Why your vagina might smell like onion or garlic
Charlotte Grant-West
Netmums contributorEver smelt an onion or garlic aroma coming from your nether regions? It's not exactly dinner party conversation we know, but there's nothing to be ashamed of ... and it is worth knowing what's causing it!
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Quite frankly, vagina odour doesn't get enough air time (so to speak). Sure it's an intimate topic, but it's one you shouldn't shy away from talking about.
After all, unusual odours (unusual for you, that is) aren't anything to be embarrassed about and can be a sign of infection or an underlying health issue.
So what IS that onion / garlic aroma all about then?
Well, it's probably NOT because you've eaten too much onion and garlic, although what you eat can affect what you smell like down there.
Onions and garlic are just some of the foods that can change the smell of our sweat. Sweat can then combine with vaginal discharge to make the vagina smell of strong-smelling foods.
Ah, that makes sense!
However Dr Larisa Corda, an obstetrician, gynaecologist and fertility expert, told The Metro: 'Every vagina has its own smell, it varies woman to woman.
‘This is due to the particular collection of bacteria, called the microflora, that exists there.
'Quite often, the smell can resemble fermented food as the bacteria can be similar to that found in sourdough bread and yoghurt.
‘Other things such as vaginal bleeding, urine, sweat and even stress can also affect the scent down there too.’
So how can you avoid your vagina smelling of unusual scents like onions and garlic?
Firstly make sure you are taking good care of your vagina and vulva (the outside part that you can see).
Georgia Hacke, specialist trainee doctor in obstetrics and gynaecology explains: 'If there's one thing every person with a vagina needs to know, it's this: the vagina is self-cleaning.
'There is no need to douche it or use other ‘cleansing’ products as these could actually cause infections.
'Don't reuse underwear without washing it first, avoid tight jeans or knickers and consider swapping to more breathable materials like cotton.
'And always dry your vagina properly after a shower before putting your clothes back on.'
If you've tried these tips, but are still getting a whiff of onion and garlic, have a think back to when you noticed the new scent and what might have triggered the change.
Ask yourself this: where you are in your menstrual cycle, has your diet changed, have you had a change in partner or even a change in shower gel? A hectic lifestyle or smoking can also affect the pH balance of your vagina. And your period cycle can also alter its smell.
What you can do depends on the cause for the change in smell – if it’s down to an infection, then antibiotic treatment should help.
But if the smell turns ‘rotten and fishy' that you should ask a medical professional for help, as this is usually a sign that something more sinister going on.
If you are ever concerned about your vaginal health or simply want to check that what you’re smelling is ‘normal’, it’s always best to chat to your doctor.
Have you ever noticed your vagina smelling of onions or garlic? Comment in our chat thread below!
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