Our vagina has a smell all of its own – and it’s all natural. If only because of our discharge, which is formed by special glands and serves to keep our vagina healthy. The lactobacilli, i.e. lactic acid bacteria, also play an important role in the vaginal flora: They ensure an acidic environment in our vagina with a pH value of 3.8 to 4.5 by converting sugar into lactic acid. This makes it impossible for viruses, fungi and other pathogens to multiply excessively.
However: The sensitive vaginal flora can easily be disturbed. Many women are ashamed of the – completely normal – intimate odor and resort to aggressive soaps and the like. But excessive intimate hygiene is not a good idea, as it disturbs the sensitive vaginal environment, which makes us more susceptible to infections.
Since every vagina is individual, there is no one right smell. Most of the time, however, our vagina smells slightly tart to sour. Due to hormonal fluctuations, however, the smell can also change during the cycle. Just before, during or just following your period, there is a metallic odor due to menstrual bleeding. We will explain in more detail which smells indicate an illness.
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