It’s completely normal for vaginal scent to shift throughout your life. Factors like hygiene, hormones, sweat, and your menstrual cycle all influence odor. The vagina itself doesn’t sweat, but the vulva does, which often explains stronger scents.
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Do Certain Foods Change Vaginal Odor?
Foods don’t directly change vaginal odor, but they can affect pH and sweat, which may alter how things smell.
Foods believed to influence scent through sweat or pH shifts include:
Coffee, cheese, sugar: Excess may disrupt pH and increase yeast growth.
Onions, garlic, and curry: Strong-smelling compounds are excreted through sweat.
Choline-rich foods (eggs, red meat, liver): May produce a fishy scent in sweat.
Alcohol: Can dehydrate you and reduce lubrication.
Cinnamon, celery: May help neutralize acidity.
Watermelon: Hydrating; may help support pH balance.
Pregnancy & pH Shifts
Pregnancy naturally changes pH due to hormone fluctuations and increased blood flow. New cravings or a heightened sense of smell may also make scents more noticeable.
Possible temporary scents:
Metallic: From menstruation or postpartum lochia.
Sweet/bittersweet: Indicates pH fluctuations.
Sour/yeasty: Higher acidity.
Ammonia-like: Often, dehydration or dried urine on underwear.
Chlorine-like: Semen can shift pH after sex.
If you notice a persistent, strong fishy scent, check in with your doctor.
Perimenopause & Menopause
Hormone changes during this transition shift the pH from acidic to more alkaline, which may affect odor. Lower estrogen can also contribute to dryness and irritation.
Helpful habits as you age:
Wash the vulva only with mild, unscented soap.
Avoid douching (disrupts good bacteria).
Consider a probiotic to support vaginal and gut balance (talk with your doctor). Semaine’s Pre+Probiotic for Women combines prebiotic fiber, two well-studied Lactobacillus strains, and ginger to support a healthy gut microbiome, which plays a key role in overall vaginal wellness and comfort.
Ask your doctor about estrogen therapy if symptoms are significant.
More Tips for Reducing Unpleasant Odors
Wear breathable underwear; change out of wet clothes quickly.
Change pads/tampons every 4 hours.
Use condoms.
Drink plenty of water.
Avoid scented products on or inside the vagina.
When to See a Doctor
Reach out to a provider if you notice:
- Persistent, strong fishy odor
-
A smell like rotten meat, especially with:
- unusual discharge
- pain while urinating
Bottom Line
Vaginas aren’t meant to smell like perfume. Natural scents fluctuate with hormones, age, diet, and lifestyle. Supporting hydration, hygiene, and your body’s natural balance goes a long way.
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