Jean Hailes says it is normal for your vulva and vagina to smell different at certain times of your menstrual cycle. Vaginal odour on its own, then, is rarely a reason for alarm. An unpleasant, yeasty or fishy smell is another matter, because it may be a sign of infection.
If you want to talk it through before booking an appointment, the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 puts you in touch with a registered nurse 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In Victoria the same service is called NURSE-ON-CALL.
Quick answer: Some vaginal odour is normal, and Jean Hailes notes that your scent can change through your cycle and after menopause. A fishy smell with thin white or grey discharge is a typical sign of bacterial vaginosis. See your doctor if the smell is unpleasant, yeasty or fishy, or differs from your usual.
Why does my vagina smell different on different days?
Several body fluids shape your scent, and their mix changes. Jean Hailes lists urine, sweat, menstrual blood, skin oils and vaginal and gland secretions as things that affect how the area smells. It adds that the smell may be different after menopause because the bacteria in the vagina change.
Healthy discharge plays a part as well. According to healthdirect's vaginal discharge guide, normal discharge is slightly acidic, with a pH of 3.8 to 5.0, which helps prevent infection, and it is usually clear or white with no offensive smell.
Which smells could mean an infection?
The main warning signs are a smell that is unpleasant, yeasty or fishy. On its vulva and vagina health page, Jean Hailes says other possible reasons for an unpleasant smell include:
- a sexually transmitted infection (STI);
- a tampon that needs changing;
- not wiping thoroughly after using the toilet.
Healthdirect adds that white or grey discharge with a fishy smell suggests bacterial vaginosis, while yellow or green discharge can point to trichomoniasis. It also cautions that colour alone cannot tell you the cause, so it is worth getting checked rather than guessing. If you use a period cup and the smell seems to come from the cup itself, our tips on getting rid of menstrual cup smell may help.
Is BV behind a fishy odour?
It can be. Healthdirect's bacterial vaginosis page explains that BV happens when the normal balance of vaginal bacteria shifts and certain bacteria multiply beyond their usual levels. When it causes symptoms, you may notice a thin white or grey discharge, a fishy odour and mild discomfort around the vagina and vulva, although many people have no symptoms at all.
BV is often linked to sex but is not classed as an STI. The risk rises with new or multiple partners, sex without condoms, douching, a copper IUD, having a partner with a vagina, and smoking. Antibiotic tablets, cream or gel are the usual treatment, and healthdirect suggests avoiding sex until the course is finished and symptoms have cleared.
How can I stay comfortable without perfumed products?
Healthdirect's self-care advice is about removing irritants rather than adding products:
- Clean the vagina only with water.
- Avoid douching, scented soaps, deodorants and other harsh products around the vagina.
- Wear cotton underwear and skip tight clothing.
- Wipe from front to back after the toilet.
- Change out of wet swimwear or gym gear promptly.
- Use condoms, and stop smoking or vaping.
When to see a doctor
Make an appointment with your GP if:
- your discharge looks or smells different from usual, or you are worried;
- you notice bleeding between periods or after sex;
- you have a vaginal itch or painful sex;
- you have lower abdominal or back pain, or a fever;
- you are pregnant and notice a strong or unpleasant smell, blood, itching or pain;
- you have any symptoms of BV.
For urgent medical help, call triple zero (000).
Frequently asked questions
Can my period change the way I smell?
Yes. Jean Hailes says a different smell at certain times of the menstrual cycle is normal, and menstrual blood is one of the fluids that affects your scent. A tampon that needs changing can cause an unpleasant smell, so empty or change period products regularly and check with your doctor if the odour lingers.
Will probiotics get rid of vaginal odour?
Not on their own. Healthdirect says probiotics and products that change vaginal pH may ease the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis, but they are not a cure and should be discussed with a doctor first. BV is usually treated with antibiotics, so a fishy smell is best checked rather than self-treated.
Does vaginal odour change after menopause?
It can. Jean Hailes explains that after menopause the bacteria in the vagina change, so the smell may be different from before. Healthdirect adds that discharge usually decreases after menopause as oestrogen levels fall. A new unpleasant or fishy smell at any age is still worth raising with your GP.
How soon can BV come back?
Fairly quickly for some people. Healthdirect says bacterial vaginosis frequently returns, typically within 6 to 12 months of finishing treatment. Steering clear of douching and scented products, using condoms and not smoking are the prevention steps it recommends. If symptoms return, book another visit with your doctor.
Wondering whether a smell is coming from your body or your cup? A clean Lunette period cup has no colours, smells or oily residue on its surface, and our guide on how to clean a period cup covers washing, drying and storage step by step.
This article shares general information only and is not medical advice. If something feels off, speak with your GP, a pharmacist or the healthdirect nurse line.
