Let’s talk about vaginal and vulvar odour.

First, let me tell you that a mild odour is absolutely normal.

What’s not normal:

Itching, burning, a bad odor (fishy, foul, etc.), or unusual discharge (green, cottage cheese-like, etc.), it could be an infection.

In that case, consult with your healthcare provider to see what’s going on and get appropriate care.

Dryness and itching could indicate a need for vaginal moisturizer or local estrogen. This happens to many people going through the menopause transition. It could even involve recurring urinary tract infections and/or pain with penetrative intercourse. More on that here.

What’s normal:

The vulva has glands that make pheromones, sweat, and sebum, which can mix with skin bacteria and cause a natural smell. Add in other fluid secretions from the cervix and vaginal tract, especially during the middle of your cycle when cervical mucus increases, and you might notice a stronger scent. If you haven’t showered in a couple of days, it might be stronger then as well. 

Cervical mucus and the bacteria inside the vaginal tract and on the skin of the vulva are important parts of our vulvo-vaginal health. It helps maintain moisture, prevent infectious pathogens from sticking around or getting out of hand, supports sexual pleasure, and facilitates the travel of sperm for fertility purposes.

The vagina’s ideal pH is between 3.8 and 4.5, while the vulva is a bit higher, between 5.3 and 5.6. 

Staying in these ranges helps keep things healthy. Because of how close everything is down there, the vulva is built to handle tiny amounts of bacteria or fecal matter, so don’t worry too much about using harsh cleansers or soaps. Good ole water does the trick. If you are using an intimate cleanser, then make sure it’s pH-balanced (slightly acidic) and irritant-free (think fragrances and such).