Let’s be honest: we’ve all come face to face with ~ something ~ odd in our underwear from time to time, be it an unusual smell or something simply looking different there. And if you’ve ever panicked wondering what in the world could be causing it, your’e not alone. While odor and discharge are normal occurrences for vulva owners, some things might need a bit more of your attention.

At Vaginesse, we focus on making vulvar care and cleaning a ritual, but we’re also passionate about educating and sharing all things vulva. Let’s dive into some of the most common causes for a smelly vulva and what might be behind it!

Vulvas and vaginas have a natural odor just like every other part of our bodies. Sometimes that smell can be a little off. Knowing the cause can help you treat it and keep your lady parts healthy. These are some of the most common causes:

Bacterial Vaginosis, or BV, affects many women. It causes odor, itching, and abnormal discharge. Some women don’t experience any symptoms at all! BV is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria naturally found in the vagina, often due to sex or using the wrong products down there. You may need a cream or gel to take care of the problem.

Yeast infections are super unplesanr, but also super common. An overgrowth of candida in the vagina is the culprit here. Not only does it cause unpleasant odors, it also leaves our vulvas itchy and inflamed. Treatment is easy, tough: some antibiotics and proper cleaning will do the trick.

There are other less common culprits for odd smells down there that can also be more serious, so if you think you have something other going on, it’s time to pay your gyno a visit. Some other causes can be:

  ✤Cervical Cancer

  ✤Trichomoniasis

  ✤Vaginal Cancer

Have you ever gone on little pee-break only to find some unusual discharge in your undies? It can be scary, but fret not! Let’s look at some of the different discharge colors so you can figure out what’s causing it.

You guessed it. It’s most likely your period. Sometimes we spot between cycles. If it’s not normal for you, visit your gyno to get to the root of it!

The most common discharge. Totally normal. If you don’t have any other symptoms like serious odor or itching, there’s no reason to worry.  

Light colors are normal but deeper hues may indicate infections. Keep an eye on it.

Anytime you experience something out of the ordinary, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. Extreme discomfort from itching or inflammation, might deserve an emergency consultation. Take care of your vulva and see a doctor if theres anything concerning going on down there!

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