If you’re concerned with the way your vagina smells, you’re not alone. In fact, a 2019 survey found that more than two-thirds of millennial women have turned down sex because of concerns about vaginal scent. If so many women are dealing with the same insecurity, why is no one talking about it?
It’s no secret that women’s healthcare is stigmatized. The conversation around feminine hygiene, vaginal pH balance, and women’s reproductive wellness is often spoken in a whisper, with vaginal odor ranking among the most sensitive topics. That’s where we come in.
Where does vaginal odor come from?
Before understanding the complex balance in your urinary tract, it’s important to dive into the types of normal flora affecting your vaginal health. According to Diagnox Health, “urogenital flora is a micro-ecosystem of bacteria that live in the urogenital tract—the combination of the urinary and reproductive systems.” This ecosystem is mostly made up of healthy bacteria such as lactobacillus, Escherichia coli, Peptostreptococcus and streptococci, which help maintain a naturally acidic pH.
Yes, you read that right—healthy humans have bacteria like E. coli in their bodies, all the time.
What causes vaginal odor?
There is no reason your vagina should smell like roses. However, Cleveland Clinic reports some common undertones in healthy vaginal odor:
- Slightly sour or tangy: this can signify that your vaginal pH is slightly more acidic than usual.
- Sweet or bittersweet: this can be a sign that your pH levels are changing—but it’s usually no cause for concern.
- Metallic: if your vagina smells a little bit like pennies when you’re menstruating, not to worry. Blood contains iron, and this can affect smell during your cycle.
- Body odor: this can be a sign of stress or that your sweat glands are in high gear (most notably after a workout).
Is vaginal odor normal?
Yes…and no. While nearly every vagina has an odor (and we now know it’s normal), a strong or abnormal smell could be an indication that you have a vaginal imbalance.
Be sure to consult your trusted healthcare provider if you’re noticing:
- A fishy smell: if exacerbated by sexual penetration, this can be a sign of bacterial vaginosis. It is also commonly accompanied by itching and grayish discharge.
- Bad-smelling discharge: if you notice a greenish-yellow discharge alongside a fishy odor, it could be caused by a sexually transmitted disease such as trichomoniasis.
- Rancid, foul-smelling odor: in rare cases, a strong odor can be a sign of a vaginal fistula, cervical cancer or vaginal cancer.
If you do notice any abnormalities, don’t panic. Your doctor will be able to provide you with the information you need to balance your vagina’s pH, and may prescribe antibiotics, a change in hygiene products, or pH balance pills for odor.
Changing Your Vaginal Odor
Some habits can change the odor of the vagina, which has a naturally diverse microbiome. If there aren’t enough Lactobacillus probiotics, the vagina’s pH can become too basic, making it more susceptible to harmful bacteria—which may lead to discomfort and unhealthy odor. So, what can you do?
Many women have found success with URO Vaginal Probiotics, the intersection between probiotics for women and vitamins for vaginal odor. Designed to support healthy pH, odor, yeast balance and vaginal flora*, URO Vaginal Probiotic is especially appealing to sexually active women who are concerned about their scent or are prone to imbalances.
Its key ingredient, Proprietary V-Positiv Probiotic Blend™, is composed of 4 powerful strains with 5 Billion CFU (the number of microorganisms in a probiotic) to boost healthy vaginal bacteria:
- Lactobacillus Acidophilus: Helps target vaginal inflammation and digestive issues
- Lactobacillus Rhamnosus: Promotes balance in vagina and gastrointestinal tract
- Lactobacillus Reuteri: Has antimicrobial, immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties
- Lactobacillus Fermentum: Has immune-boosting and antimicrobial properties
URO Probiotics also contains XOS prebiotics to help keep Lactobacillus strains active. These probiotics help crowd out harmful bacteria to promote pH balance, vaginal comfort & healthy odor.*
If you’re just getting acquainted with supplements for vaginal health, there are other habits you can follow to maintain a healthy vaginal odor:
- Shower daily
- Try an intimate deodorant
- Wear loose-fitting clothing
- Let your vagina breathe at night
Does URO Vaginal Probiotic actually work?
URO’s parent company, O Positiv, is backed by a medical advisory board and a myriad of positive reviews. Dr. Ajanamjot Grewal, OBGYN, MD said, “high-quality vaginal probiotics like O Positiv’s URO Vaginal Probiotic supports a balanced pH & flora to combat unhealthy vaginal odor, itchiness and other causes for vaginal discomfort.”
While doctors have given it their seal of approval, O Positiv’s loyal consumers had a few things to say as well. Take a look at a few of the URO Vaginal Probiotic reviews:
- “This product really does work well. I let my boyfriend know that I was “doing something different “ and he said that the taste was AMAZING!!!” – Donna, verified customer
- “3 words. Sweet as honey 🍯.” Shelli H., verified customer
- “Recently even with a healthy diet, lots of water, very minimal alcohol, gluten or sugar my vagina had a very funky, unpleasant smell. I personally could smell it through my clothes. Decided based on reviews to try this probiotic… within a few days the smell was gone. I was shocked. I highly recommend.” – Kennedy, verified customer
We recommend consulting your doctor before taking any supplements and having an open conversation with them if you’re concerned with vaginal odor. Your vagina works overtime to keep itself healthy—so it’s time to show her some love right back.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The views and nutritional advice expressed by FLO and O POSITIV, Inc. are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. Individual results may vary.
