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Every female has a natural odor released from their vagina. It is because your vagina contains different glands and resides in a variety of natural bacteria that produce a particular scent. Most of these bacteria are considered the ‘good bacteria’ because they are necessary for maintaining the health of your vagina. The odor released from these bacteria can vary from female to female. You can even smell multiple different odors from your vagina within a certain period. But how can you tell apart what a typical vaginal odor is and which one is abnormal? Read forward to learn the difference and when you need to be concerned about a medical issue.
Don’t worry if you experience any odors coming from your vagina. The majority of them are completely normal, although they may vary in intensity. You need to be concerned if you experience other symptoms like rashes or itching along with a bad odor.
If you experience a persistent putrid smell from your vagina that doesn’t go away even after washing it multiple times, it is better to discuss this issue with your doctor. Also, if you experience any other symptoms such as rash, itchiness, burning sensation, difficulty in urination, irregular bleeding during menses or sex, always mention it to your concerned doctor without any hesitation or embarrassment. These signs and symptoms could be due to an underlying infection or disease.
Fortunately, a great majority of such cases can be treated completely, and your symptoms will eventually disappear over time if you get medical help. Bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis require antibiotic coverage for a certain duration of time. If you have a leftover tampon, your doctor can extract it without any invasive procedure. It is always helpful to talk to a medical expert if you experience any abnormal smell from your vagina.
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Our clinical experts continually monitor the health and medical content posted on CURA4U, and we update our blogs and articles when new information becomes available. Last reviewed by Dr.Saad Zia on April 20th, 2023.
Smelly discharge: Types, causes, a doctor- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/smelly-discharge#causes
https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/vaginal-odor/basics/causes/sym-20050664 - Mayo Clinic: Vaginal odor - Symptoms and causes
https://www.cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/stdfact-trichomoniasis.htm - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Trichomoniasis - STD Information from CDC
What Is Vaginal Odor? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention | https://www.everydayhealth.com/vaginal-odor/guide/
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