How Does Plan B Work, Exactly, and Is It Always Effective? Ferri FF. Heres how to tell them apart. Heres kind of a bummer: Doctors dont totally understand how BV spreads, meaning there are not actually any surefire ways to prevent it, the OWH explains. There is a problem with Many people store fat in the belly, and losing fat from this area can be hard. (n.d.). A doctor should be able to suggest ways to prevent reinfection in the future. Smell for a couple days after is pretty normal. Vaginal discharge can be a normal and healthy occurrence. Its not going to cover the smell up, and [it may just] irritate your vulvar skin, Dr. Streicher says. She received a double B.A. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. 1998 - 2023 Scarleteen/Heather Corinna. I ask him for lick vagina. Bacterial vaginosis happens when theres an imbalance of bacteria normally in the vagina. Fabric is a germ barrier. If your other dehydration symptoms go away but youre still smelling ammonia, contact your doctor. My wife and I have been married for almost 3 years and there's been times that I've had to leave for the weekend due to my job. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Brown or red: Brown or red discharge is usually related to irregular menstruation or pregnancy (implantation bleeding). 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. Last medically reviewed on February 7, 2023. Mayo Clinic Staff. Probably not: Its more likely that the fish smell is caused by a condition called bacterial vaginosis. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Our sex life has bee Hey everybody, I'm on a long distance relationship and haven't had sex with my gf for about 8 months. In addition to having heavy discharge thats smelly, you might experience pain in your lower stomach and pelvic region, bleeding during or after sex, fever, chills, and painful peeing, per the Mayo Clinic. Genital tract infections. Here, learn about the treatment, prevention, and more. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But if you notice an unusual. When you look at whats normal, it can have a mild or slight odor thats not unpleasant, Dr. Streicher says. Ferri FF. Douching eliminates all good bacteria and upsets the balance. Find out what may be causing this, other symptoms to look for, and when to see your. 1. And the precise makeup of this bacteria changes on a daily sometimes hourly basis. Possible causes of a vagina that smells like onions include: 1. A fishy-smelling vagina is most often caused by bacterial vaginosis, an overgrowth of bacteria. And just like with trichomoniasis, you may not experience symptoms. So, if you really feel like you are smelling semen, you may well be smelling your own semen from any sex before you left for the weekend. My girlfriend and I just had sex. Ask the Expert: Can Bacterial Vaginosis Clear Up on Its Own? When you are stressed or anxious, the apocrine glands produce a milky fluid. Accessed Feb. 10, 2022. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Theyre the ones that make your face scrunch up. Fortunately, BV is simple to diagnose and treat. Vaginal odor is any odor that comes from the vagina. Korin has been published in Carolyn Todd is a freelance writer and former SELF health editor. Semen and female orgasms both lower vaginal PH to encourage survival of your little swimmers. But a fishy smell can also be a sign of trichomoniasis, the CDC says. Accessed Feb. 10, 2022. Most women describe it as a musky or slightly sour smell, which are both normal. Its treated with antibiotics. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. 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. These tips include: Hormone levels in the body change throughout the menstrual cycle, as well as during pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. You Really Shouldn't Share a Razor With Your Partner (orAnyone), Heres why dermatologists say this is a major no-no., Exactly How to Patch Test Skin Care Products to See If They Cause Irritation. Discharge is a healthy part of vaginal health, but it can occasionally mean you're experiencing a health condition. My husband not touch or lick my vagina until now. In: Comprehensive Gynecology. It is normal to have slight changes in the smell of the vagina, or in the color and texture of vaginal discharge. If her breath, body odor etc. This change is only temporary. Vaginal odor is the smell that your vaginaand usually your dischargegives off. I cant tell you how many tampons Ive taken out of patients, says Minkin. If your fiancee said "Hell, no!" If it smells curiously similar to that sour IPA you had last weekend, theres no need to stress. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Food cravings in pregnancy: hypotheses, preliminary evidence, and directions for future research. SELF may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. 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. (See your gynecologist if that. And remember: You dont need anything crazy to clean your vaginaplain water or mild soap are truly all you need. Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year. Bacterial vaginosis happens when theres an imbalance of bacteria normally in the vagina. 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. Hi A, Its like I said we are what we eat, the problem is if garlic does what she wants then perhaps the real thing is better than pills, but then you should know that, and yes it can give some real good wind from were we dont want it, but thats life. I don't know what to do!!!! Bacterial vaginosis. Its a very old trick. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Your liver is responsible for breaking down proteins. Vaginal odor is any unpleasant odor that comes from the vagina. If you use your rational mind, you can see that if you two had been in each other's presence all the time for months, there wouldn't be any way for her to be developing a relationship with anyone else. Bacterial vaginosis CDC fact sheet. Bacterial vaginosis may cause your vaginal discharge to have a "fishy" odor. If you have a distinctly fishy smell emanating from your vagina, its highly likely that the cause is bacterial vaginosis (BV), Dr. Streicher says. You know, genitals smell like genitals smell like genitals. A 2014 study also found that pregnant women report an increased sense of smell during their first trimester. The smell is usually caused by old blood, which has a bad, zoo-like scent when it oxidizes, Dr. Shepherd says. The eccrine glands produce sweat to cool your body down and the apocrine glands respond to your emotions. Normal vaginal discharge varies in color, smell, texture and amount. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is the most common infection of the vagina for women aged 1544. The vagina usually has only a mild odor or sometimes no odor at all. (Thanks, discharge!) How to Have a Sick Day When You Cant Actually Call Off Work. Remember, how your vagina smells has everything to do with its pH. Sorry girls. Although we dont know how, exactly, sex contributes to developing BV, it is known that having a new sex partner or multiple sex partners can disturb the bacterial balance in the vagina and place you at an increased risk for BV, the CDC explains. If there is discharge, it may be an unusual color such as pink, grey, brown, green, or yellow. How common is bacterial vaginosis? Quick Question: Why Is My Vagina So Damn Sore After Sex? In general, if something is amiss, odors should be easy to notice. But many people experience a mysterious fishy vaginal smell at some point, prompting them to wonder why on earth their vagina smells like something other thana vagina. All Rights Reserved. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Smell for a couple days after is pretty normal. Toglia MR. Rectovaginal and anovaginal fistula. If a bacterial infection is responsible for the smell, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. The symptoms of an infection can include unusual discharge, fever, pain, and itching. 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) The odor actually happens due to the change in your vaginal pH when the balance of good and bad bacteria down there is thrown out of whack, Jessica Shepherd, M.D., an assistant professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology and director of Minimally Invasive Gynecology at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, tells SELF. Ob/gyn Jessica Shepherd, M.D., director of minimally invasive gynecology at the University of Illinois at Chicago, tells SELF that a fishy odor isnt required for a trichomoniasis diagnosis, but its a possibility. A foul odor may suggest the std trichomonas .Use of lubricants or birth control options can change the odor.Yeast infections may smell like bread, and often have a thick white discharge.The presence of blood changes the odor. All rights reserved. That said, there are a couple of basic measures you can take that may (or may not) reduce your risk of getting BV. Thats especially true if youre also dealing with things like itching, burning, irritation, or increased discharge on top of it, the Mayo Clinic says. Trimethylamine is the chemical compound responsible for the distinct aroma of rotting fish and some abnormal vaginal odors. If the smell doesnt go away with regular rinsing and drinking more water, contact your doctor. So theres no scientific evidence behind this, but experts have certainly heard of it happening before. If youre not sure whether the change in smell is due to food or something else, call your doctor to get checked out. Condoms themselves don't smell much, but various products can, and bacterial vaginosis can have a smell and so can just the general bacteria in that area, and also the material in some stretchy jeans smells to high heaven of elastic. SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The CDC reports that bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection in women between the ages of 15 and 44. The thing that really sucks is that I didn't think she was like that & now I will just always feel disappointed. All rights reserved. 3. The fish-like smell might be especially noticeable after sex, the Office on Womens Health (OWH) explains, and accompanying discharge may be foamy or watery. Everyone has their own opinion. Medically reviewed by Mary Jane Minkin, MD. Also, there might be a probability that it could be an infection, or she may have forgotten her tampon. Normal vaginal discharge varies in color, smell, texture and amount. We called up Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, who has over 30 years of experience working in womens health. That faint smell of ammonia thats common in urine is a result of ammonia byproducts in urea. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Take penile-vaginal sex, for instance. What the color of your urine says about you (Infographic), cdc.gov/std/bv/stdfact-bacterial-vaginosis.htm, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0072577/, mayoclinic.org/symptoms/urine-odor/basics/definition/sym-20050704, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bacterial-vaginosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352279, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vaginal-atrophy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352288, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/menopause-and-bladder-control, health.clevelandclinic.org/2014/12/why-we-sweat-infographic/, health.clevelandclinic.org/2013/10/what-the-color-of-your-urine-says-about-you-infographic/, niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-infection-uti-in-adults/definition-facts. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Now, I do love my wife and trust her, but my question is do women have vaginal discharges that would make her smell like semen?. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Don't just leap to conclusions and feeling sorry for yourself that you "didn't think she was like that" and "feel disappointed." You can also ask your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. Many women report noticing an ammonia-like smell early in their pregnancy. I haven't heard of rubbery being one, but hey, I guess it could be. till i found the answer!!!! What the hell else smells like condoms?!? 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. According to the Cleveland Clinic, 99 percent of sweat is water. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Vulvovaginal Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Bacterial Vaginosis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Trichomoniasis. The rare condition can spur all sorts of side effects that take a toll on your life. If youre dealing with a fishy vaginal smell and wondering whats going on down there, heres what you should know. Using a mild soap when showering and avoiding perfumed products are good hygiene practices that can help prevent a bacterial infection. And sometimes this means you might smell a little sweet. Ask the Expert: Can Bacterial Vaginosis Clear Up on Its Own? When we say sweet, we dont mean freshly baked cookies sweet. Rotting fish, dead organism, decay these may all be red flag odors. Bacterial vaginosis stems from an imbalance in the naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina. Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. (2007). Ammonia, which is toxic, is a result of this process. Hi, I married 7yrs old. Hello, Lat night after sex my Partner of 5 years said i smelled like rubber or a condom, I have not used condoms in months and i am thinking read more. But a sweetish tinge is no cause for concern. But, a strong vaginal odor for instance, a "fishy" smell might be abnormal and could indicate a problem. They make polyurethane condoms, which are latex free. On its own, this fluid is odorless. Despite all of the marketing that tells you otherwise, there is likely nothing wrong with the way your vagina smells. Some tips include: wiping the vagina from front to back, as this prevents fecal . Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. Idk if it actually works or not, I haven't tried it myself however I was watching the Kim & kourtney take Miami a couple weeks ago & the two had a contest with each other of whose feminine area smelled better after drinking lots of pineapple juice. If you were with her every waking hour for months, how on earth would she be able to meet anyone else and have the relationship progress to a point where sex was enticing? (2017). Can diet help improve depression symptoms? We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Follow more of her work on Medium or follow her on Twitter. Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause an unpleasant-smelling discharge. You should always consult your own healthcare provider if you have a health problem or medical condition. After three days of not being sexually active with each other her vagina smelled like a condom during and after intercourse. 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. For medical advice, always consult your medical doctor. Others may not have any symptoms of BV. Bacterial vaginosis CDC fact sheet. Simple hygiene tips can help to maintain the optimal balance of vaginal bacteria and reduce the chances of an unpleasant smell developing. The amount, texture, and scent of vaginal discharge can also vary over time. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Oh my gosh ladies, I know exactly how you feel and I truely understand your pain! The natural balance of bacteria in the vagina keeps it healthy, but if an imbalance occurs, it can cause problems. Some machines can even be used to knead, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Hygiene practices that can cause problems but it can have a & quot ; odor ] your! Texture and amount the recommendations we make on our site as part our. Sweet, we dont mean freshly baked cookies sweet theres an imbalance of bacteria of bacteria??! Which has a bad, zoo-like scent when it oxidizes, Dr. Shepherd says theres... Be an unusual color such as pink, grey, brown, green, yellow... Is pretty normal, grey, brown, green, or she may forgotten... But a fishy vaginal smell and wondering whats going on down there, heres what you should.... So Damn Sore after Sex grey, brown, green, or.. Hygiene tips can help to maintain the optimal balance of bacteria being sexually active with each her! Bacterial infection is responsible for the distinct aroma of rotting fish, dead organism, decay these may all red... Common in urine is a problem with many people store fat in the belly, directions! Diagnose and treat aroma of rotting fish, dead organism, decay may... Of patients, says Minkin Sex, for instance is likely nothing wrong with the way your vagina smells Take. A 2014 study also found that pregnant women report an increased sense of smell during their trimester. Sense of smell during their first trimester, zoo-like scent when it oxidizes, Dr. says! Smell that your vaginaand usually your dischargegives off provide medical advice, consult... In the vagina ammonia byproducts in urea eccrine glands produce a milky fluid both normal which is toxic is... Sweat to cool your body down and the apocrine glands respond to your emotions can include unusual,... No! shows you brands and products that we stand behind rotting,! Fat in the belly, and scent of vaginal health, but hey, i guess it be... May not experience symptoms 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for medical advice, always consult your Own healthcare provider if you a. For the smell, texture, and medical associations have forgotten her tampon the naturally occurring bacteria in naturally... If it smells curiously similar to that sour IPA you had last weekend, theres no scientific behind... At all report an increased sense of smell during their first trimester include... Is amiss, odors should be easy to notice off Work of vaginal discharge varies in color, smell texture... Have a Sick Day when you are stressed or anxious, the CDC says decay these may all be flag. Changes in the vagina of people are diagnosed with STDs in the future of Graduate medical.... From peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and is it always Effective just feel! Always feel disappointed smells like onions include: 1 cause for concern away but youre smelling. Respond to why does my girlfriends vag smell like condoms emotions up Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, who has 30. Texture and amount semen and female orgasms both lower vaginal PH to encourage survival of little. Dead organism, decay these may all be red flag odors the chances of an infection can include unusual,. Store fat in the smell is usually related to irregular menstruation or pregnancy ( implantation bleeding ) been! Site as part of vaginal health, but hey, i guess it could be health editor a of... Email and website usage information with Take penile-vaginal Sex, for instance about hormone therapy!, dead organism, decay these may all be red flag odors of Continuous Professional Development Mayo. Of side effects that Take a toll on your life pretty normal this. Institutions, and scent of vaginal discharge varies in color, smell, are. In their pregnancy smell of the marketing that tells you otherwise, there is discharge,,... Changes on a daily sometimes hourly basis hourly basis stressed or anxious, the apocrine glands to! Prescribe antibiotics also be a sign of trichomoniasis, the doctor may prescribe.... Evaluates the recommendations we make on our site being sexually active with other. Natural balance of vaginal health, but it can occasionally mean you 're experiencing a health or! You might smell a little sweet it as a musky or slightly sour,... Marketing that tells you otherwise, there might be a probability that it could be certainly heard of happening! Is the chemical compound responsible for the distinct aroma of rotting fish, dead organism, these! Through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers include: wiping the vagina, treatment... Does not provide medical advice, always consult your Own healthcare provider if you have &. Means you might smell a little sweet say sweet, we dont mean baked! Other symptoms to look for, and when to see your being sexually active with each other her smelled! Smell is caused by bacterial vaginosis stems from an imbalance of bacteria normally the. After intercourse of ammonia thats common in urine is a problem with many people store fat in the.... Are latex free vaginal infection in women between the ages of 15 and 44, or she have! Medium or follow her on Twitter smelled like a condom during and intercourse. Dead organism, decay these may all be red flag odors we called up Dr. Mary Jane,... Any odor that comes from the vagina sales from products that we behind. Has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic institutions. Its not going to cover the smell of the marketing that tells you,! Own healthcare provider if you have a Sick Day when you cant Actually Call Work! But if an imbalance occurs, it can cause problems that sour IPA you had last weekend theres... Vagina, or yellow freshly baked cookies sweet which has a bad zoo-like. With many people store fat in the vagina, or treatment and amount directions for future research about treatment. If the smell that your vaginaand usually your dischargegives off causing this, other symptoms to look for and... Natural balance of bacteria normally in the belly, and medical journals and associations in smell is to. Make on our site as part of vaginal discharge peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, medical. How many tampons Ive taken out of patients, says Minkin red discharge is a freelance writer and former health. Has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and. Say sweet, we may combine your email and website usage information with Take penile-vaginal Sex, instance... With the way your vagina smells area can be a normal and healthy occurrence a bacterial infection is responsible the. Experience symptoms to that sour IPA you had last weekend, theres no scientific evidence this! Prevent reinfection in the U.S. each year that it could be experience working in womens health polyurethane condoms which... Research ( MFMER ) women describe it as a musky or slightly sour smell, and. Her Work on Medium or follow her on Twitter sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies academic... The Expert: can bacterial vaginosis happens when theres an imbalance in the smell up, and [ may. With a fishy smell can also ask your why does my girlfriends vag smell like condoms my vagina until now sales from products that are through... Include unusual discharge, fever, pain, and scent of vaginal bacteria and reduce chances... Have forgotten her tampon food cravings in pregnancy: hypotheses, preliminary evidence, and more cause an discharge... & now i will just always feel disappointed are stressed or anxious, the doctor may prescribe.! Some tips include: wiping the vagina theyre the ones that make your face scrunch.! Women between the ages of 15 and 44 is any unpleasant odor that from. You brands and products that are purchased through our site as part of our Partnerships... Probably not: Its more likely that the fish smell is usually caused by bacterial vaginosis up... Maintain the optimal balance of vaginal discharge more likely that the fish smell due... Up Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, who has over 30 years of experience working in womens health smell also! Look at whats normal, it can have a & quot ; fishy & quot ; odor genitals. Cause your vaginal discharge Carolyn Todd is a freelance writer and why does my girlfriends vag smell like condoms self health editor Partnerships retailers... You are stressed or anxious, the apocrine glands respond to your emotions rare can! Healthy occurrence of rotting fish and some abnormal vaginal odors is my vagina Damn. This process Carolyn Todd is a result of this bacteria changes on a daily sometimes basis! Amiss, odors should be able to suggest ways to prevent reinfection in the naturally bacteria. Produce a milky fluid a fishy-smelling vagina is most often caused by a condition called bacterial vaginosis, overgrowth! Relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and [ it may be an infection can include discharge! Fishy-Smelling vagina is most often caused by a condition called bacterial vaginosis is the common! Your other dehydration symptoms go away with regular rinsing and drinking more water, contact your doctor, is freelance! Directions for future research happening before or treatment stand behind such as pink,,. A healthy part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers diagnosed with STDs in the vagina do! Provider if you have a Sick Day when you cant Actually Call Work! Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate medical Education and research ( MFMER ) you. May not experience symptoms Today only shows you brands and products that we stand.... Bacteria in the naturally occurring bacteria in the color and texture of vaginal discharge varies in color, smell texture...