Wondering why things might smell a little off down there? Don’t worry, we’ve got the answers
Let’s start with the basics – everyone’s body has its own natural scent and that includes your vagina and vulva. It’s completely normal to have some kind of vaginal odour and it can vary depending on things like your menstrual cycle, diet, or even how much water you drink.
But, if you’ve noticed a change in smell that doesn’t feel quite right, it might be worth looking into what could be causing it.
How should my vagina smell?
Your vagina is home to natural bacteria that help to keep it healthy and they can create a mild scent. The smell can vary during your menstrual cycle, especially around your period or after exercise. A light, musky smell is generally nothing to worry about— but what if the smell changes?
If your vaginal odour suddenly becomes stronger, fishy, or unpleasant, that could be a sign of an infection or something else going on.
Why does my vagina smell different?
There are a few common reasons your vaginal smell might change and most of the time, it’s nothing to worry about. However, there are some smells that can give you clues about what’s happening.
If your vagina smells fishy…
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is one of the most common causes of a noticeable vaginal odour, often described as a strong, fishy smell. This happens when there’s an imbalance of the natural bacteria in your vagina, which can cause the fishy smell.
Other symptoms to look out for can include:
- A change to the colour of your discharge like becoming grey-ish white
- A change to the consistency of your discharge like becoming thin and watery
If you think you have BV, make sure to speak to your GP or go to a sexual health clinic. If you have symptoms, the GP or sexual health clinic will want to rule out any STIs.
It’s important to know that BV isn’t an STI, but you can be more likely to get an STI if you have it. This might be because BV makes your vagina less acidic and this can reduce your defence against infection.
There are also self-tests available that can help to identify common vaginal infections like BV. These normally test the vaginal pH, an indicator of the type of infection you might have.
Having a change in pH, along with experiencing symptoms, can show which infection you might have, which is important to help you understand your treatment options.
BV is normally treated with antibiotic gels, tablets or creams which can be prescribed by a GP or sexual health clinic. If your partner also has a vagina, they might also need to be treated.
You can also try the Boots Online Doctor Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment Service* for discreet and convenient treatment. You can access advice and treatment to help soothe your discomfort.
If your vagina smells yeasty…
While vaginal yeast infections, also known as vaginal thrush, typically don’t cause a strong smell, some people notice a slight change, often described as a ‘bread-like’ odour.
Vaginal thrush is usually accompanied by other symptoms like thick, white discharge (often compared to cottage cheese), itching and redness.
Vaginal thrush can be treated with medication available over the counter from a pharmacy or on prescription from your doctor. This will come in either an oral capsule or tablet, pessary (tablets you put in your vagina) or internal vaginal cream.
If you’re itching down there, you can also get a thrush treatment cream that can be applied to the genital area (external cream) to help soothe.
If your vagina smells strong & fishy…
Certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs), like trichomoniasis, can cause a strong or unpleasant vaginal smell. If you’re experiencing any changes in odour along with unusual discharge or discomfort, it’s worth getting checked out to rule out an STI.
STIs are nothing to be embarrassed about and getting checked is the responsible (and easy) thing to do. Most STIs can be treated with medication and it’s always better to get on top of it sooner rather than later.
There are many ways to get tested for STIs. You can go to a GP or sexual health clinic. Boots Online Doctor Sexual Health Testing Kit services** also offers a range of at-home testing kits, including ones for chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomoniasis.
If your vagina smells very unpleasant…
Sometimes, there’s a simple explanation behind a strong, unpleasant smell – a forgotten tampon. Yes, it can happen!
If you’ve accidentally left a tampon in for too long (maybe from your last period or you just forgot it was there – no judgement!), it can cause a very strong smell.
If you think this might be the case, take it out immediately and speak to your doctor if the smell or discomfort doesn’t go away.
If using tampons, it’s important to change them regularly (around every four to six hours depending on your flow). If tampons aren’t changed regularly enough, this could cause toxic shock syndrome (TSS) – a rare condition that happens if bacteria get into the body and releases harmful toxins.
TSS is rare but can be life-threatening, so it’s important to contact NHS 111 if you’re using tampons and you have any of the following symptoms:
- A high temperature
- Flu-like symptoms
- Skin rash
- Diarrhoea
- Feeling sick or being sick
- Fainting or feeling dizzy
- Difficulty breathing
- Feeling confused
If your vagina just smells different…
Hormonal changes can also affect the way your vagina smells. Changes during pregnancy, menopause or even around your period can cause a change in the way your vagina smells.
It’s not usually something to worry about, but it’s worth being aware of how your body change during different stages of your cycle or life.
Everyday factors like sweating, tight clothing, or even using heavily scented products can cause a change in smell.
If your vagina smells strongly of wee…
If your vagina has a strong urine-like odour, similar to bleach, it might be caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI) or other urinary issues.
A UTI can sometimes make your wee have a stronger smell and if any of that wee lingers, it might affect the way things smell down there.
If you’re noticing a strong wee smell alongside burning or discomfort while weeing, it’s important to speak to your doctor.
If your vagina smells metallic…
Sometimes your vagina might have a metallic smell similar to the smell of pennies, which is usually linked to your period. Blood has iron in it, which can create that metallic odour you might notice during your period. It’s nothing to worry about, this can be a normal part of menstruating.
If your vagina smells after sex…
Sometimes, you might notice a change in your vaginal smell after sex and it can feel a little unsettling. One possible cause of this is BV. BV happens when the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina gets disrupted, which can be triggered by things like sex or even certain soaps and products.
If you think BV might be the cause of that post-sex smell, it's important to seek advice and treatment. The good news is that it’s treatable, so don’t hesitate to reach out to your GP or a sexual health clinic if you’re worried.
STIs could also make your vagina smell after sex. Semen usually has a chlorine-like smell, but with STIs, it can change colour to green or yellow and smell unpleasant. If semen from someone with an STI is ejaculated into the vagina, it could cause your vagina to smell after sex.
Keeping it fresh
It’s completely normal for your vagina and vulva to have a natural scent—it’s not supposed to smell like perfume or flowers. The key is that the smell shouldn’t be unpleasant. Your vaginal area is sensitive and needs gentle care to help it stay healthy.
There are simple self-care steps and treatments you can try at home to help support your vaginal health.
Hygiene hacks
- Wipe from front to back after using the toilet to prevent bacteria from spreading
- Avoid using soap, shower gels, bubble baths, or any perfumed products on your vulva or vagina, instead, wash with fragrance-free moisturisers
- Washing with only water can sometimes cause dryness and itching, so using a fragrance-free moisturiser can help protect your skin
- Avoid washing the inside of your vagina (douching), as it can upset your vagina’s natural balance of bacteria
- Let your vagina and vulva breathe. Try not wearing underwear to bed – loose pyjamas or baggy shorts are a good alternative
- Choose cotton underwear for better breathability and wash it with non-biological washing detergent
By being kind to your body and keeping things simple, you can help maintain a healthy and happy environment for your vagina.
Sometimes, changes in vaginal odour are a sign that you need to see a doctor. You need to speak to your GP or get help from NHS 111 if:
- You have a strong, fishy smell that doesn’t go away
- You notice unusual discharge (like grey, green, or yellow colours)
- You’re experiencing pain, itching, or burning along with the smell
- You bleed between periods or after sex
- You have pain when weeing
- You feel itchy or sore
- Your discharge changes smell, texture or colour
- You’re producing more discharge than usual
- You get pelvic pain
It’s completely normal to feel a bit nervous about seeing a doctor for intimate health issues, but remember, they’ve seen it all before. Your doctor will likely ask about your symptoms and may take a swab to check for infections. It’s quick and they’re there to help you feel and get better.
FAQs
Can lifestyle factors affect vaginal odour?
Yes! Simple things like wearing breathable fabrics can help maintain a healthy vaginal environment and keep odours in check.
Are certain vaginal odours more concerning than others?
A slight odour is completely normal. However, if you notice a sudden strong, fishy, or unpleasant smell, especially if it’s accompanied by unusual discharge or discomfort, it’s important to check in with your doctor.
Having different vaginal smells might feel surprising at first, but most of the time your body is just giving you signals about what’s happening inside.
If you ever feel worried or unsure about your vaginal odour, it’s always a good idea to check in with a doctor for advice.
