Attention editors: There was a lot of research on body odor and halitosis (bad breath), but not much on vaginal odor, even though it’s a very common problem for women who go to the doctor. Â.
We care a lot about accuracy and teaching that is based on science at Evvy. That’s why we always include links to studies from reputable journals and groups like the CDC in all of our content. However, there isn’t a lot of research on vaginal odor, so this article refers to other sources, such as WebMD and interviews with doctors. This only makes us want to close the health gap between men and women by leading the way in vaginal health research that gives people the accurate body information they deserve. Â.
Vaginas are meant to smell like vaginas. Not like scented intimate wash products, pineapple juice, fruit salad, or a rosebush. Â.
Most likely, you already know what “normal” smells like in your vagina. However, this may change a little as your period goes through the motions. Â.
But, sometimes things can smell a bitâ¦off. Maybe stronger, unusual, or abnormally foul. There are other people like you who have quickly gone to the web and typed in “Why does my vagina smell like rotten eggs?” or “death” (yes, really). Â.
Some of the most searched-for vaginal “smells” (and some less common ones) are listed below, along with the types of vaginal infections, environmental factors, and hormonal changes that they’re linked to.
Having an unusual or unpleasant vaginal odor can be concerning. As someone who has experienced this, I understand how unsettling it can be when your vagina smells like bacon. In this article, I’ll explain the possible causes, when to see a doctor, and how to prevent and treat a bacon-like vaginal odor.
What Causes A Bacon Smell?
There are a few possible explanations for a bacon smell coming from the vagina:
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
The most common cause is a condition called bacterial vaginosis or BV It happens when there is an overgrowth of certain bacteria in the vagina, upsetting its natural balance This leads to an unpleasant, fishy odor that some describe as smelling like bacon. The smell may become stronger after sex. BV can also cause a grayish-white vaginal discharge.
Diet
Eating certain foods like red meat beans eggs, or fast food can affect your vaginal scent, especially if you have bacterial vaginosis. The foods themselves don’t directly make the vagina smell like bacon, but they can interact with vaginal bacteria to produce a meaty odor. Avoiding these foods or eating yogurt with live cultures may help.
Foreign Objects
Leaving tampons in too long or losing other foreign objects like condoms or sex toys in the vagina can lead to a rotten, decaying smell This requires immediate medical attention to remove the object and avoid complications like toxic shock syndrome
Medical Conditions
Rarely, bacon-like vaginal odors could result from fistulas or defects between the colon and vagina that allow feces to enter the vagina. Vaginal, cervical or uterine cancer can also in very rare cases alter vaginal odor.
Menopause
Declining estrogen during menopause can thin vaginal tissues and lower healthy bacteria. This may change the vaginal pH balance and cause unusual odors.
Medications
Certain antibiotics, antifungals, or hormonal medications can influence vaginal pH and odor. Check with your doctor if you notice odor changes after starting new meds.
When To See A Doctor
You should make an appointment with your gynecologist or health provider if:
- The bacon smell persists for more than a day or two
- It is accompanied by itching, burning, irritation, or abnormal discharge
- You have new abdominal pain, bleeding between periods, or pain during sex
- You may have forgotten a tampon or foreign object in the vagina
- You are or may be pregnant
Getting evaluated can determine if bacterial vaginosis, a forgotten tampon, or rarely a more serious condition is the cause. Leaving BV untreated raises the risk of complications, especially during pregnancy, so it’s important to seek care.
Preventing Unpleasant Vaginal Odors
Here are some tips to help prevent abnormal odor:
- Practice good vaginal hygiene by avoiding douches and scented soaps which can disrupt healthy pH
- Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight clothes to allow airflow
- Change pads and tampons frequently during your period
- Finish your course of antibiotics fully, even if you feel better
- Don’t use antibiotics unnecessarily
- Consider probiotic supplements to promote healthy vaginal bacteria
- Make sure to remove tampons before toxic shock syndrome can develop
Treating Bacon Vaginal Odor
For BV: Antibiotics, usually metronidazole or clindamycin, can eliminate the excess bacteria causing odor. Probiotics may also be recommended to restore healthy vaginal flora after antibiotics.
For foreign objects: See your doctor promptly to remove any retained object and treat any resulting infections.
For dietary causes: Avoid foods that seem to make odor worse. Increase yogurt, fruits and vegetables. Stay hydrated.
For menopausal changes: Discuss topical estrogen or oral supplements to replenish vaginal tissue and moisture.
For medications: Talk to your doctor about alternatives if odor seems linked to a prescription.
With proper diagnosis and treatment, the bacon smell should go away quickly. But always contact your healthcare provider if odor persists or you have other symptoms of concern.
Bleach or ammonia vaginal odor
Small amounts of urine mixed with discharge, or sweat, can give vaginal odor an ammonia, or urine-like tang.Â
When using menstrual pads or tampons, traces of urine are absorbed, along with blood, which can trigger an ammonia odor, too.Â
If you notice that this odor shifts towards the smell of bleach, or cleaning products (especially after sex), some OB-GYNs suggest lubricants and condoms might be the culprit.Â
While the typical smell of bacterial vaginosis is an unpleasant, fishy one, sometimes a vaginal smell like ammonia can be linked to bacterial vaginosis (BV), especially when it’s caused by an overgrowth of Prevotella bivia. A 1997 study found that when P. It made a lot of ammonia when bivia was grown with certain nutrients, which then helped G grow. vagnialis.
More rarely, some BV infections can start because fecal microbes from the anal cavity, make their way into the vagina. These fecal microbes produce bacterial odorants that can result in foul odors like ammonia, musty, or rotten eggs. Â
While the foods we eat arenât strongly associated with vaginal odor (again, the pineapple challenge is a scam), the sulfur compounds in asparagus that produce stealthy, unmistakable ammonia odor that you notice when you pee, can also shift your vaginal odor this way too, as traces of urine mix with vaginal secretions.Â
Sour, tangy, vinegar/yogurt-like, fermented vaginal odor (or like beer)
On that note, if a bread-like vaginal odor smells more like sourdough less like a standard loaf, itâs normal and possibly even a good sign! This type of sour, tangy vaginal odor can also resemble any kind of fermented food or beverage, like beer.
A healthy vaginaâs acidic environment (where Lactobacillus can thrive, reducing harmful microbes) with a pH between 3. 8 and 4. 5, produces this pickled or fermented type smell. Â.
What Should Your VAGINA SMELL LIKE? What Causes Vaginal Odor? What Are Treatments?
What causes vaginal odor?
Use condoms. Unprotected sex increases your risk of several conditions that can lead to vaginal odors. Aim to eat healthy. There’s not a clear-cut, absolute link between your diet and how your vagina smells, but Dr. Streicher says what you eat can be a factor in your vaginal odor.
What causes vaginal odor after thorough washing?
The vagina is self-cleaning, so thorough washing is not necessary and can actually be harmful. The vagina contains good bacteria that help to keep it healthy. When you wash the vagina too much, you can disrupt the balance of these bacteria, which can lead to an infection.
Why does my vagina smell fishy?
A strong unfamiliar and unpleasant odor — especially one that continues for several days and smells fishy – isn’t normal. A smelly vaginal odor may be a symptom of a health problem, especially when it accompanies other symptoms like a grayish-white vaginal discharge, burning and itching. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.
Can food change the smell of your vagina?
Food Just as some foodscan alter the smell of your breath, they may also change the scent of your vagina. Onions are a common culprit, along with garlic, asparagus, curry, and red meat, Jennifer Landa, MD, an OB-GYN at BodyLogicMD in Orlando, Florida, told Health.
Why does my vagina smell like a yeast infection?
Possible cause: A yeast-like smell is typically a sign of a yeast infection. Dweck notes that this may come with “significant itching and thick, white discharge.” What experts want you to know: “If you notice this vaginal odor, it is best to see a doctor to get clarity on whether this could be a sign of a yeast infection,” says Purdy.
Why does my vagina smell when I’m Pregnant?
Vaginitis is a common cause of unpleasant vaginal smells during pregnancy. Still, other factors may also make you notice new smells down there. Many people report a heightened sense of smell during pregnancy. In addition, cravings may cause you to eat different foods, affecting your vagina’s scent.