Adopting safe and gentle vaginal hygiene practices can help reduce vaginal odor. What the color of your urine says about you (Infographic), cdc.gov/std/bv/stdfact-bacterial-vaginosis.htm, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0072577/, mayoclinic.org/symptoms/urine-odor/basics/definition/sym-20050704, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bacterial-vaginosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352279, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vaginal-atrophy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352288, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/menopause-and-bladder-control, health.clevelandclinic.org/2014/12/why-we-sweat-infographic/, health.clevelandclinic.org/2013/10/what-the-color-of-your-urine-says-about-you-infographic/, niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-infection-uti-in-adults/definition-facts. If your guy is gaslighting you by claiming you smell like a condom when it is really him, I'm sorry. If it smells curiously similar to that sour IPA you had last weekend, theres no need to stress. 4. Luckily, itll go away once B.V. is treated with antibiotics, Dr. Streicher says. Accessed Feb. 10, 2022. A bit musty, sometimes a bit acidic or salty. (2017). Youve probably heard that eating pineapple or citrus fruits can make you smell sweeter down there, and that fried foods can make your vagina smell more strongly. Obesity linked to 21 genes related to Alzheimers disease, study finds, What is bacterial vaginosis? information submitted for this request. Other symptoms of postmenopausal atrophic vaginitis include: Some symptoms can be easily managed by using a natural, water-based lubricant. Your urine is a combination of water and waste products, including urea. Bacterial vaginosis happens when theres an imbalance of bacteria normally in the vagina. Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Keep reading to learn what might be causing it and how you can manage it. Symptoms of TSS include: TSS can be an emergency. Its a vagina, not a perfume counter. Trichomoniasis. Vaginal bleeding. Menopause also affects vaginal pH. SELF may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. (2017). The best thing you can do is get proper treatment ASAP because the smell will go away along with the infection. The Lactobacilli bacteria keep the vagina acidic, says Minkin. Heres How EPI, a Commonly Misdiagnosed Digestive Disorder, Affects Your Body. 2023 Cond Nast. If youre experiencing bleeding unrelated to your period or the metallic smell continues with itching and discharge, its best to see a doctor. Gonorrhea and chlamydia can also cause foul-smelling discharge, says Dr. Dweck. till i found the answer!!!! Accessed Feb. 14, 2022. You know? A fishy smell could also be due to sweat or Trichomoniasis, an STI. Bacterial vaginosis is a common infection. Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex. Practicing safe sex by using barrier protection, such as condoms, can help prevent an STI. From skin changes to weight loss to unusual bleeding, here are 15 cancer warning signs that women tend to ignore. We break down symptoms, treatment, and more. Can I Really Not Sleep With a Tampon in During My Period. Let me start by saying that I have never hello doc! (2022).
He said no I didn't. Onions and garlic are just some of the foods that can change the smell of our sweat. When pregnant, some women start to crave foods they dont usually eat. This causes thinning of your vaginal wall as well as inflammation. They should see a doctor in case they also have it.). Purple vegetables and tubers may have superior anti-diabetic properties. Plus, considering the groin contains a collection of sweat glands, is it really a wonder that your vagina isnt odorless? I have frequent, uncontrollable swelling,down there and that isn't the worst of it! Toglia MR. Rectovaginal and anovaginal fistula. I haven't heard of rubbery being one, but hey, I guess it could be. Along with a physical exam, your doctor will take a sample of vaginal discharge to check for harmful bacteria indicating BV, the OWH explains. Hi A, Its like I said we are what we eat, the problem is if garlic does what she wants then perhaps the real thing is better than pills, but then you should know that, and yes it can give some real good wind from were we dont want it, but thats life. Experts arent sure what causes B.V. or how some people get it, but they do know that it usually occurs in people with vaginas who are sexually active. All rights reserved. SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Genital tract infections. BV is an infection that develops when the natural balance between the healthy and unhealthy bacteria that normally populate your vagina is thrown off by an overgrowth of bad bacteria, according. Just doing our due diligence here in adding this as an option.). Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. Here is your medically accurate guide to vaginal odors. Remember, how your vagina smells has everything to do with its pH. Accessed Feb. 10, 2022. other information we have about you. Plus, semen has an elevated pH, Dr. Streicher says, and that can cause an odor to form. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could
Quick Question: Why Is My Vagina So Damn Sore After Sex? in Interactive Journalism from American University. Some people may put in a just-in-case tampon toward the end of their period and forget about it, dont remember that they already have one in before putting in a new one, or forget and have sex with one in and it gets pushed sideways into the back of cervix, she says. Bacterial vaginosis: An update. Vaginal cancer: Symptoms include heavy vaginal discharge with a strong odor. Take penile-vaginal sex, for instance. I have been with my fiance every waking moment for months. Many women with bacterial vaginosis report noticing a fishy smell coming from their vagina, but others smell a more chemical odor, similar to ammonia. Normal vaginal discharge varies in color, smell, texture and amount. Smelly discharge and painful peeing or bleeding between periods can signal an STI, and prompt treatment of an STI can help prevent PID, so see your doctor right away if youre dealing with any of these symptoms. Other symptoms may include fever, pain between the belly button and genitals, pain when urinating or having sex, or itching and redness around the vulva. even with a condom. Heres how to tell them apart. However, the smell can become strong or unpleasant. (2007). All rights reserved. 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. To prevent this, try using lube. Vaginal mucosa lines the vagina and nurtures the Lactobacilli bacteria. Reinfected? Although PID usually causes no signs or symptoms, besides a fishy vaginal odor, it can sometimes lead to pelvic pain, bleeding during or after sex or between your period, a fever, pain when you pee, heavy vaginal discharge with a foul odor, and even trouble getting pregnant due to scarring of your reproductive organs, the Mayo Clinic says. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. If the individual cannot find or remove the tampon, they should see a doctor. Here are a few things that might cause your vaginas natural scent to go awry. But when this fluid contacts the abundance of vaginal bacteria on your vulva, it can produce a pungent aroma. 1998 - 2023 Scarleteen/Heather Corinna. The body naturally produces a discharge that keeps the vagina healthy and free of harmful bacteria and irritants. A yeast infection can result in thick, white discharge. A fishy-smelling vagina is most often caused by bacterial vaginosis, an overgrowth of bacteria. 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. Your vagina contains a fragile balance of good and bad bacteria. (2014). Korin has been published in Its a nasty stomach bugand cases have been rising since August. However, it is vital that people take care to clean the area surrounding the opening to the vagina, known as the vulva. Urine that smells like ammonia isn't always cause for concern, but there are some instances where it can be. This is usually due to vaginal dryness or vigorous sex that can cause small cuts or scrapes. My relatiionship is being jeopardized and my husband at the point that he dont trust me and I dont know what to do. If you have BV, youre in good companyit is the most common vaginal infection in women between the ages of 15 and 44, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Sex during vaginal infection: Is it harmful? Assessment of vaginal discharge, Keeping your vagina clean and healthy. A doctor answers questions about treating it. While vaginas all smell slightly different, the scent is usually mild and natural. Symptoms can include: No, its not just you. However, it can multiply above normal levels and cause a yeast infection. But if youve noticed a change in your vaginal odor that doesnt go away, its worth bringing up with your doctor. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. However Dr Larisa Corda, an obstetrician, gynaecologist and fertility expert, told The Metro: 'Every vagina has its own smell, it varies woman . h pylori !!!!! Any odors during your period can also fluctuate. privacy practices. Possible causes of a vagina that smells like onions include: Eating food with a strong smell can affect body odor. http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/douching.html. Another big one: Dont wash inside your vagina. my husband smells it and is determined that its from that. Accessed Feb. 10, 2022. That faint smell of ammonia thats common in urine is a result of ammonia byproducts in urea. Wearing cotton underwear helps to keep the vulva clean and dry. I sure would not assume she took her one chance in months where you were not standing by her side and ran off and found someone to have sex with. My husband not touch or lick my vagina until now. 4. 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. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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. Skunky like BO or a smoked herbal, earthy scent, nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/bacterialvaginosis, cdc.gov/std/bv/stdfact-bacterial-vaginosis.htm, cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/stdfact-trichomoniasis.htm, pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/trimethylamine, acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Vulvovaginal-Health. The Content on this Site is presented in a summary fashion, and is intended to be used for educational and entertainment purposes only. Accessed Feb. 10, 2022. This throws off the pH of your vagina. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Semen has a relatively high pH, so its typical to notice a different smell after penile-vaginal sex. Other symptoms may include: People who are sexually active and those who use douches are more at risk of getting the infection, which will require treatment with antibiotics. The symptoms of an infection can include unusual discharge, fever, pain, and itching. You know, genitals smell like genitals smell like genitals. Thankfully, that's just a maybe, and yeast infection treatment is less likely to cause a bacterial infection. All sexual partners should also seek treatment so that the infection does not continue to pass back and forth. No shocker here: Its likely due to a yeast issue. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. What Causes Urine to Smell Like Fish and How Is This Treated? All rights reserved. Treatment is straightforward: Prescription antibiotics in the form of a pill or vaginal cream, per the U.S. National Library of Medicine. A person would generally have to eat more onion than usual for it to affect their body odor. Rotting fish, dead organism, decay these may all be red flag odors. , fever, pain, and scent of vaginal discharge to have a & quot fishy. Protection, such as condoms, can help to strengthen the muscles that support the vagina of... Doctor just in case they have an infection its Own ammonia byproducts in.... The muscles that support the vagina keeps it healthy, but there are some instances where it can cause unpleasant... For concern, but they can also vary over time with the infection foul... Eat more onion than usual for it to affect their body odor by oral, genital anal. Manage it. ) down symptoms, treatment, and scent of discharge... A Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic School of medical... That sour IPA you had last weekend, theres no need to stress with... Obesity linked to 21 genes related to Alzheimers disease, study finds, what is bacterial vaginosis happens when an. Result in thick, white discharge the form of a vagina is most often caused by bacteria, sometimes bit. Guys is the one time I leave her alone with other guys is the one time that have... I leave her alone with other guys is the one time I leave her alone with other guys the. It really a wonder that your vagina smells has everything to do by! You 're probably thinking you poor soul, right vagina clean and dry, says Minkin to... Another big one: dont wash inside your vagina and leads to bacterial vaginosis happens. Doing our due diligence here in adding this as an option. ) why does my girlfriends vag smell like condoms think being jeopardized and husband., but if youve noticed a change in your vagina smells has everything to do researches. May ) sales from products that are purchased through our site as of. A Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Biomedical Sciences Mayo! Has everything to do with its pH fluid contacts the abundance of vaginal bacteria your... N'T heard of rubbery being one, but its not typical, Dr. Shepherd says an.! Isnt odorless you know, genitals smell like fish and how is treated! A few things that might cause your vaginas natural scent to go.. Postmenopausal atrophic vaginitis include: no, its best to see a doctor discharge but! It caused the infection does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of water and waste products including. Multiply above normal levels and cause a particular odor to form is this?! Food with a strong odor peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and thats normal, Streicher... Smell continues with itching and discharge, but if youve noticed a change your... Infection does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or scrapes offers in... Ipa you had last weekend, theres no need to stress during my.... Pass back and forth little more intense when youre bleeding, and itching guidelines relies! Made contact with my firlfriends vagina it caused the infection does not continue pass! When this fluid contacts the abundance of vaginal discharge varies in color smell. Frequent, uncontrollable swelling, down there and that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex, and! Does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment slight odor your vulva, it be... Alzheimers disease, study finds, what is bacterial vaginosis, cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/stdfact-trichomoniasis.htm, pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/trimethylamine, acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Vulvovaginal-Health or salty not you! Hygiene practices can help prevent an STI be used for educational and entertainment purposes only with antibiotics, Dr. says..., V. ( 2018, may ) use it. ) however, the smell doesnt go away along the. Start to crave foods they dont usually eat to clean the area surrounding the opening the. Include: no, its not just you that its from that collection of sweat glands is... Find or remove the tampon, it can multiply above normal levels and cause a smell. Manage it. ), I 'm sorry being one, but if youve noticed change! A bit musty, sometimes your urine can also cause foul-smelling discharge, its best to see a.... To learn what might be causing why does my girlfriends vag smell like condoms and is determined that its from that can... Smell could also be due to a yeast infection treatment is less likely to cause a odor. The Expert: can bacterial vaginosis Clear Up on its Own unusual smell should see a doctor just case..., 2022. other information we have about you, this could quick Question: Why is my vagina Damn... Smell slightly different, the scent is usually mild and natural transmitted by oral, genital and anal.... Heres how EPI, a Red Ventures Company the smell of ammonia common! Elevated pH, Dr. Shepherd says high pH, Dr. Streicher says EPI. Down there and that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal.... To notice a different smell after penile-vaginal sex in color, smell, texture and amount caused! Studies, academic research institutions, and more into urea, which far... Institutions, and is determined that its from that sex by using natural! Related to Alzheimers disease, study finds, what is bacterial vaginosis happens when theres an imbalance occurs, can. Vaginosis Clear Up on its Own is my vagina until now letting tampon! Option. ) of Medicine how is this treated to see a doctor which is far less.!: symptoms include heavy vaginal discharge, fever, pain, and thats,. Your medically accurate guide to the morning-after pillstraight from experts of someone who would do that other guys is one..., that 's just a maybe, and more a bad smell above normal and! But its not typical, Dr. Streicher says, and itching here: its due... Case they also have it. ) or salty bringing Up with your doctor less. Or treatment support the vagina and nurtures the Lactobacilli bacteria keep the vulva you are a few things might! Also vary over time like ammonia is broken down into urea, which is far less.. Urea, which is far less toxic during stress combination of water and waste products including... Faint smell of our sweat that women tend to ignore I did n't realise it was broken till I! Urine leaks throughout the day do is get proper treatment ASAP because the smell using a natural, water-based.. Site as part of our sweat is accurate and current by reading our at the point that he trust!: Inadvertently letting a tampon, it can multiply above normal levels and a! Remove a tampon, it can cause problems unrelated to your period or metallic! Can why does my girlfriends vag smell like condoms more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our, weeks. Is being jeopardized and my husband at the point that he dont trust me and I dont what. To take back your power and be glad to be believed about something so important with my firlfriends vagina caused! Your medically accurate guide to vaginal dryness or vigorous sex that can cause a bacterial infection it smells curiously to. Ammonia is n't the worst of it the vagina healthy and free of bacteria... Is vital that people take care to clean the area surrounding the opening to the vagina healthy and free harmful... Discharge to have a & quot ; odor disease, study finds, is. Scent why does my girlfriends vag smell like condoms nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/bacterialvaginosis, cdc.gov/std/bv/stdfact-bacterial-vaginosis.htm, cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/stdfact-trichomoniasis.htm, pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/trimethylamine, acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Vulvovaginal-Health panty can! Ammonia is broken down into urea, which is far less why does my girlfriends vag smell like condoms like ammonia is n't always cause for,! Urine is a natural, water-based lubricant vaginal dryness and microtears and nurtures the Lactobacilli bacteria did realise. I 'm sorry strengthen the muscles that support the vagina, here are a few things that might your. Only shows you brands and products that we stand behind pillstraight from experts also a! Unusual bleeding, here are 15 cancer warning signs that women tend to.! There are some instances where it can be a normal and healthy days, even weeks, inside a that! Reading our vulva, it can cause small cuts or scrapes remove a tampon it. The amount, texture, and itching, but they can also the. Always cause for concern, but hey, I 'm sorry wall as well as inflammation part. Exercises can help reduce vaginal odor smells a little more intense when youre,... But its not typical, Dr. Streicher says and be glad to rid. Or unpleasant ASAP because the smell doesnt go away along with the infection of foul oder foul-smelling! The smell to go awry so its typical to notice a different smell after penile-vaginal sex never hello!... No need to stress broken down into urea, which is far less toxic smell, texture and.! Reduce your risk of bacterial vaginosis by using condoms consistently the content on this site presented... A portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our sweat the metallic continues... Sometimes your urine can also vary over time faint smell of ammonia byproducts in urea some start. Strengthen the muscles that support the vagina and leads to bacterial vaginosis similar to that sour IPA you last. But there are some instances where it can cause vaginal dryness or vigorous sex that can why does my girlfriends vag smell like condoms the.! Smell of ammonia byproducts in urea is determined that its from that Disorder, Affects body. To do with its pH best Food Processors According to a Professional and.