18
Mar
Articles, Health & Wellness

Something Doesn’t Smell Right Down There…

Posted on by Mumbox | 182 comments

Feminine hygiene is so important, but sometimes no matter how often you shower, something still just doesn’t smell right down there…

Firstly let’s get this out of the way some type of vaginal odor is normal.

Despite what all the marketing and tabloids tell you there is nothing wrong with the way your vagina smells and it’s completely normal to have some sort of smell. Remember it’s not going to smell like wildflowers – it’s a vagina.

If you notice any changes in smell the first thing you should do is consult your doctor. But you might be surprised at a number of things that might cause your vagina’s natural scent to be a little off.

How and why does vaginal odor happen?

1. You have a bacterial infection

Bacterial vaginosis is also known as B.V is the most common vaginal infection in people aged from 15 to 44. This is often caused by too much of certain bacteria in your vagina and this throws your pH levels out.

2. You ate something funky

We’ve all heard those rumors about if you eat a certain type of food your vagina will smell sweeter. Turns out there really isn’t much scientific backing for this statement but experts have heard in some cases of it happening.

If you are worried though and your normal scent has changed slightly, maybe backtrack and see if it’s not maybe food-related. If not consult with your local GP.

3. Recently had sex without a condom

We all know things smell a little different down there after having sex. If you think about it you have just mixed your fluids with someone else’s along with sweat. Also, semen has a higher pH level so that does cause odor to form. Don’t panic though – it’s nothing a good shower can’t fix.

4. You have your period

Your vagina definitely smells a lot more intense when you’re bleeding, go figure. Blood has an elevated pH and this can throw your vaginal flora off during your period. Take note this is not a huge change in scent and will go away once your period finishes.

5. Yeast issue

When we think yeast infection we think of a certain discharge. You’ve got the right thinking but another important factor is the particular odor that might develop. Simply pop into your nearest pharmacy and get yeast infection medication, that should clear the infection up in no time.

6. You worked out recently

Breaking a sweat in the gym can cause an unpleasant vaginal odor due to sweat being trapped down there. We also tend to wear tight-fitting gym clothes that also don’t really help the situation. This can be cured by just having a nice hot shower – using plain water or a mild soap.

7. Wearing the wrong underwear

The type of undies you wear matters, ALWAYS. Cotton is king in this case because other materials tend to trap moisture down there affecting the overall balance and bacteria.

Mums, despite everything, vaginal odor is normal. It can vary from mild to slightly unpleasant smells. It’s like sweat everyone has their own scent.

However, if it is quite a strong-smelling there’s an issue.

  • Fishy scent: This is a sign of B.V. (bacterial vaginosis) as your pH level is completely out of whack which causes the bad, fishy odor. It’s super important to discuss this with your doctor so he/she can help figure out what’s going on.
  • Smells like a zoo: This could be caused by a forgotten tampon which causes your vagina to really really smell bad, and it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria or infection. Luckily it can be solved easily with the help of your gynecologist.
  • If you are dealing with a musky smell, it could be due to you hanging around in workout clothes too much.
  • If it smells like bread: Now one would typically think this is a good thing because who doesn’t love the smell of freshly baked bread. But the chances are good that you have a yeast infection. Luckily you can get an over-the-counter cream to fix that issue right up.

How to prevent/get rid of vaginal odor?

It’s important to keep in mind that your vagina is not supposed to smell like a freshly cut bouquet of flowers. So steer clear from sprays, deodorants, or douches that claim that once used your vagina will smell like cookies and cream.

Things like that often just make everything worse.

Tips to prevent vaginal odor

  • Stay on top of your tampon use, especially during the end of your period. Set a reminder on your phone if you have to, just so you don’t forget.
  • Use a condom. Not using them will increase your risks of having several conditions that will lead to vaginal odors.
  • Eat healthily. Yes, there’s no clear-cut link between your diet and how your vag smalls but what you eat can be a factor in your vaginal odor.
  • Get out of your sweaty gym clothes ASAP. There’s no need to sit around in them all day if you don’t need to. Your vagina will thank you later!
  • Treat yourself to new undies, especially if you notice an unpleasant change in your vaginal odor. Remember cotton is KING!

Mums, did you learn anything new today from this article? 

Comment below to let us know x

Leave a Reply

182 thoughts on “Something Doesn’t Smell Right Down There…”

  1. Nolwazy S. says:

    I am so glad l came across this article, some topics around vaginal health and feminine hygiene are seen as Taboo and its good to see such an informative article and well written like this, gives tou comfort that some problems you may come across are natural.
    Thank you for this❤️

    • Lesego R. says:

      This was the worst thing that had ever happened to me…that bad smell down there.I felt like people can smell is as well and I felt embarrassed to ask or tell anyone.I finally told a friend,went to the clinic and got sorted.Ever since,I wear cotton panties,eat a lot of plain yorghut and give my vagina a break from panty liners.I have never had that problem again.Thank you for this article,I’m going to share it with my young friends

  4. Arthie R. says:

    Very informative article.. Feminine hygiene is very important to ensure a healthy lifestyle.. All women should adhere to their hygiene down there so they can prevent & cure health issues that may/could arise..

  6. Marysa S. says:

    It’s important to listen to our bodies and realize when something is not right. Ignoring it and hoping it will go away only makes things worse. Articles like this reminds us to put our bodies and health first. Only if we are well can we take care of our family. Interesting read.

  8. Rushannah J. says:

    Pregnancy also does weird things to your smell. But as soon as you give birth…. BAM… everything goes back to the way it was. That being said cotton for the win ladies!!!