A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes:Ever since I was probably 15 (I'm 19 now) I've had a distinct smell from my vagina. I know it's normal for girls to have an odor or scent down there, but sometimes its strong enough that if I just sit with my legs apart I can smell it. Along with the smell, theres days when I'm constantly moist(I really can't think of another word for it), enough to where I have to wear a pad just to keep it from getting on my pants. It's really embarassing and I have to keep my legs firmly closed or crossed whenever this happens, which makes it worse!I've gotten pap smears (not specifically for the smell) and they've all been normal, no infections or anything. My doctor has never mentioned it, but its still something thats an inconvience for me. I am overweight, and I'm pretty sure that contributes to it, but when I was younger I was thinner and it still happened. I keep everything trimmed down there, and sometimes that helps lessen the smell, but it doesn't always do the trick.So I guess I'm wondering if this actually is normal, or if there's something I could do about it? Take a certain food or vitamin or something?It doesn't seem normal if it's something I can smell so easily with clothes and everything on.
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (10 November 2009): I think its just a scent that only you can notice it.
I'm 16, and I have a smell too.
I don't think anyone notices.
and yes, i use a pad to cover the wetness.
A
male
reader, DoubleM +, writes (8 November 2009):
 No, I do not think that a very strong and persistent odor is normal. It sounds like it may be some form of vaginitis, which is typically a yeast infection. Consider it to be a bacterial imbalance, which can often be caused by too much attention to hygiene. There are a number of causes.
In my life, out of many, I've known only one girl who just always seemed to have a particularly stinky vulva/vagina. I've always thought that it was generic in her case. While I do think that some people are either strongly attracted to or repelled by another person's natural aromas, the smell is typically within an acceptable range if reasonable hygiene is maintained. Additionally, one does not normally much notice their own aroma until tainted by an excess of bacteria. That's what makes an armpit become smelly, for instance.
Although you state that pap smear tests have not indicated a problem, I do not think that those would indicate a bacterial imbalance. In summary, another trip to, perhaps, a different gyno would be advisable.
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A
female
reader, old-spinstah  +, writes (8 November 2009):
You're right to say that the vaginal reason has a smell and this smell will vary slightly according to the time of the month becoming stronger during menstruation. This smell will be slightly stronger/more noticable towards the end of the day (same as armpits and any warm moist part of the body.)This smell should not be fishy or offensive.I do think it's unusual that you can smell it through your clothes especially if you're not having a period so get yourself to a Dr. or GUM clinic for a check up. The pap test won't pick up certain infections that they are not looking for.I can't make a diagnosis over the internet (no-one can) but thrush and bacterial vaginosis both cause increased vaginal discharge with a stronger smell and are easily treated.Some women I think are just "jucier" than others, especially at the time of ovulation where the vaginal secretions are much thinner and more copious.Sometimes, we think our secretions (of any type) smell really bad bit when in actual fact other people actually can't notice them. Ask a trusted friend or your mum to tell you honestly if they can smell you? If they can, get a drs apointment. If they can't, it's likely the smell is not noticable to others so just stock up on sanitary towels and clean cotton pants. Avoid using tampons in between your periods as this will make everything worse.I sympathise - feeling constantly damp makes you feel like a right "minger" (as we say in the UK)
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A
male
reader, CaringGuy +, writes (8 November 2009):
If you're worried, go to the doctor. That's the only way to be sure of anything.
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