A lot of women worry about the smell of their v*ginas. They try to buy different intimate washes, cleansing wipes, and even douches to make their v*ginas smell like sunshine and flowers. All these products that are advertised to mask the natural smell of the v*gina are not healthy for you.

Using cleansing and scented products in the v*gina offsets the pH balance and can even disturb the v*ginal ecosystem, leading to irritations and infections.

In reality, the v*gina is home to billions of bacteria. And the precise makeup of this bacteria changes on a daily — sometimes hourly — basis. And besides, a healthy v*gina is not even meant to be odourless. Here is your medically accurate guide to v*inal odours.

1. Tangy or fermented

It’s very common for v*ginas to produce a tangy or sour aroma. Some compare it to the smell of fermented foods, and it is caused by the Lactobacilli. The Lactobacilli bacteria keep the v*gina acidic, which protects against an overgrowth of the bad kinds of bacteria.

2. Coppery like a penny

Many people report smelling a coppery, metallic v*ginal odour. This is rarely ever harmful and could be caused by blood. Blood contains iron, which has a metallic smell. The most common reason for blood is menstruation. Light bleeding after s*x can also be a suspect. This is usually due to v*ginal dryness or vigorous s*x that can cause small cuts or scrapes. To prevent this, try using lube.

The metallic scent shouldn’t linger too long after your period is over. If your v*gina has had contact with semen, this may change the pH level and cause a metallic smell. If you’re experiencing bleeding unrelated to your period or the metallic smell continues with itching and discharge, it’s best to see a doctor.

3. Sweet like molasses

When we say sweet, we don’t mean freshly baked cookies sweet. We mean robust and earthy. But don’t fret; a sweetish tinge is no cause for concern. This is caused by bacteria. Your v*ginal pH is an ever-changing bacterial ecosystem. And sometimes this means you might smell a little sweet. It could also be greatly influenced by your diet. Whatever goes in comes out somehow.

4. Chemical like bleach

An odour similar to bleach or ammonia could be a couple of different things. Sometimes, this odour is a reason to see a doctor. Urine contains a byproduct of ammonia called urea. A buildup of urine in your underwear or around your vulva could put off a chemical smell. Keep in mind, urine smelling strongly of ammonia is a sign of dehydration. It’s also possible a chemical-like smell is a sign of bacterial vaginosis.

5. Skunky like body odour or burnt marijuana

Many people find a similarity between body odour and marijuana. Nobody really knows why yet. But thanks to the sweat glands down there, at least we do know why v*ginas and body odour can smell so similar. Usually, if you smell skunky down there, emotional stress could be the culprit. Your body contains two types of sweat glands, apocrine and eccrine. The eccrine glands produce sweat to cool your body down, and the apocrine glands respond to your emotions. These apocrine glands populate your armpits and your genitals.

6. Fishy

You’ve probably heard an abnormal v*ginal odour described to be like decomposing fish. Why? Trimethylamine. It is the chemical compound responsible for both the distinct aroma of rotting fish and some abnormal v*ginal odours. The most likely causes are bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis. You should see a doctor to check it out.

7. Rotten like a decaying organism

A rotten odour that makes you spoil your face is definitely not normal. If the smell is putrid, like a dead organism, it may not be your v*gina but something in your v*gina. If you find your v*gina smelling rotten, fish around inside it because it could be a forgotten tampon. Surprisingly, tampons going days, even weeks, inside a v*gina is much more common than you’d think. It isn’t something to be embarrassed about. It is even perfectly safe to remove a forgotten tampon on your own.

We hope you’ve found this article helpful. If you know a smell that we didn’t list above, feel free to contribute in the comment section below. Don’t forget to share with whoever might need this.

For more on health, check out these Plat4om articles:

https://www.techtalkwithtdafrica.com/5-habits-to-stop-for-a-healthier-skin/