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You should NOT smell like a rose down there! Blech! | Source: Shutterstock
Newsflash! There is nothing on your body that was made to smell like a friggin’ garden–or vanilla ice cream, for that matter. Your vagina, vulva, clitoris and other parts that comprise your reproductive organs are supposed to smell like YOU.
At this point you may be glazing over and thinking, “Homegirl, that’s all good, but you promised tips on cleaning my stinky vajayjay!” Listen up, Buttercup. unless there is something medically wrong, your vagina will not stink if you bathe daily. It might not smell like a grapefruit salad down there, but um, it’s not supposed to!
This is a fact: we don’t need to douche or perfume our privates, in fact, doing so can actually hurt us. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has confirmed that douching is unhealthy. The doctors put it best when they say that the vagina is a “self cleaning oven.” The word douche means to wash in French. You can do just that with good old soap and H20–don’t need to stick some weird plastic thing up there to make it happen!
Okay, so you know you don’t need to douche your vagina, but why is it so bad to do if you want to? Here’s the thing: a healthy vagina has both good and bad bacteria in it. That’s right (hello, science class!) there are microscopic organisms in our private parts. The balance of harmless and potentially bad bacteria maintain a healthy environment in your body. The vagina is a perfect ecosystem with just the right amount of acidity.
And, um, your vag isn’t supposed to GLOW, either! | Source: Shutterstock
Yikes — that doesn’t seem so Daisy Fresh now, does it?
To be clear, those perfume sprays and fragrances created for the vag are equally as craptastic. If The Man (ad agencies) convinces us that something is wrong with the natural smells of our bodies then they can sell us ways to fix it and make mega moola. But by changing our scent down there, we’re actually masking the natural scents that make us . . . US, and that our sexual partners are biologically turned-on by. (That’s right, even if it smells like, WHATEVER to you, it probs smells good to your cuddle buddy.) If things seem really smelly or you notice a new and unusual vaginal odor or discharge, see your doctor to make sure that everything is okay.
So, what’s the best way to stay smelling good?
Washing with mild soap is the best way to avoid any perceived crotch funk–stay away from harsh deodorizing soaps and exfoliating bars down there–Youch! In addition, breathable natural-fiber undies allow air to flow to your vagina, reducing sweat and moisture. Drinking lots of water is also necessary for a healthy, functioning body. If you’re fanatical, panty liners can also be worn and then discarded to keep undies fresh. Plus, it hasn’t been scientifically proven, but many women swear that eating tons of fruits and veggies makes them smell better. Bonus? More fruits and veggies are a great way to show your body love either way.
Your body (and yes, your vagina!) is yours and you only get one! Love your gorgeous self with all of your natural functions. You’re beautiful, girl.
Do you ever think your vagina smells? Have you ever tried any sprays or perfumes for your vagina? Are you self-conscious of your down-there area? Tell us everything in the comments!
Must Read: The Vagina Do’s And Don’ts!
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I do feel uncomfortable at times, I always was twice a day down there. I was with dove and sometimes burts bees body wash, and drink lots of water but I guess that’s how my body is. its not bad but when you know its like it takes over…the information was very helpful
Smoking can actually cause vaginal discharge to have a bitter taste.
If you are healthy and clean but still think you migh have a funny smell think about your diet. Things like garlic an onion can affect the way a lady smells and tastes. If you are really nervous try going on a clean diet for a while with lots of fruits and vegetables. To anyone that takes my advice, enjoy your fresh fanny.
I am a virgin but definitely don’t want to be! I have had the chance to do “it” and I really want to but I’m self conscious about the way I smell down there, let alone taste! I just want to know what it’s supposed to smell and taste like naturally so I won’t be so self conscious! And I’ve noticed that it isn’t my actual vagina that smells but it’s the clitoris area and inside my labias… It’s sort of a sweaty, musky kind of smell… Is this normal??
ok im 13 and my O.o (down there) does not smell nice. It smells like pee and…. a whole lot of other nasty stuff. But what i’m trying to say is that what do i do to keep it smelling like myself whatever i smell like haha. And i have these bumps around my vagina and i don’t know what to do. Please help they can get kind of huge and they itch, they hurt,they have puss in them and i don’t know what to do so please help. I always chicken out when i want to tell my mother but its so gross and embarrassing :/
please help this poor little girl………………… MARISA 
Hi
Ever since i know can remember my vajayjay is smelling. But after the birth of my child it even got worse as i’m sitting i can smell it and it is working on me. I am paranoid about this. I bath in the morning and at night. What can i Do i dont have medical aid and i don’t have money to go to the doctor?
Your vagina ‘smell’ is going to be more pungent to you, when in fact, it’s not even really that noticeable to someone other than yourself!
Whoever said a vagina is supposed to smell good? It’s an organ, wound or whatever you want to call it. It’s not supposed to smell like roses. The natural scent of a vagina is supposed to be lightly musky. Some women even have a stronger musky smell but a healthy vagina. Thats the smell that attracts the opposite sex. Now if it’s fishy then you may have a problem. I bathe twice a day as well. My scent can get pretty musky but usually that’s towards the end of a work day.
I just became sexually active these past two weeks, the first time we were reckless and forgot about the condom. But now I make sure that we don’t slip up. But when we started using the condom I would smell like rubber down there and I absolutely hate and I started becoming sore from my showering….are there any tips for that. I hate bad smells and this is making regret becoming sexually active
They have latex free condoms and that is whats making you smell like rubber. I may be wrong but just trying to help out. Good luck either way! (:
I am 17 years old. And i am afraid of having sex, dont know what the reason is . But all my fellows are not virgins its only me. My boyfriend want to do sex, but i am shy abut my smell down there. How to improve it ! Abd i also have got some dark uneven skin tine down there, how to make it lighter?
Whilst you’re mostly correct. You’re very wrong about soaps. Don’t use them either, the have a very high PH level and it will clash with your own levels. Leaving a pungent fishy smell. Warm water, face washer or hands. Some very mild body washes are ok depending on how your body reacts.
Okay so my vagina always smells like water and coconut but my boyfriend wants to give me oral sex and I’m kinda self conscious i don’t why though! I SMELL GOOD DOWN THERE. what is it ?
If you know you smell good down there but are reluctant to let your boyfriend give you oral, it sounds like a lack of confidence. But you know you’ve got nothing to worry about! If you KNOW you smell good down there, don’t worry, because he will appreciate it.
After the birth of my son 12 years ago, I start experiencing vaginal discharge and some oder. I have went to several gyn specialist and was told nothing was wrong. To this this day I still have the same issues. I am very self conscious , don’t get close to people. afraid If I may smell. My husband says I have a normal scent of a woman but I just want it all to . go back to when i was a teenager. No pantyliners everyday, no discharge, no scent… very disgusted I cant be a normal woman…
Idk what to do i shower 3 times a day and sometimes I’ll put on always thins because of my constantly moist v.day it has a strong smell because of it like a sweet musk it doesn’t taste bad and its not color discharge it’s just for some reason my body reacts like I’m being aroused all the bloody freaking time And i wouldn’t complain but that damn smell i want to get a vch piercing before i go on vacation but feeling gun shy about sticking my twat in sum one face knowing that my under carriage might smell a Lil wet and potent
okay when I have sex and when my bf cums. in me I have a funky smell