Question about smell down there

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-11-2003
Question about smell down there
8
Fri, 10-29-2004 - 2:05am
Hi. I've noticed that I usually have a sort of fishy smell down there that's pretty constant. Is this normal or a sign of an infection? I'm worried that my boyfriend doesnt enjoy going down on me because I smell bad and am wondering if others have the same concern and how they deal with this problem.

AniSue
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-12-2004
Fri, 10-29-2004 - 8:14am
Interesting question.

As a guy I can say almost none of the woman I been with have had any objectionable odors. Most women smelled fresh and nice down there. A quick wash before sex is enough to will remove any sweaty or stale type odors.

I do remember recently reading an article recently that suggested a "fishy odor" could indicate some sort of a minor localized infection. I think it suggested it might be caused by a minor bacterial infection. I would sugest that if you find it's persisting just see you doctor and tell him or her your concern and ask if it could be something like that going on.

If the BF is still a little squeamish you can always try indulging his sweet tooth with little topping, honey or chocolate syrup served up on your favorite gal can be treat hard to resist. Would you like some sprinkles with that? :-)

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-13-2004
Fri, 10-29-2004 - 8:23am
a kind of 'musky' smell is normal, however, I agree with the previous poster that 'fishy' isn't normal.

Some odor is normal, and it can get quite pungent after sport and the morning after sex. As long as it's not offensive when you're freshly washed, then I wouldn't be too concerned. We're not supposed to smell like roses.

I would suggest that you do two things. First of all, reconsider your smell. Do you use the term 'fishy' because it's a commonly used joke term - or do you really smell like that? If you do really smell like fish, best see your doctor ASAP

Dress Up Games, Doll Makers and Cartoon Dolls @ The Doll Palace
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-26-2004
Fri, 10-29-2004 - 8:31am
Many women are self-conscious about how they smell and worry whether or not it's offensive to their SO.

First things first. Yes, I would get to the GYN and see if you have an infection...even a slight bacterial overflow could cause a fishy odor and antibiotics are needed to clear it up. I believe that some women naturally have a stronger odor than others, and you may want to discuss that with your GYN as well.

Talk to your bf about it...chances are he's noticed it too. Tell him you're going to the doctors to have it checked out. I wouldn't recommend he continue oral until you find out what the problem is. It could be perpetuating the problem and if you are having sex without a condom, and you do get diagnosed with an infection, he may also need to be treated because he may be a carrier. If you're concerned about how he feels about your body ask.

Avatar for katmandoo2001
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 10-29-2004 - 12:22pm
It's possible your smell is normal for you and you're just feeling insecure about having ANY aroma. OR if the smell is unpleasant and "off" then you very well could have a yeast infection or something else. Only you can determine that though.

But IF you practice good hygiene, cleaning the vulva carefully, you will still have your normal female smell but it won't be unpleasant, it will smell fairly benign. Just remember that our natural aromas vary in our cycles so it CAN become more prominant during ovulation, etc.

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-25-2004
Fri, 10-29-2004 - 12:37pm
Looks like everyone has covered the "fishy" smell issue fairly well.

I just wanted to comment...someone recommended using honey or chocolate syrup. Be VERY careful with that. In general it is recommended you do not put anything with high sugar content in or near your vagina, it can cause a very uncomfortable yeast infection. (In fact a lot of times if you've put something sugary on your partner to go down on him, they recommend cleaning him up (well) before having intercourse or you have the same problem.) I'm sure it works out all right for some people, but I just want you to be aware that thats a possibility.

Angel

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-23-2004
Fri, 10-29-2004 - 1:02pm
As long as you practice good hygeine, there shouldn't be an unpleasant smell.

bounxh0a-1.gif picture by dillbyrd

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-25-2004
Fri, 11-05-2004 - 6:29pm
To: iv_aisha2004 and the other ladies here:

What if a woman doesn't have anything going wrong down there and her scent be strong at

times(Asscuse me for putting it this way)like when she or her partner pulls off her

panties and you be able to smell her scent from being right there beside her or while you are having intercourse? Would that still considered to be her normal scent?

Thanks,

Howie_t

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-23-2004
Fri, 11-05-2004 - 7:11pm

Thank you for mentioning that Angel.


bounxh0a-1.gif picture by dillbyrd