What should fanny smell like

Again, having some kind of vaginal odor is normal. Mayo Clinic, Trichomoniasis. Mayo Clinic, Gonorrhea. Mayo Clinic, Chlamydia.

Mayo Clinic, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Trichomoniasis. Mayo Clinic, Vaginal Odor. SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

What Is Vaginal Odor? There are a few things that might cause your vaginal odor to go awry: 1. You accidentally left a tampon in there. You recently had sex without a condom. You have pelvic inflammatory disease PID. Vaginal odor is like sweat—everyone has their own scent, Dr. Different Types of Vaginal Odor While there is some variation with normal vaginal odor, smells that are a tip-off that something is wrong can generally be divided into three camps: fishy odors, zoo-like smells, and yeasty scents.

Korin is a former New Yorker who now lives at the beach. She received a double B. Korin has been published in Read more. Topics vaginal health periods yeast infections pelvic inflammatory disease sexually transmitted infections. Sign up for our SELF Daily Wellness newsletter All the best health and wellness advice, tips, tricks, and intel, delivered to your inbox every day.

Enter your e-mail address. The vagina might also smell like beer, flour, or bread. It can also smell sour sometimes. Intense burning, itching, or feelings of dryness usually accompany yeast infections. These symptoms tend to get worse over time. Some females may also notice a discharge that resembles cottage cheese. These conditions are treatable using over-the-counter medications.

However, females who have not had a yeast infection before should seek consultation with a doctor to rule out other causes. Many of the same measures that can prevent bacterial vaginosis, such as avoiding scented products and never douching, are also effective in preventing yeast overgrowth. Hormonal changes that occur during menopause can alter the scent of the vagina and leave the vagina feeling dry. Females should seek consultation with a doctor about any noticeable changes in vaginal odor — particularly if the smell is strong or unpleasant.

However, they should not use perfume to mask the smell. Adopting safe and gentle vaginal hygiene practices can help reduce vaginal odor. Some tips include:. Inserting soap into the vagina can affect vaginal pH, potentially leading to infections and an unpleasant odor. Some females might notice a stronger vaginal odor during menstruation. Hormonal changes can cause an odor similar to iron or ammonia.

Some menstrual products can trap odor, compounding this effect. To reduce vaginal odor due to menstruation, try using internal products. The moisture of maxi pads and reusable cloth pads can contribute to odor.

Sitting on a wet pad can also give rise to infection. Some people notice a strong, fishy odor immediately after sexual intercourse, which is a sign of bacterial vaginosis.

Others may note a less distinct smell. Sometimes, semen interacts with vaginal fluid, contributing to vaginal odor. Some lubricants can also affect the pH of the vagina, which can affect the scent. Probiotics support healthy bacteria throughout the human body, including in the vagina. They may also help prevent some vaginal infections , especially yeast infections.

Very tight-fitting clothing, including some shapewear, is often responsible for trapping these. Fecal matter that reaches the vagina can cause infections and odors, so it is important to avoid clothing that encourages this spread. This includes tight-fitting thong underwear. Breathable cotton is the best choice for those with concerns about vaginal odor, as it is less likely to hold moisture close to the vagina.

Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection that has similar symptoms along with pain when you urinate could be another culprit for foul vaginal odour. A good rule to follow is if it makes you scrunch your nose up, or if you can smell it on your fingers beyond a few inches away from your face, you might want to get checked out by a doctor.

If they do, it could be a sign of an infection like bacterial vaginosis. Some people still feel shame or embarrassment about their period, and how it smells is no exception. But again, regularly cleaning yourself should ease your worry about vaginal odour during your time of the month. Bacteria loves blood, sweat and hair. Change both pads and tampons regularly, and clean your crevices regularly, too.

The best way to know whether your vaginal odour is normal is to get familiar with your own body. What does your vagina smell like? What should it smell like? How do you know if you have a vaginal yeast infection? Know the signs, symptoms, risk factors, and get tips.