Why your “coochie” is giving that smell
By Lavender Kusimba, June 14, 2025Vaginal odour is a common experience that can be influenced by various factors, including the menstrual cycle, disease and even diet.
All private parts have a natural scent, and a strong or unpleasant odour, particularly when accompanied by discharge or other symptoms, may indicate a potential health issue.
Healthy female genitalia have a very normal smell, which only changes during the menstrual cycle or during ovulation.
Here are some causes and remedies for vaginal odour.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
This common infection causes a fishy or foul odour, often with a thin, grey-white discharge.
Bacterial vaginosis causes a distinctive vaginal smell, especially after sex, due to an imbalance in the vaginal flora.
This imbalance leads to a decrease in the number of beneficial bacteria and an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria, which produce volatile amines.
These organic compounds are released when the vaginal pH changes, resulting in the vaginal odour.
The vagina typically has a balance of bacteria, with lactobacilli being the dominant type.
When vaginal pH changes, such as after sexual intercourse, the volatile amines can be released and cause a fishy odour.
This type of infection is typically treated with antibiotics like metronidazole or clindamycin, either orally or as a vaginal cream or gel. Metronidazole taken orally is often preferred, and other treatments like clindamycin cream are available too.
Yeast infections
Yeast infections, often referred to as thrush, typically do not cause a noticeable or strong vaginal odour.
If an odour is present, it’s usually mild and described as yeasty. Strong odours, especially a fishy smell, are a characteristic of bacterial vaginosis, a different type of vaginal infection.
Yeast infection is caused by an overgrowth of yeast, which then leads to an odour and thick, white, curd-like discharge.
Yeast infections can cause changes in vaginal discharge which appears to be lumpy, white, and curdled appearance.
There are different ways of treating yeast infection, which include home remedies such as soaking yourself in lukewarm water that has apple cider vinegar or taking a lot of yoghurt, especially the probiotics one, which helps in restoring the beneficial bacteria and reducing the severity of the infection.
Baking soda added to the water, which is used to rinse off the female genitals, also helps to relieve the symptoms.
Aside from home solutions, over-the-counter medicines, creams, and ointments can help ease the situation.
Trichomoniasis
This type of infection causes vaginal odour primarily due to the foul-smelling discharge it produces.
The parasite, trichomonas vaginalis, releases cytotoxic proteins that damage the vaginal lining, leading to increased vaginal pH and the release of volatile compounds that contribute to the characteristic odour.
It’s often associated with a greenish, yellow, or frothy discharge that has a strong, often fishy or musty odour.
This discharge is a key symptom and can be a significant factor in the overall odour.
The infection can raise the vaginal pH, which can alter the natural balance of the vaginal microbiome and contribute to the production of odour-causing compounds.
Parasite releases toxins that damage the vaginal lining, potentially leading to irritation and inflammation. This damage can also contribute to the production of odour.
The inflammation caused by the infection can further alter the vaginal environment, potentially leading to increased production of odour-causing compounds.
Even though you might be tempted to seek home remedies, there are no home-based solutions for this disease.
The only option you have is typically using antibiotics which are effective at killing the parasite that causes the infection and resolving vaginal odour.
Maybe an STI?
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), including syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea and many others, can cause abnormal discharge, which can be yellowish or greenish.
While these infections don’t typically cause a strong odour, the presence of an abnormal discharge can increase the likelihood of other infections developing, such as bacterial vaginosis.
STIs can also make you more susceptible to other vaginal infections like yeast infections, which can also cause a foul odour.
STIs can cause changes in vaginal odour if accompanied by other symptoms like discharge, itching or burning.
Your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics to treat these infections, and they may also recommend lifestyle changes to prevent recurrence.
Practising good hygiene, such as avoiding scented products and changing underwear regularly, can also help manage vaginal odour.
If you suspect an STI, it’s crucial you get tested to determine the underlying causes and receive appropriate treatment.
After sex smell
Even though the “coochie” has a natural, mild odour. This odour can fluctuate due to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or after sex.
Hormonal shifts during menstruation can affect the odour, potentially making it more noticeable or stronger.
The groin area has sweat glands, so sweating during exercise or sexual activity can contribute to temporary changes in vaginal odour.
The combination of vaginal fluids and semen after sexual intercourse can also lead to a temporary change in odour.
Vaginal pH can fluctuate, and certain foods, medications, or periods of time can affect the natural smell.
The remedies for normal bodily changes that cause the smell include a gentle wash with warm water and mild, unscented soap.
You also need to wear breathable cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothing to prevent moisture buildup, while you also drink plenty of water, which helps prevent odour-causing bacteria from thriving.
If the odour persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, consult your gynaecologist for diagnosis and treatment.
Sweating and high humidity
Sweating during exercise or physical activity can cause a noticeable vaginal odour.
High temperatures and humidity can also lead to increased sweating, resulting in a bad smell.
Wearing tight or non-breathable clothing can trap moisture and heat, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, potentially leading to odour.
Trapped sweat or moisture in undergarments can lead to bacterial growth and odour if not changed regularly.
These can strip the vagina off its natural oils, disrupting the pH balance and allowing bacteria to thrive.
To prevent or curb this problem, one should wear natural fabrics such as cotton, linen or breathable synthetics, which allow better airflow, helping to prevent the build-up of moisture and the growth of odour-causing microorganisms.
Forgotten tampons
Leaving a tampon or menstrual pad in for too long can lead to a strong, unpleasant odour due to bacterial growth.
The remedy involves addressing the underlying cause and preventing future occurrences.
The only way to address the issue as a result of menstrual products is to immediately remove the product and thoroughly wash the vaginal area gently with medicated soap and warm water.
You can also consult a doctor if the odour persists or you experience any other symptoms like itching, burning, or unusual discharge, so that you can rule out any serious condition or treat any infection.
Hormonal imbalances
Fluctuations in estrogen levels during the menstrual cycle can alter the vaginal smell.
Also, during pregnancy, the estrogen level rises, resulting in vaginal smell changes, while the decrease can also disrupt the balance, thereby leading to the development of vaginal bacteria that causes odour.
Hormonal fluctuations can be addressed with simple lifestyle changes and potentially medical interventions if the odour persists or if it’s accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, burning, or abnormal discharge.
You’re eating acidic foods
What you eat or drink can play a major role in pH balancing and potential bacterial overgrowth.
Consumption of foods like onions, garlic or those high in sulfur can contribute to a noticeable vaginal odour since the pH is low, resulting in dehydration which then affects the balance of vaginal flora and increase the likelihood of odour.
Some dietary adjustments can help reduce foul-smelling discharge and maintain a healthy vaginal environment.
Consuming probiotic-rich foods like yoghurt can help restore a healthy balance of bacteria in the vagina.
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables provides essential nutrients and antioxidants that can support overall health and potentially help fight infections.
Avoid some foods like garlic, onions, and asparagus which can contribute to stronger body odours, including vaginal odours.
Not cleaning up so well
Not properly cleaning the external vaginal area can lead to the build-up of normal discharge and sweat, which can then cause vaginal bacteria.
The only remedy to poor body hygiene is a good bath, while also considering frequent changing of underwear, especially when sweaty or soiled, as this can help prevent moisture buildup and odour.