Men, let’s understand that female genitalia have a different scent.
They don’t naturally smell like a body wash, baby powder, or a rose.
Just like ours, their reproductive organ has a lot of things to do. Typically, it has a naturally mild scent.
However, there are times when it smells like a strong fishy odor.
If women believe they have it, they need not panic or feel ashamed about it. There is still a way to reduce or prevent it from getting stronger.
What’s Normal (And Not)?
A woman’s vaginal scent shifts every month.
Hormonal changes, sweat levels, or intimacy are among the factors that can change such scent.
Although having a mild smell is natural, if it smells fishy with irritation, burning sensation, and weird discharge, it can be a sign of infection or imbalance.
If that happens, their body is telling them that something is affecting their smell.
Most Common Culprit: Bacterial Vaginosis
The main culprit for a fishy-smelling vagina could be the existence of bacterial vaginosis or BV.
The BV thrives due to vaginal changes, which may also affect the good bacteria.
The bacterial balance in your genitalia has shifted. Although the smell can be unbearable, it can still be treated.
Why Does it Have a Fishy Smell?
Certain bacteria in the female genitalia produced a fish-like smell. This is what they called amines.
Other studies said that this may happen when the pH level of the vagina changes, especially after intimacy.
It’s not because you failed to become hygienic. The smell has something to do with body chemistry.
There are other reasons as to why there’s a fishy smell on a woman’s genitalia. These are the following:
- Trichomoniasis: Sourced from a sexually transmitted infection that causes discomfort, yellowish-green discharge, and a strong odor.
- Tampon: A tampon can cause a strong odor when retained in the system.
- Sweat and Other Odor: A combination of excessive sweat and tight clothing.
What You Must Not Do?
Once you sense the foul odor, you may think to clean quickly. But cleaning harder may worsen the problem.
The female genitalia have their own way of regulating themselves.
To prevent the foul odor from smelling further, use warm water and a mild, unscented soap to wash the vulva and the outside part (don’t clean the internal part).
Can This Be Prevented?
There is still a way to prevent the fishy smell from going further.
Follow these preventable habits, ensuring a reduced foul odor:
- Wear breathable, cotton underwear.
- Change your sweaty clothes.
- Use condoms during intimacy.
- Avoid using sprays or soaps that are strongly scented.
- No douching of the vulva.
Another way to prevent it is to consult a health provider if the problem persists.
Let’s Be Sensitive
Odor issues may be damaging to a person’s confidence and reputation.
Many women worry that their guy might be judging their odor.
It’s essential to know that vaginal infections are medical conditions, not a hygienic or character problem.
Treat vaginal health as you deal with a sore throat.
Be sensitive to a woman’s struggle. Help them to access a quicker option to treat a foul smell.
Not Everything is About Personal Hygiene
The strong fishy odor of a female’s genitalia is treatable.
It’s not because the woman is unhygienic.
There are reasons as to why it happened.
As a man, your goal is to learn the struggles that some women may experience.
It’s not to fear men, but to offer a lesson that is relevant to the health of the opposite sex.
To be aware that not everything has something to do with hygiene negligence.