# Vaginal odour: what is normal and when to be concerned > Every vagina has a mild natural odour. How to tell a normal scent from a sign of infection, the most common cause, and what daily care actually helps. Published: 16 August 2026 · Medically reviewed by: Op. Dr. Murat Alpay **Every vagina has a mild natural odour. How to tell a normal scent from a sign of infection, the most common cause, and what daily care actually helps.** Every woman's vagina has a mild, natural scent — this is normal and nothing to be embarrassed about. But if the odour changes noticeably and becomes unpleasant, it may be a sign of infection. So how do you tell the difference? ## Why a mild odour is normal Beneficial bacteria called lactobacilli live in the vagina. They keep it in a mildly acidic environment and prevent harmful microbes from multiplying. Thanks to this natural balance, a faint, almost odourless scent and a clear or slightly whitish discharge are entirely normal. The amount of that discharge can increase from time to time with the menstrual cycle, with sexual arousal or in pregnancy — that too is normal. ## Which odour counts as abnormal If the smell distinctly resembles **fish**, and is accompanied by a change in colour (grey, yellow-green), itching, burning or irritation, it may be a sign of infection. ## The most common cause: bacterial vaginosis The most frequent cause of vaginal odour is a condition called bacterial vaginosis. Do not think of it as a complicated disease — it is a temporary disturbance in the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina. The beneficial bacteria decrease and the odour-producing bacteria increase. The smell often becomes more noticeable after sex or around a period. ## Other possible causes - **Trichomonas:** a sexually transmitted organism that can cause a frothy, yellow-green discharge. - **A forgotten tampon:** a tampon left inside can cause a very unpleasant odour and needs removing urgently. - **Thrush:** worth clearing up — a yeast infection does **not** cause an unpleasant odour. It causes intense itching and a thick, cottage-cheese-like discharge that has no smell. If there is an odour, another infection is usually present alongside it. ## When to see a doctor It is worth seeing a gynaecologist if any of the following apply: - the odour has changed noticeably and resembles fish - the discharge is grey, green or dark yellow - there is itching, burning or irritation - there is pain during sex, or bleeding afterwards - there is a general sense of being unwell — fever, abdominal pain ## Daily care - **Do not wash inside the vagina.** The vagina cleans itself; washing inside with soap or water (douching) kills the beneficial bacteria and can make things worse. - **Wash only the outside, with warm water.** Avoid perfumed soaps and scented pads or wipes. - **Keep the area dry.** Do not stay for long in a wet swimsuit or sweaty clothes. - **Choose cotton underwear.** Tight, synthetic fabrics trap moisture and set the stage for odour. - **Wipe from front to back.** This prevents bowel bacteria being carried to the vagina. ## Frequently asked questions ### Should there be no odour at all? No — a mild, characteristic scent is normal. What matters is a distinct change that becomes unpleasant. ### Will the odour go away on its own? Mild imbalances sometimes settle by themselves, but a distinct and persistent odour usually needs treatment. Seeing a doctor is the right course. See also [vaginal discharge](https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/tedaviler/vajinal-akinti/). Written and reviewed by **Op. Dr. Murat Alpay** Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology · Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine (Çapa) [Full biography →](https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/hakkinda/) [← All posts](https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/blog/) --- Original page: https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/blog/vajinal-koku-nedir-ne-zaman-endiselenmeli/ Last updated: 2026-08-16 Op. Dr. Murat Alpay — Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Op. Dr. Murat Alpay Practice, Tekelioğlu Cd. No:51 B Kat:2, Filo Apt., 07160 Muratpaşa / Antalya 0505 351 77 88 · Monday – Saturday 09:00 – 18:00 · Closed on Sunday *This information is for general guidance only and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment.*