Vaginal Smells: 5 Types of Feminine Odours And The Health Issues They Indicate

Each vagina has a unique smell. The smell might change into a different variation of its own once in a while, like due to excessive sweating or if you had an intercourse recently, your vaginal odour may change for a few days into a different version of its own but the base smell doesn't change. Just like the way your gut is home to its own microbiome- yeast, and bacteria that is extremely helpful for your gut, your vagina has its own set of microbiome too, that is vital for the overall vaginal health. The vaginal combination of the microbiome is extremely unique and personal to each one. However, if you notice a drastic alteration in the smell of your vagina it could indicate various health condition. Here's what different types of vaginal smell indicate about your health.

Fishy smell: If your vagina smells fishy, it could be an indication that your vagina needs more attention in terms of hygiene. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) usually causes a fishy smell in your vagina. A sexually transmitted disease called trichomoniasis is also known to cause a similar smell. While BV isn't life-threatening as it is just an overgrowth of bacteria already present in your vagina, it can cause discomfort to you. You must not ignore such smell coming out of your vagina on a regular basis and must soon visit a gynecologist.

Yeasty smell: If your vagina has recently started to smell of bread or yeast, it is a strong indication that you are suffering from a yeast infection. Usually, the smell isn't very strong but if you notice that your vagina smells like yeast with a white cottage cheese like discharge and itchiness, you might want to visit a doctor asap. While yeast infection is really common and isn't life-threatening, you must ignore the problem. Do not opt for OCTs. Yeast infection is more common amongst diabetic women since yeast feeds on sugar and the glucose levels in the vaginal discharge of diabetic woman are more than others.

Ammonia: If your vagina smells like ammonia it could be an indication that you have contracted UTI or BV. While none of these infections are life-threatening, they definitely are uncomfortable and cause excessive redness or itchiness.

Metallic smell: This kind of smell usually is caused during your periods when the blood changes the pH of your vagina, it can result in your vagina smelling a bit coppery. While this is a common kind of smell that can come from your vagina during menstruation if the smell persists of worsens don't shy away from taking an expert opinion.

Rotten: A sudden, strong rotten smell is definitely a cause for concern. It could be because of a tampon being left behind in your vagina or any other kind of infection in your vagina. You must visit a doctor and not shy away from confronting if you are maintaining the hygiene of your vagina. It will only help the doctor find out the real problem.

However, a word of caution for you would be that you must go overboard with cleaning your vagina as it might do more harm than good. Your vagina has a self-cleaning system, you must not sway away with the commercials on TV and opt for douching, vaginal washes, perfume, etc. except if your doctor explicitly asks you to do so. Same with the home remedies, do not try any kind of home remedy without an expert opinion.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 27, 2018 12:36 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).