This is a very common odour. It is often compared to the smell of fermented food. Yoghurt, sourdough bread and even some sour beer contain the same good bacteria that dominate most healthy vaginas, which is Lactobacilli. This type of odour is normal. Cause: The pH of a healthy vagina is between 3.8 and 4.5 i.e. slightly acidic. The Lactobacilli keeps it acidic and that helps prevent overgrowth of all types of bad bacteria.
Sometimes people also report vaginal odour smelling coppery or metallic. It’s usually normal and nothing to worry about. Blood contains iron and it has a metallic smell. The most common reason for blood is your periods. During your period, blood and tissue are shed from the inner uterine lining and travel through the vagina.
It’s a different type of sweet; more like an earthy, pungent and robust scent. A bittersweet or sweetish scent isn’t a cause of concern. Cause: The vaginal pH is an ever-changing bacterial ecosystem and that sometimes means a little sweet smell.
An odour similar to bleach or ammonia could be a reason to visit the doctor sometimes, although it could also be totally normal. Cause: Urine: The urea in the urine causes a smell like ammonia. A buildup of urine in your vaginal area or underwear could cause a smell like that of ammonia. However, urine smelling strongly of ammonia could be a sign of dehydration
There are sweat glands present down there which often is the reason why the scent is so similar to body odour. Cause: There are two types of sweat glands, apocrine and eccrine. The eccrine gland produces sweat to cool down the body and the apocrine glands respond to your emotions. The apocrine glands are present mostly in the armpits and the groin. The emotional stress of any kind can cause this type of smell.