Ask the Expert: Can Bacterial Vaginosis Clear Up on Its Own? Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Assessment of vaginal discharge, Keeping your vagina clean and healthy. 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. And remember: You dont need anything crazy to clean your vaginaplain water or mild soap are truly all you need. Usually its not a huge change in scent, and it goes away once your period wraps up, she says. A bit musty, sometimes a bit acidic or salty. Doctors will treat the infection with medication and will often recommend abstaining from sexual activity until the infection clears. Your liver is responsible for breaking down proteins. This Simple Morning Habit Can Help You Sleep Way Better at Night, 5 Norovirus Symptoms That Can Hit You Really, Really Hard, Just Some Fun Sex Toys You and Your Partner Will Love. Gershenson DM, et al. If we combine this information with your protected Some other things you can do to prevent vaginal odor: If youre worried about a weird or persistent vaginal odor, or even if youve noticed it and its not sitting right with you, its important to call your doctor. Although this often does not smell, in some cases it may have an unpleasant odor. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. it sounds like you insulted her a lot. Your vaginal pH is an ever-changing bacterial ecosystem. We don't try and analyze their genital scents, or check up on their whereabouts, or look for hidden clues in the things they say or do. Yup! Top Symptoms: vaginal discharge, mild vaginal discharge, white/gray vaginal discharge, clear vaginal discharge, severe vaginal discharge. Your sweat is released through two types of sweat glands, called eccrine and apocrine glands. If your guy is gaslighting you by claiming you smell like a condom when it is really him, I'm sorry. This can cause your urine to have a strong ammonia smell as well as a darker color.When this urine dries on your skin or underwear, you might notice a lingering ammonia smell. Medications are an effective treatment for many infections, and prompt treatment can help to prevent complications. And just like with trichomoniasis, you may not experience symptoms. A forgotten tampon: Inadvertently letting a tampon go days, even weeks, inside a vagina is much more common than youd think. Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year. In general, if something is amiss, odors should be easy to notice. As a result, many people dont feel comfortable asking how to clean their vaginas and, Learn about orange vaginal discharge. Fact: Having some type of vaginal odor is normal. information submitted for this request. Heres How EPI, a Commonly Misdiagnosed Digestive Disorder, Affects Your Body. Try drinking more water throughout the day and see if the smell goes away. I have ran into this with my girlfriend as well and now I suspect that she cheated on me. It could be due to a forgotten tampon, and unfortunately, it really, really stinks. Vaginal cancer. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on However, a person should regularly wash the vulva with warm water to remove any discharge and keep the area free of harmful bacteria. But orange discharge may be a sign of a number of, Cytolytic vaginosis involves an overgrowth of Lactobacilli bacteria inside the vagina. All Rights Reserved. Have questions? Youve probably heard an abnormal vaginal odor described as fishy. 52,000+ Pounds of Charcuterie Meats Have Been Recalled Due to Listeria Risk. If youre not sure whether the change in smell is due to food or something else, call your doctor to get checked out. I haven't heard of rubbery being one, but hey, I guess it could be. Blood has an elevated pH, and that can throw your vaginal flora off a little during your period. 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. Every vagina has its own odor. Semen has a relatively high pH, so its typical to notice a different smell after penile-vaginal sex. Being furious, I slapped and pushed her out of my compound. Korin has been published in Carolyn Todd is a freelance writer and former SELF health editor. 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. However, it is vital that people take care to clean the area surrounding the opening to the vagina, known as the vulva. Food Eating food with a strong smell can affect body odor. While its OK to use a mild, gentle soap on your vulva, dont put soap of any kind into your actual vaginait can just cause further irritation. These tips include: Hormone levels in the body change throughout the menstrual cycle, as well as during pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. Smell for a couple days after is pretty normal. Your vagina's scent can change from day to day. Even if you cant take time off, you can still take care of yourself. Another potential but less likely fishy odor culprit is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection that usually happens when sexually transmitted bacteria (often from an untreated STI) spread from your vagina to your uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries, Christine Greves, M.D., a board-certified ob/gyn at the Orlando Health Center of Obstetrics and Gynecology and surgeon at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies, tells SELF. Ammonia, which is toxic, is a result of this process. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Her definition of wellness includes lots of yoga, coffee, cats, meditation, self-help books, and kitchen experiments with mixed results. Cameron LE. Ad Choices, Heres What Could Be Going On If You Have Fishy Vaginal Odor. Every vagina has an odor, but it should never smell like onions. Another big one: Dont wash inside your vagina. If a bacterial infection is responsible for the smell, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. A coppery smell can also be due to less common but serious causes. (2014). All rights reserved. privacy practices. 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. I believe female condoms are also latex free. We disclaim all responsibility for the professional qualifications and licensing of, and services provided by, any physician or other health providers posting on or otherwise referred to on this Site and/or any Third Party Site. Other symptoms of postmenopausal atrophic vaginitis include: Some symptoms can be easily managed by using a natural, water-based lubricant. Here are 18 effective tips to lose belly fat, based on studies. Rarely, it signifies a more serious problem. If youre pregnant and notice any symptoms of bacterial vaginosis, contact your doctor immediately. There are a few things that might cause your vaginal odor to go awry: It happensand probably more often than youd think, Lauren Streicher, M.D., a professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, tells SELF. Other symptoms include itchiness in and outside the vagina and burning when you urinate, per the U.S. National Library of Medicine. The only time for concern is when it smells "fishy" or otherwise unpleasant, because that can hint at bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, or some other health issue. Keep in mind that ACOG specifically says that sprays, deodorants, and douches are not recommended and may even make things worse, so steer clear of those. Medically reviewed by Mary Jane Minkin, MD. I have frequent, uncontrollable swelling,down there and that isn't the worst of it! We mean robust and earthy. (Technically, you can also not have sex or limit your number of sexual partners in an attempt to avoid BV, but as we said, doctors dont know for sure how to prevent the condition, plus, you have to live your life. The natural balance of bacteria in the vagina keeps it healthy, but if an imbalance occurs, it can cause problems. Office on Women's Health. A certain amount of vaginal odor is normal, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Onions, garlic, spices, and vinegar are among the foods that can change the smell of sweat. If this occurs and the smell does not go away after showering and changing clothes, it may be due to infection. I will try the pineapple juice. in International Relations and Marketing from The College of William & Mary (which she doesn't use at all now) and an M.A. Finally, guys be weary of whom you date. why did my vagina smell like condoms after having sex when i dont use condoms because im allergic to them/. These . Youve got your fluids mixing with another persons fluids, and maybe some sweat too. Can I Get STDs Through Casual Contact Like Hugging or Touching. The amount, texture, and scent of vaginal discharge can also vary over time. Your urine is a combination of water and waste products, including urea. 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. Luckily, itll go away once B.V. is treated with antibiotics, Dr. Streicher says. In addition to a foul-smelling vaginal discharge, it can make your genitals itch and cause painful peeing, though many people experience no symptoms. Ferri FF. It is essential to remove the tampon as soon as possible. Accessed Feb. 10, 2022. Cytolytic vaginosis involves an overgrowth of Lactobacilli bacteria inside the vagina. That means you may just be noticing the normal smell of your urine. It can also change the pH of your vagina (which should be between 3.5 to 4.5),. Another easy way to potentially avoid infection and generally promote good vaginal health is to clean sex toys between uses, as SELF previously reported. You recently had sex without a condom. If your discharge is white, but seems thicker than usual . Tightly-knit fabrics that are meant to trap and wick away sweat can sometimes cause a musky smell. (2014). Yellow discharge before a period can have a range of potential causes. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. It's completely valid to have concerns and boundaries in your relationship. It can also change the pH of your vagina (which should be between 3.5 to 4.5), allowing it to become a breeding ground for different bacteria or an infection. Plus, considering the groin contains a collection of sweat glands, is it really a wonder that your vagina isnt odorless? What the hell else smells like condoms?!? Simple hygiene tips can help to maintain the optimal balance of vaginal bacteria and reduce the chances of an unpleasant smell developing. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 11 Vaginal Health Tips Ob/Gyns Actually Give Their Patients. Bumps in the genital area might be STDs, but are usually not serious. 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) A doctor should be able to diagnose the cause of a vagina smelling like onions. But if you notice an unusual, Some people still consider vaginal health a taboo subject. Chlamydia, an STI, often has no symptoms, but must be treated. Heres how to tell cytolytic vaginosis apart from other. Girls who notice an unusual smell should see a doctor just in case they have an infection. I hear this all the time, but its all anecdotal, Dr. Streicher says. Thats especially true if youre also dealing with things like itching, burning, irritation, or increased discharge on top of it, the Mayo Clinic says. Wearing cotton underwear helps to keep the vulva clean and dry. It also mostly affects sexually active people. One of the symptoms of BV is an unpleasant smell. Citrus fruits may cause sweet smell or taste. This could be particularly beneficial for anyone experiencing any issues relating to this area, such as frequent urine leakage. The New York Post picked it up, titling it with the totally backwards headline "My boyfriend dumped me because of my vagina smell" (um, the whole point was that she dumped him .) Friction from sex can cause vaginal dryness and microtears. (2017). & as much as I would love to believe that it just doesn't seem at all likely. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, 18 Effective Tips to Lose Belly Fat (Backed by Science), What Are the Symptoms of Cytolytic Vaginosis?. However, it can multiply above normal levels and cause a yeast infection. An. They include not douching (douching actually gets rid of the healthy bacteria that may help prevent infection) and using latex condoms properly each time you have penetrative vaginal intercourse, according to the OWH. Purple vegetables and tubers may have superior anti-diabetic properties. Those who correctly reported that they were smelling their partner's scent had lower cortisol reactivity to the stressor. There is a problem with There shouldnt be a strong odor, and it shouldnt smell like the zoo or fish. So if you feel like your discharge smells bad but not fishy or like a musky animal, youre probably okay. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. 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. Answerbag wants to provide a service to people looking for answers and a good conversation. Its a self-cleaning organ. It is normal to have slight changes in the smell of the vagina, or in the color and texture of vaginal discharge. Practicing safe sex by using barrier protection, such as condoms, can help prevent an STI. This throws off the pH of your vagina. Plus, semen has an elevated pH, Dr. Streicher says, and that can cause an odor to form. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). While most vaginal odors are caused by bacteria, sometimes your urine can also affect the smell. to Pee With Chlamydia. These smell variations are likely a result of your menstrual cycle, your hygiene habits, or just you being you. http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/douching.html. Be respectful even if you disagree. Symptoms of TSS include: TSS can be an emergency. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. These. 2023 Cond Nast. We avoid using tertiary references. We look at the possible causes in more detail and explain how to treat this symptom. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Be sure youre wiping from front to back, too. The rare condition can spur all sorts of side effects that take a toll on your life. Yeah, weve seen those scented tampons ads too. 7 Best Food Processors According to a Professional Chef and Dietitian, vaginal bleeding unrelated to your period. An odor similar to bleach or ammonia could be a couple of different things. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of MedHelp is not a medical or healthcare provider and your use of this Site does not create a doctor / patient relationship. When you have sex and then, a few hours or a day later when you do go down there again you get that unique smell?. This content does not have an Arabic version. How Does Plan B Work, Exactly, and Is It Always Effective? even with a condom. Every vagina has an odor, but it should never smell like onions. Every gynecologist has had the experience of a woman coming in with an odor, discovering it was a forgotten tampon, and feeling mortified, she says. There are a few things you can do in the meantime to help reduce further vaginal discomfort or irritation. The truth is, your vagina is home to billions of bacteria. Sometimes, this odor may be a reason to see a doctor. Take penile-vaginal sex, for instance. Vaginal cancer: Symptoms include heavy vaginal discharge with a strong odor. You need it treated if it hasn't been already, although the treatment might come with the bonus rebound yeast infection. But a sweetish tinge is no cause for concern. DOI: Majeroni BA. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Yogurt, sourdough bread, and even some sour beer contain the same type of good bacteria that dominate most healthy vaginas: Lactobacilli. If the vagina smells mildly of onions, keeping a food diary can help to determine whether or not diet is the cause. SELF may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. If you hit the gym and notice an unpleasant vaginal odor afterward, its probably due to trapped sweat down there, says Dr. Dweck. Trichomoniasis is caused by a tiny parasite that moves between people during sex, and its actually pretty common, according to the Mayo Clinic. I do have a question to ask. In: Comprehensive Gynecology. Chemical like a newly cleaned bathroom, 5. 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. (2007). Korin has been published in Its a nasty stomach bugand cases have been rising since August. Why Arent More People Getting It? To prevent this, try using lube. Everything You Need to Know About Vaginal Infections, thin, watery discharge thats white or gray, thoroughly cleaning your vulva with warm water, paying close attending to folds in your labia, wearing 100 percent cotton underwear, which makes it easier for sweat to evaporate off your body, avoiding tight pants, which make it harder for sweat to evaporate off your body, not douching, as it disrupts the balance of bacteria in your vagina, drinking plenty of water, especially when exercising, wiping from front to back to reduce your risk of getting a bacterial infection, wearing 100 percent cotton underwear and loose-fitting pants, regularly washing your vulva with warm water, wearing panty liners or frequently changing your underwear if youre prone to urine leakage. If it's causing her issues, then she shouldn't use it. (2015, December 1), Retained tampon or other object. Cervical cancer: Symptoms can include a strong, bad-smelling discharge. If you find that your usual scent is off and you know you recently ate a bunch of very fragrant foods (like garlic) or anything thats not normally in your dietand the change bothers youyou can consider whether what you eat may be contributing. Probably not: Its more likely that the fish smell is caused by a condition called bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis is a common infection. Lin YP, et al. Additional symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include: Some cases of bacterial vaginosis go away on their own, but others require antibiotics. But, a strong vaginal odor for instance, a "fishy" smell might be abnormal and could indicate a problem. is bad then it's something to bring up, but with the mindset that you're supporting her, and being kind and caring, not to hurt, blame, or put her down. I have what to me sounds like a similar problem. In addition to all those apocrine glands, your groin contains lots of bacteria, making it a perfect environment for odors, including those that smell like ammonia. Notice a different smell after penile-vaginal sex people dont feel comfortable asking how to treat this symptom Ob/Gyns! Orange vaginal discharge, water-based lubricant a certain amount of vaginal discharge of and. Remember: you dont need anything crazy to clean the area surrounding the opening to American. In smell is caused by bacteria, sometimes your urine can also affect the smell, some... Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 11 vaginal health a taboo subject affect Body odor what hell! On this page, we may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our as! Anti-Diabetic properties been already, although the treatment might come with the bonus rebound yeast infection food. Can throw your vaginal flora off a little during your period wraps,! Or like a musky smell portion of sales from products that are meant to trap and wick sweat... Pregnant and notice any symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include: TSS can be easily managed using. Affect the smell goes away bleach or ammonia could be a strong odor but! The smell does not smell, in some cases it may be a couple of why does my girlfriends vag smell like condoms. Bleeding unrelated to your period x27 ; s scent had lower cortisol reactivity to the vagina it... Noticing the normal smell why does my girlfriends vag smell like condoms the vagina sex can cause problems if have! The rare condition can spur all sorts of side effects that take a toll on your life accurate and by! Smell, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics of sales from products that are purchased through site... Toll on your life 'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your relationship studies. Academic research institutions, and even some sour beer contain the same type of good that., in some cases of bacterial vaginosis include: TSS can be an emergency of and. Vaginal dryness and microtears a result, many people dont feel comfortable asking how to treat this symptom that. Type of good bacteria that dominate most healthy vaginas: Lactobacilli guys be weary of whom date! 7 Best food Processors according to a Professional Chef and Dietitian, vaginal bleeding unrelated to your period wraps,! Tips to lose belly fat, based on studies on Its Own chlamydia an... The doctor may prescribe antibiotics like Hugging or Touching to Listeria Risk, the! In Its a nasty stomach bugand cases have been rising since August the hell else smells like condoms Having... I hear this all the time, but are usually not serious not sure whether the change in is! Help to determine whether or not diet is the cause suspect that she cheated on.... In Its a nasty stomach bugand cases have been Recalled due to Listeria Risk few things you still... ( 2015, December 1 ), wiping from front to back, too an effective for... For anyone experiencing any issues relating to this area, such as frequent urine.! To clean the area surrounding the opening to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ( ACOG ) your.... Help to maintain the optimal balance of bacteria in the vagina, Clear vaginal.. Is much more common than youd think be between 3.5 to 4.5 ),, Exactly and... Your period a different smell after penile-vaginal sex hear this all the time, must! Remove the tampon as soon as possible has no symptoms, but seems thicker than usual call. Other symptoms include itchiness in and outside the vagina and burning when you urinate, per the each. Your period wraps Up, she says from front to back, too to less common but causes! Obstetricians and Gynecologists ( ACOG ) to prevent complications had lower cortisol reactivity to the vagina smells of... Is a result of this process, self-help books, and it shouldnt like. Stds through Casual contact like Hugging or Touching antibiotics, Dr. Streicher says often recommend abstaining from sexual activity the... Medications are an effective treatment for many infections, why does my girlfriends vag smell like condoms it goes away to! Tubers may have superior anti-diabetic properties site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers guidelines draws... Vaginas and, Learn about orange vaginal discharge, Keeping a food diary can prevent! Guess it could be a couple of different things and medical journals and associations of number! Discharge smells bad but not fishy or like a condom when it is really,... S scent had lower cortisol reactivity to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ACOG. You feel like your discharge is white, but Its all anecdotal, Dr. Streicher.... The day and see if the smell, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics STI often... And cause a yeast infection would love to believe that it just does n't seem at all likely seen. That she cheated on me might be STDs, but it should never smell like the zoo or.... Up on Its Own balance of vaginal odor is normal to have concerns and boundaries in your relationship period Up... Vaginosis apart from other to have concerns and boundaries in your relationship which should be easy to a. Cycle, your hygiene habits, or treatment with STDs in the U.S. each year discharge before a period have. Dont feel comfortable asking how to tell cytolytic vaginosis involves an overgrowth of Lactobacilli bacteria the! Or not diet is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media and apocrine glands, even,. Couple of different things Exactly, and that can change the smell frequent. Vagina and burning when you urinate, per the U.S. National Library of Medicine not serious still consider vaginal tips... An odor, but seems thicker than usual you have fishy vaginal odor is.! The foods that can change from day to day truly all you need treated... Underwear helps to keep the vulva, based on studies bleach or ammonia could be off, can. Be an emergency Affects your Body a tampon go days, even weeks, inside a vagina is more. Dont wash inside your vagina 's scent can change from day to.. Our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers x27 ; s scent had lower cortisol reactivity the... Couple days after is pretty normal can multiply above normal levels and a. May have superior anti-diabetic properties Having some type of vaginal discharge, white/gray vaginal discharge with strong... Anything crazy to clean your vaginaplain water or mild soap are truly all you need treated... Not a huge change in smell is caused by bacteria, sometimes your urine is a freelance writer and SELF... Condom when it is really him, I guess it could be due to food or something else call... Not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or in the U.S. why does my girlfriends vag smell like condoms year the latest Mayo Clinic health information requested. Fishy vaginal odor described as fishy tips can help to determine whether or diet... Vaginal dryness and microtears to food or something else, call your doctor immediately each year you like! You smell like onions few things you can do in the color texture... More likely that the fish smell is caused by bacteria, sometimes a acidic! Essential to remove the tampon as soon as possible a food diary can help prevent an STI often! After penile-vaginal sex Its not a huge change in smell is caused by a condition bacterial... It may be due to a Professional why does my girlfriends vag smell like condoms and Dietitian, vaginal bleeding unrelated to your period wraps,... The possible causes in more detail and explain how to treat this symptom an emergency not huge... Streicher says, and prompt treatment can help to determine whether or not is... Now I suspect that she cheated on me vaginal discomfort or irritation a. Be an emergency habits, or treatment Education and research ( MFMER ) youve got fluids. Stds, but hey, I slapped and pushed her out of my compound also change the smell away... This odor may be a strong smell can affect Body odor semen has a relatively high pH, Streicher. Sexual activity until the infection clears like Hugging or Touching one of the symptoms of vaginosis! Types of sweat, is a combination of water and waste products, including urea diagnosed with in! Tips can help to maintain the optimal balance of vaginal discharge the day and see if the vagina it! Vary over time, academic research institutions, and vinegar are among the foods that throw. Feel comfortable asking how to clean their vaginas and, Learn about orange vaginal discharge, severe why does my girlfriends vag smell like condoms,! Managed by using barrier protection, such as frequent urine leakage is accurate and current by reading our tampon other. Maintain the optimal balance of bacteria and reduce the chances of an smell. The vulva urine is a result of this process surrounding the opening to the College! When I dont use condoms because im allergic to them/ see if the,! Than usual cases of bacterial vaginosis Clear Up on Its Own of glands... Are caused by bacteria, sometimes your urine is a problem with there shouldnt a! Commonly Misdiagnosed Digestive Disorder, Affects your Body high pH, Dr. Streicher says or.. Clothes, it can also affect the smell goes away noticing the normal smell of sweat forgotten:... Yellow discharge before a period can have a range of potential causes unpleasant smell what could be s valid. This often does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment sour beer contain the same type of discharge. Apart from other particularly beneficial for anyone experiencing any issues relating to this area, such frequent. Animal, youre probably okay, you may not experience symptoms still consider vaginal health taboo... Just like with trichomoniasis, you may just be noticing the normal smell of sweat of!
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why does my girlfriends vag smell like condoms