What does BV smell like?

Bacterial vaginitis (BV) can produce a fishy odor that is also accompanied by increased vaginal discharge, irritation, burning and sometimes itching. It is caused by an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria that disrupts the balance of healthy bacteria that live within the vagina.

health.unl.edu - Vaginal odor: what's normal and what's not - University Health Center

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Everyone has body odor – it’s a fact of life.

But for people with vagina odor “down below,“ it can sometimes be embarrassing and concerning. Are these odors normal and can they be prevented or eliminated?

What causes the vagina to smell ?

In most cases, vaginal scents are very normal, and odor alone is not a symptom of a problem. The vagina and the area around it (groin skin, vulvar, etc.) contain healthy bacteria that are a part of our microbiome and include sweat glands. These can produce an odor that varies for each person. If you are a heavy sweater, you may have stronger smells at times. The odor may vary during the menstrual period, during pregnancy or after sex.

The wrong ways to reduce vaginal odor

Sometimes to reduce the smell, you can make matters worse by:

Over washing or scrubbing the area

Using soaps that can be irritating like antibacterial or scented soaps

Douching

Using scented deodorant sprays “down there”

These types of practices can disrupt the natural vaginal flora (bacteria that live in the vagina) that keep it healthy and inhibit other organisms. When there is an imbalance of these organisms and an overgrowth of unhealthy bacteria, you may notice a more potent odor. But even that may not indicate there is a problem.

Common infections

When a strong or unusual odor is accompanied by other symptoms such as irritation, itching, burning or pain, you may have other issues going on and should consider seeking medical advice. For example, trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that has a mild odor, produces a green and frothy discharge, and may also cause irritation and pain with intercourse. Risk factors include having multiple sex partners and failure to use safe protection. Trichomoniasis should be treated to avoid long-term problems. Bacterial vaginitis (BV) can produce a fishy odor that is also accompanied by increased vaginal discharge, irritation, burning and sometimes itching. It is caused by an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria that disrupts the balance of healthy bacteria that live within the vagina. This condition can be triggered by having new or multiple sex partners, douching or smoking – though many people with a vagina have no particular risk factors for developing BV. It is treatable with antibiotics and some may need longer courses of treatment if the condition recurs. A yeast infection may be associated with a sweeter, beer-like odor. It is typically accompanied by a thicker, clumpier discharge and may include itching, irritation and rawness or skin breakdown. The condition can be triggered by antibiotic use (which can eliminate the good bacteria that normally colonize the vagina), poorly controlled diabetes and sometimes certain menstrual products. Treatment with an antifungal medication is the standard treatment.

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Healthy t ips to reduce vaginal odor While all vaginal odors cannot be prevented, you may be able to reduce the potency by trying some simple and healthy techniques and avoiding practices that disrupt the natural balance of bacteria: Wear breathable undergarments. Lycra and spandex undergarments and yoga pants are not very breathable and can trap organisms around the vulva area, producing more odor. Consider wearing more breathable cotton undergarments or not wearing anything at all at night while sleeping Avoid the use of perfumes, powders, deodorant sprays or other scented products in the vaginal area

Wash gently and do not use antibacterial soaps and scented soaps

If it is necessary to wash more than once during a day due to activity or exercise, remember to wash gently. Don’t overuse soap in your vulvar and vaginal area and in some cases, you may even want to consider just rinsing with water Try to avoid wearing wet or damp undergarments for long periods of time, which can promote the buildup of bacteria

Shower off after being in a lake, river or chlorinated pool

health.unl.edu - Vaginal odor: what's normal and what's not - University Health Center

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