Why Does My Vagina Smell The Day After Sex?
Here’s my answer:
Vaginas naturally have a musky scent, so odours are not always a sign of poor hygiene or infection. Most vaginal smells are healthy, but sometimes changes in odours can be a sign of infection. Sex can introduce bacteria into the vagina from fingers, penises, semen, mouths, sex toys, lubricants and condoms. This can disrupt the balance in the vagina and cause an overgrowth of bacteria.
The vagina has its own ecosystem of healthy bacteria. Certain medications, hormonal changes and health status can affect vaginal fluids and smell. Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), like trichomoniasis, can cause abnormal vaginal odours.
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is an infection that can happen with penetrative sex (but is not consider an STI). BV can cause a strong, fishy odour and is usually treated with antibiotics. A sweet-sour scent is sometimes a sign of a yeast infection.
Promote a healthy vagina.
An increased vaginal smell after sex might go away after a few days as your body balances itself back out. To minimize the chances of bacteria overgrowth after sex:
- Try peeing right after intercourse to flush bacteria out through the urethra.
- Wash your sex toys before and after each use.
- Only let fingers with trimmed and cleaned fingernails inside the vagina!
- Wash your hands and have your partner wash their hands before sex.
- Experiment with lubricants and condoms that are scent-free and glycerin-free.
- Avoid douches and refrain from using fragranced soaps in and around the vagina. The vagina is self-cleaning, so douching can introduce bacteria that promotes infections.
Find what’s normal for your body.
If you're self-conscious about your scent, get familiar with your body's secretions and odour changes (by smelling yourself or your underwear) throughout the month so you can learn what's normal for your body. Remember, there are entire industries fuelling body shame by making us believe that vaginas are supposed to smell like soap or flowers. Good hygiene and health doesn't mean that you will be scent-free. Many people find the body's natural scent primal and arousing! Embrace what's natural for your vagina. Shedding shame makes room for more pleasure.
