What is a healthy vaginal odor like?

The vagina may be one of the parts of the body that often worries you. The reason is, many women feel reluctant or embarrassed to ask doctors and medical personnel about vaginal health. In fact, like other members of the body, you need to get to know the vagina well. One way to assess vaginal health is to identify vaginal odors. However, first you have to know what a normal vaginal odor looks like. Here comes the explanation.

What is a normal vaginal odor like?

A normal and healthy vagina should not smell like flowers or fruit. Vaginal odor should also not be like drugs or chemicals. There is no part of the human body that smells good because there is no need.

Each vagina has a distinctive odor, which varies from person to person. However, basically the vagina gives off a slightly sour smell like vinegar.

According to a survey conducted by obstetricians and reproductive health specialists from WebMD, dr. Heather Rupe, this scent can even be smelled from a distance of about 30 centimeters away. Don't worry, this is normal and shouldn't bother you.

Why does the vagina smell a little sour?

A sour vaginal odor comes from the natural bacterial colonies and fluids that the vagina produces. These bacteria and liquid colonies are acidic, with a normal pH of 4.5. The acidity of this area of the female organs is important to prevent bacterial or viral infections. In fact, if the acidity is disturbed, the vagina becomes more susceptible to bad bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that cause disease.

However, vaginal odor can change with a woman's menstrual cycle. You may feel a stronger smell after your period is over. In most cases, this is usually caused by hormonal changes or the remnants of the lining of the uterus (endometrium) which are also shed.

Should you use feminine cleansing soap to make your vagina smell good?

No, women don't need to use feminine cleansing soap to keep the vagina fresh. Keep in mind, the vagina is one of the organs of the body that is independent and sophisticated. The vagina already has its own system for cleaning itself from various bacteria and germs. In addition, the vagina also contains a lot of good bacteria which will prevent bad bacteria from growing. These bad bacteria usually cause a pungent odor.

Meanwhile, feminine cleansing soap will mess with the natural acidity (pH) of the vagina. This is because feminine soap cannot distinguish between good and bad bacteria. As a result, the vaginal odor is even more pungent even though after washing the vagina the smell does smell like flowers. The fragrance is only temporary.

What does it mean if the vagina has a strong smell?

Although normal vaginal odors are a bit sour, they should not be offensive or unpleasant. As explained by dr. Mary Jane Minkin of Yale University School of Medicine, pungent vaginal odor accompanied by excessive vaginal discharge may indicate a bacterial infection or vaginal yeast infection. You may also have venereal diseases such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. So, if you suspect a vaginal odor that is stinging like fishy or foul, immediately consult a doctor.