Cleo asked
Why does my vagina smell? Is it natural? How can I get rid of it?
Soso answered
Every body has its own natural scent down there, and it is totally normal for it not to smell like nothing.
Your vagina has its own balance of healthy bacteria that help keep it healthy inside, and sweat, normal discharge and changing hormones can all affect how it smells. When you are on your period, blood mixes in too, which can give it a slightly different, metallic scent. You do not need to get rid of your body's natural scent, and trying to make it smell like perfume or flowers actually makes things worse because perfumed products upset that natural balance.
How to keep things fresh
- Wash the outside gently once a day with plain warm water, never inside, with no soap, shower gel, perfumed products, bubble bath or douches.
- Wear breathable cotton underwear and avoid super tight clothes that trap sweat.
- Change your underwear daily, and change pads every 4 to 6 hours when you are on your period, sooner on heavy days.
A mild, metallic smell on your period is normal. Tell a grown-up if a smell stays strong for several days, smells fishy or rotten, or comes with a change in discharge, itching or burning. If you use tampons or a cup, a very strong or rotten smell can mean one got left in, so check. If you can't get it out, or you feel unwell or hot, tell a grown-up straight away.
Soso's answers are written by AI. They don't replace professional medical advice.