Ella Scott
A medical practitioner specialising in reproductive health has revealed one of the key signs you need to look out for when dealing with vaginal health.
There are a multitude of special washes, lotions and potions on the market dedicated to keeping your vagina fresh and cleansed.
But did you know you don’t actually ever have to physically clean the reproductive organ?
According to the US Office on Women's Health, it’s actually best to let your vagina ‘clean itself’ and that mucous works best to ‘wash away blood, semen, and vaginal discharge’.
Advert
Tampax writes that a well-balanced vagina will have a pH of around 3.8 to 4.5 and that it will be regulated by bacteria called lactobacilli.
Vagina smells will differ from person to person but according to Melisa Holmes, MD, OB-GYN and co-founder of Girlology, there’s a tell-tale sign that signifies your vaginal health is on the decline.
The practitioner claims that if a fish-like aroma is emanating from your vagina then you should seek medical advice.
“Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the primary condition that creates that classic fishy odour,” Dr Holmes told Tampax.
She continued to say bacterial vaginosis is more likely to be present if the fish smell is accompanied by symptoms such as itching, burning during urination or unusual watery discharge.
Mayo Clinic writes that BV can occur when natural bacteria levels are out of balance, making it easier for infection to grow.
Moreover, it’s understood that Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection that has similar symptoms (along with pain when you urinate) could be another culprit for foul vaginal odour.
“A chemical smell that’s stronger than a faint whiff of bleach might also be a sign of bacterial vaginosis or another vaginal infection,” writes Dr Holmes.
She continued to say that if others can smell your vagina odours then it could also be a sign of infection.
“We can all smell ourselves because we’re so self-conscious, but most people don’t smell other people’s vaginal odours,” the medical expert said.
“If they do, it could be a sign of an infection like bacterial vaginosis.”
Earlier this month, Dr Jen Gunter, a Canadian gynaecologist discussed vaginal odour on The Mel Robbins podcast and explained that you should get used to your vulva smelling ‘like a body part’.
The conversation was sparked after Mel, 55, asked the 57-year-old to explain whether or not eating pineapple will make your vagina ‘smell better’.
“No, that’s a load of garbage,” Dr Gunter said in reply. “I think it’s really important for people to know that any time they hear someone saying that, the underlying message is they want you to believe your vagina stinks.
“It’s a vagina. Not a piña colada. Your vulva shouldn’t be smelling like a tropical fruit drink, right? It should smell like a body part!”