Smelly vagina. It happens, we’ve all known someone who wasn’t as fresh as a daisy during your visit to her lady-garden. But why does your girl have a funky muffin? We’re here to help you get to grips with all the whiffs of a woman’s business!
Vaginas can be complicated things, not only for you learning how to navigate them but also for the woman who owns one. The female body self regulates all hormone levels and maintains the internal conditions of a vagina. But sometimes things can go slightly out of whack for various reasons. When this happens, it can sometimes result in your girl having a ‘smelly vagina.’
1. Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial Vaginosis is commonly known as BV. It is one of the most common reasons why a girl may smell ‘fishy’ down below. The reason why is due to biological chemistry. The human body has a natural pH balance, this includes the vagina. Ordinarily a woman’s vagina is acidic however when this varies towards a more alkali scale, things get funky.
The reason for the pH level changing can be due to a change in hormone levels linked to her period which fluctuates monthly. It could also be due to having recently had sex especially with sperm present as semen can also affect the pH balance. But beyond these biological triggers, something as simple as using perfumed soap when showering could also effect her vajajay.
Whatever the reason though, there is little cause for concern. While BV might produce a slight ‘fishy’ odour which is less pleasant and can alter the natural discharge, it isn’t harmful. BV can often clear up of its’ own accord if it’s only a mild case. It is not an STI and as a man, you can’t get it from a woman although lesbians can transfer it between themselves.
If you think your partner may have BV, it’s easy to buy an over-the-counter cream/gel to solve the discomfort or you can see your GP. When visiting a GP, a short course of antibiotics will be offered and you’ll be smelling daisies in no time at all.
2. Thrush
Thrush is also a common reason why your girl may have a smelly vagina. Similarly to BV, Thrush is caused by an imbalance within the vagina however this is caused by yeast. When they recommend yeast in your bagel but not your muffin it’s with good reason!
Thrush infections can be very uncomfortable due to women often experiencing a change in their normal vaginal discharge which affects their whole vagina. Rather than staying clear and relatively watery/mild smelling, thrush will produce thicker, cottage-cheese like discharge which can smell. If you notice an extra sweet or ‘yeasty’ kind of odour, it could be that your girl is starting to show signs of thrush.
Although it isn’t an STI, if a thrush infection develops it can cause itchiness, soreness during sex, a funny smell and a change in discharge. The main difference from BV though is that men can also get thrush.
Therefore if one of you starts showing symptoms of thrush, it is important that you both seek treatment. You can buy over-the-counter creams or pessaries which relieve the symptoms or see your GP if you’re unsure. Recurrent thrush is more of an issue though and may mean that you need to see a GP rather than just self medicating.
The key thing is that you both need treatment for thrush and to abstain from sex until it’s fully cleared. Otherwise you’ll simply keep transferring it between yourselves and make it last a lot longer than necessary!
As a man, if you think you may have thrush look out for:
- any soreness around your penis, especially on your tip
- pink or red skin under your foreskin
- white, cottage cheese type discharge from your tip or under your foreskin
- itchiness and general discomfort
- any odour
If any of these apply, go to your local sexual health clinic and get it checked out!
3. STIs
Some STIs can cause a change in vaginal odour and lead to a smelly vagina. Common STIs that affect this include chlamydia and Genital Herpes (HPV). When any kind of infection takes hold it can lead to changes in odour, comfort and discharge.
If you notice that your girl has anything different from normal going on down below, gently suggest both of you go to your local sexual health clinic. It’s always better to be safe rather than sorry!
4. Her period
Menstrual cycles affect a woman in more ways than one. When going through different stages of the month, hormone levels vary which can result in a change in vaginal scent. It’s most notable during the bleed itself or afterwards that there may be a slight metallic smell of blood.
This is hardly surprising when you think about what is going on. As blood, tissue and bacteria is flushed out, there can be a faint odour. However if this is something that bothers your girl, there are ways to help. To combat any smell during a period it helps to understand the cause.
Periods though shouldn’t put you off having intimate evenings together. Period sex can be enjoyable when you know how to get dirty while keeping your sheets clean!
5. Personal hygiene
It is possible also that a woman might simply have a smelly vagina if she isn’t as fresh as she could be. While vaginas are naturally self-cleaning by having discharge to remove anything ‘bad’ that’s inside, some women use other options too.
The standard medical advice given is to wash with a mild unscented soap and water. This avoids disrupting the natural pH levels inside the vajajay and can reduce the risk of skin irritation or dryness.
Although some women do use douches or ‘feminine hygiene’ this can sometimes be counterproductive. The natural and normal ‘scent’ of the lady garden is often described as being slightly sweet or fragrant.
But honestly, as long as everything is healthy, there is nothing to worry about. Sex is sex and vaginas are typically kept clean. In just the same way as you will look after your member.