Why Do I Have A Bad Smell Down There?

A woman influenced by a putrid smell

I am sure this question has lingered in the minds of many women time and again. Most women are stigmatized and chided for the presence of a strong vaginal odor especially when they are not in their gestation period or menstrual cycle. Their physical, sexual, social, and emotional lives are significantly afflicted. 

Sexually these women tend to avoid intimacy, abstain from certain sex positions or write off any sexual activity. Socially they avert social areas, recreational activities, or sitting/ standing near others. Emotionally, the women feel disgusted, dirty, ashamed, annoyed, and distressed.

Everyone is associated with women in one way or another. Some are our grandmothers, mothers, sisters, aunties, wives, daughters, nannies, workmates, employees, or even employers. These remarkable creatures play a climacteric role in all phases of human existence.

Women suffer a plethora of agony in the path of their being which is not limited to endometriosis, menstrual cramps and bleeding, delivery pangs, and all the intricacies analogous to pregnancy, parturition, nursing, and nurturing of new life.

But wait a moment, ever wondered why the birth canal of some women produces a repulsive odor? What is the explanation behind the change in physiology? This article sets on a journey to discover the cause of the menace.

The vaginal smell is subject to change during pregnancy and dysmenorrhea. The smell is predominant after copulation or sweating.

The strong unpleasant odor that persists for several days and has a fish-like smell is symbolic of a health problem. The abnormal vaginal stench comes with grayish-whitish discharge, burning, and itchy sensations.

 Normal Vaginal Odor

The smell of a normal vagina is spicy fermented or sour. Its created by the natural vaginal flora which produces substances including lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide to keep deadly microbes away by balancing the pH of the birth canal between 3.8 and 4.5 in premenopausal women and 4.5 - 6 in menopausal women. The PH prevents the growth of fungal and toxic bacteria.

The metallic vaginal smell can be attributed to menstrual blood or subtle bleeding during sexual intercourse. The blood travels through the vagina. The contact of the vagina with semen also contributes to the development of the metallic smell.

A slight change in vaginal bacteria's equilibrium produces a bittersweet smell. Urine remains on the underwear or around the vulva region is a promoting factor.

Bacterial Vaginosis

Microscopic illustration of vaginal flora

Bacterial vaginosis is a gynecological problem in women of childbearing age indicated by a change from normal lactobacilli (Hydrogen peroxide-producing strains) dominance to mixed facultative and anaerobic microflora including G.Vaginalis and streptococci. Their abundance shifts the vaginal PH to incline towards basic calibration. Itchy feeling, uncleanliness, and the production of an offensive smell characterize the latency of Bacterial Vaginosis.

The origin of Bacterial Vaginosis is unknown because the causative agent remains elusive. Due to the lack of a transmissible agent, the disease is not classified under sexually transmitted diseases but rather considered as a 'sexually associated' infection.

Bacterial Vaginosis occurs when there is an imbalance between beneficial vaginal microorganisms and deleterious bacterial species. Advantageous bacteria are needed by the vagina to stay healthy. When their level reduces, it allows the harmful bacteria to thrive leading to infections.

Other upper tract infections such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes simplex virus, endometritis, miscarriages, preterm labor, postpartum complications, and multiple infections during pregnancy are linked to Bacterial Vaginosis

What Are The Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis?

Pains from infections of the reproductive system

• Vaginal discharge with a strong offensive putrid smell. The outflow is watery/thin and either grey or white. The discharge leaves women unclean even after performing vaginal and vulvar hygiene. The fish odor is so concentrated and makes them feel very uneasy having sex because of stigmatization from men. Sex participation multiplies the smell.

• Burning sensation when urinating. The feeling is so intense and makes one puts a stop to the urination process before the bladder is rendered empty.

• Pain during intercourse. During penile penetration, there is considerable pain that subsides upon withdrawal.

• The symptoms are not exclusive to Bacterial Vaginosis alone. They apply to some other vaginal infections. Therefore it is imperative to visit the gynecologist for an accurate diagnosis.

Factors Promoting Bacterial Vaginosis

• Indulging in sexual activity with multiple partners is a time bomb for the infection.

• Some Vaginal hygiene products such as douches are dangerous. The epithelia around the vagina are susceptible. Any forced water or solution could initiate disease growth.

• Bathing with scented soaps and antiseptic liquids may cause vaginal infections because of their chemical composition. It's advisable to use none scented soaps. Avoid soaking in water that is not pure.

• Contraceptive methods such as Intrauterine devices (IUD) provide a fertile ground for pathological advancement

• Pregnancy changes many physiological processes in a woman. The spike in hormonal production and secretion can immensely impact the level of bacteria leaving them vulnerable.

• Diabetic patients have the risk of developing Bacterial Vaginosis because of the medications they use for the control of diabetes and for improving the performance of the hormone insulin.

• Environmental pollution from automobiles and industrial emissions cause toxin overload in the body as the immune system is unable to efficiently eliminate them. Accumulated toxins can disrupt normal vaginal flora leading to imbalance.

• The old natural foods have been replaced by synthetic food products which harbor immeasurable amounts of toxins. The common food poisons are the preservatives that remain in the body once the food is consumed and increase the influence of bad bacteria.

• Stress related to financial strain and personal safety has been associated with the catalysis of bacterial vaginosis.

It should be noted that Bacterial Vaginosis can not be transmitted through the sharing of toilets or swimming pools with infected people.

Abnormal vaginal odor recedes by itself most of the time. However, if their condition prevails, the healthcare service provider will prescribe appropriate antibiotics.

Home Remedies

Probiotic Use

They are healthy bacteria that restore the PH balance in the vaginal environment thus subverting the overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria.

Healthy Diet

A balanced diet supplies all the nutrients required for the well-being of the body. Plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins are recommended.

Water Intake

The merits of water intake are not restricted to healthy skin. Water promotes vaginal sweating and the excretion of fluids.

No Douches or Scrubs

Though they help clean away bad bacteria, they also kill the useful ones in the same breath. Allow the body to carry out the cleansing innately.

Vaginal Hygiene

Sex introduces microbes and other foreign bodies into the vagina. Condoms, lubricants, and spermicides change the stability of the genital area. It is necessary to wash the vagina with pure water before and after a sexual engagement.

Tight Outfits

The use of outfits that are too tight should be avoided because they limit sufficient oxygen supply around the external parts of the reproductive system. Wearing cotton pants is commendable since it absorbs excess moisture from sweat or discharge. Non Cotton fabrics are bad absorbers.

A substantial number of women suffer from Bacterial Vaginosis at some point in their lifetime. The condition may present itself as mild or chronic. The disease may be asymptomatic or symptomatic with recurrent effects. The good news is that the infection can be controlled or better still eradicated by the use of proper antibiotics, probiotics, or home remedies. It's high time for women to step up the game and subdue the negative repercussions that chaperone Bacterial Vaginosis.

Was this article helpful? Have any questions?

Please hit the share button as you leave your views in the comment section below.