Dear Alice,
Over the past several months, I've noticed a distinct change
in my vaginal odor or "scent." It has taken on a more sweet,
pungent aroma, which is very different from the musky odor
to which I was accustomed. This has me somewhat concerned
because I no longer smell like myself! I liken this dilemma
to that of an identity crisis!
Is this a natural change in my body -- something that will continue to
evolve and change as I grow older (I am twenty-five), or could there be a
health- or medical-related explanation? A possible dietary
deficiency? An illness? Could a change in sexual partners play a
part?
-- Wants to Know!
Dear Wants to Know!,
Alice would like to commend you on your awareness of your scent,
your own unique signature. It is really important for women to recognize
their own scent so that they know what is normal for them and can
recognize any change(s) in their bodies (similar to doing breast
self-exams).
Think back on your recent life. When your scent changed, was there
anything else in your life that changed at the same time?
Many of the factors you mentioned could explain your change in scent.
Diet changes, hormones (such as when women are pregnant,) and
vaginal infections could all affect vaginal scent. A change in
partners could as well, since semen (if the partner is male)
mingling with your own fluids during intercourse alters what smells
like you. Of course, if it is an unpleasant, or even a foul, odor, that
is usually indicative of an infection, such as yeast or trichomonas.
These are treated by either over-the-counter or prescription
medications; however, neither sounds like the scent you are
describing.
It may be nothing, but check it out for peace of mind. If you are at
Columbia, call x4-2284 to make an appointment in Primary Care Medical Services. Outside of Columbia, see your health care provider or a gynecologist.
- Alice
Related Q&As
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- Why does my urine stink?
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- Getting verbal about musty oral sex
- Vaginal smegma?
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Changes in vaginal scent
