The Air Down There: What Your Vaginal Odor Says About Your Health

Photo Source: clinicaplanas.com

1. Metallic
What it means: You just had your period or contact with semen. The change of pH causes the scent. This should be temporary. (If not, see your doctor.)

 

2. Fishy
What it means: You might have bacterial vaginosis. It's a type of vaginal inflammation from the overgrowth of bacteria in your vagina.

Bacterial vaginosis can be caused by unprotected sex or frequent douching.

Treatment: Antibiotics. (Although bacterial vaginosis can go away without any treatment.)

 

3. Bread-y
What it means: You might have a yeast infection.

Yeast infections are very common. They're not usually serious, but they can bother you. Your vagina feels itchy or sore. Some women have a thick, clumpy, white, and odorless discharge when they have a yeast infection.

Treatment: Vaginal or oral medicine.

Only use non-prescription vaginal yeast infection medication without a doctor's diagnosis if you:
- are not pregnant.
- are sure you have a yeast infection.
- haven't been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection.
- are not having multiple, recurrent infections.

4. Musky
What it means: Your vagina is healthy! The musky smell is caused by the surrounding sweat glands. Carry on!

See the rest of this list at Cosmo.ph