A doctor specializing in reproductive health has revealed one of the most important signs to look out for when it comes to vaginal health.
There are many special wash lotions and potions available on the market that will keep your vagina fresh and clean.
But did you know that you never actually need to physically clean your reproductive organs?
In fact, according to the U.S. Office on Women’s Health, it’s best to let the vagina “clean itself” because mucus is best at “washing away blood, semen, and vaginal discharge.”
Tampax writes that a balanced vagina has a pH of about 3.8 to 4.5 and that this is regulated by bacteria called Lactobacilli.
Vaginal odor varies from person to person, but according to Melisa Holmes, physician, gynecologist, and co-founder of Girlology, there’s a telltale sign that your vaginal health is declining.
A doctor has revealed what vaginal odor you should look out for. (FatCamera/Getty Images)
The doctor states that you should see a doctor if there is a fishy smell coming from your vagina.
“Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the main condition that causes the classic fishy odor,” Dr. Holmes told Tampax.
She further said that bacterial vaginosis is more likely if the fishy smell is accompanied by symptoms such as itching, burning during urination or unusual watery discharge.
The Mayo Clinic writes that bacterial vaginosis can occur when natural bacteria levels become unbalanced, making it easier for infections to spread.
In addition, it is known that trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection with similar symptoms (besides pain during urination) could be another reason for unpleasant vaginal odor.
“A chemical smell that is stronger than a faint whiff of bleach can also be a sign of bacterial vaginosis or another vaginal infection,” writes Dr. Holmes.
.jpg)
BV is an underlying condition that people with vaginas need to be aware of. (Alina Prokudina/Getty Images)
She further said that if others can smell the odor of your vagina, it could also be a sign of infection.
“We can all smell ourselves because we are so confident, but most people can’t smell other people’s vaginal odor,” the medical expert said.
“If this is the case, it could be a sign of an infection such as bacterial vaginosis.”
Earlier this month, Dr. Jen Gunter, a Canadian gynecologist, spoke about vaginal odor on The Mel Robbins Podcast and explained that you should get used to your vulva smelling “like a body part.”
The conversation began when 55-year-old Mel asked the 57-year-old whether eating pineapple made the vagina “smell better.”
“No, that’s bullshit,” Dr. Gunter replied. “I think it’s really important for people to know that when they hear someone say something like that, the subliminal message is that they’re trying to make you believe that your vagina smells.”
“It’s a vagina. Not a piña colada. Your vulva shouldn’t smell like a tropical fruit drink, right? It should smell like a body part!”
