Can other people smell BV?
Emma Payne
Published Jan 14, 2026
Can other people smell it too?" Dr. Kate, a gynecologist, answers: "No, all vaginas don't smell, or taste, the same...but they do all smell. Every woman has a different musky scent, and we tend to be very attuned to our own smell, even when no one else is aware of it.
Is BV smell obvious?
Often there are no symptoms of bacterial vaginosis. Some women may notice a change in the normal secretions from the vagina. This discharge will usually be white or grey, thin or watery and have a strong, unpleasant fishy smell. This can be more noticeable during and after sex, and during periods.
Can other people smell my infection?
And other humans can actually smell when someone is fighting off an infection. Not only did sick people smell worse than healthy people, but their stench was even rated as "more unhealthy" — so our bodies seem to know what we are smelling, even if we don't consciously recognize it.
Can others smell down there?
Yes. It's totally normal for healthy girls and women to have a unique odor. Many women become concerned that other people can detect the odor around their vulva and vagina. In reality, women are most sensitive to their own odor, and it's very unlikely that others who don't have intimate contact with them can smell it.
Why do I smell down there even after I shower?
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) This infection is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. Symptoms may include a strong, fishy odor and a thin, gray discharge.
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Why does my pee smell like yeast?
There's a yeast infection brewing
Yeast infections come with a distinctive “yeasty” smell, thanks to the imbalance of vaginal bacteria, says Dr Ross.
Which disorder causes a foul smelling nasal discharge?
Chronic sinusitis symptoms
Chronic sinusitis is a persistent condition, with symptoms that include: Nasal obstruction that blocks airflow in one or both of your nostrils. Thick and/or foul-smelling or tasting nasal discharge or postnasal drip. Loss of smell.
Can your period clear up BV?
Living with bacterial vaginosis
Medicine can clear up the infection, but it returns again after a few weeks. Some women report that bacterial vaginosis returns after their period each month. Or it can return after they have sex.
Why do I get BV so often?
However, we do know the condition most often occurs in those who are sexually active. BV is a result of an imbalance of “good” and “harmful” bacteria in a vagina. Douching, not using condoms, and having new or multiple sex partners can upset the normal balance of vaginal bacteria, increasing your risk for getting BV.
How long does it take for BV to go away without treatment?
Bacterial vaginosis is an infection of the vagina that may cause a fishy-smelling discharge. It's usually a mild problem that may go away on its own in a few days. But it can lead to more serious problems. So it's a good idea to see your doctor and get treatment.
Why do I get BV every month?
BV is very common and results from a change in the bacterial flora in the vagina. It is sometimes hard to treat, as 30% of women who get better after treatment will get BV again within three months, and more than 50% of women will have BV again within 12 months.
How can I stop getting BV so much?
Steps that might lower your risk of BV include:
- Keeping your vaginal bacteria balanced. Use warm water only to clean the outside of your vagina. ...
- Not douching. Douching upsets the balance of good and harmful bacteria in your vagina. ...
- Not having sex. ...
- Limiting your number of sex partners.
Can I use tampons with BV?
Your health care provider may do a pelvic exam to diagnose BV. Do not use tampons or have sex 24 hours before you see your provider.
What does it mean when your boogers stink?
Because a rotten smell in your nose often means you're also dealing with a sinus infection, nasal polyps, or another condition, it's likely you also have other symptoms. And because an ammonia smell in the nose can signal advanced kidney disease, see a doctor right away if you have that symptom.
Why do my boogers smell like pus?
Pus (Purulence) – Pus is sticky, thick, milky, yellow or green, and often smelly. This substance drains from your nose along with mucus and is often evidence of an infection. Pus contains a high concentration of white blood cells that the body has sent to fight infection, as well as dead cells and pathogen metabolites.
Why does my mucus smell like fish?
Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) is an uncommon condition that causes an unpleasant, fishy smell. It's also called "fish odour syndrome". Sometimes it's caused by faulty genes that a person inherits from their parents, but this isn't always the case. There's currently no cure, but there are things that can help.
Why does my urine smell foul but no infection?
Kaaki says the number one reason for bad-smelling urine is dehydration. “You always have a certain amount of ammonia in your urine. When you have more water, the ammonia is diluted, and it smells less intense.
Why does my pee smell like skunk?
It's usually caused either by a UTI or an imbalance of “good” and “bad” bacteria naturally found within the body. When caused by bacteria, the bacteria will affect the urine as it sits in or passes through the bladder. This can lead to strong, sulfur-smelling urine.
What does a UTI smell like?
If you detect a hint of ammonia in your urine, it could be a sign of a urinary tract infection. The odor suggests that bacteria may be swimming around in your urinary system, most likely in your urethra, kidneys or bladder. Urine showing signs of a UTI also may be cloudy or even a bit bloody.
What is a woman's natural scent called?
It's called androstadienone (AN-dro-STAY-dee-eh-noan). Other scientists have shown that when women smell this compound, their hearts beat faster and their mood improves. In much the same way, a chemical in women's urine — estratetraenol (ES-trah-TEH-trah-noll) — lifts a man's mood.
Why does my boyfriend like my body odor?
"Their scent becomes comforting and a source of positive feelings, so you come to enjoy it. In fact, when people lose their sense of smell, what they find most distressing is not being able to detect the scent of loved ones."
Why wont my BV go away?
Around a third of women who take antibiotic treatment for bacterial vaginosis (BV) find that the problem recurs within the next two to three months. Some strains of BV organisms may have resistance to some antibiotics. You should return to your healthcare provider and describe the problems you are having.
How long does it take for apple cider vinegar to cure BV?
A prescription treatment will likely clear up your symptoms in 2 to 3 days. If you're pregnant or undergoing any medical procedures, it's especially important to have your BV taken care of sooner rather than later. Your doctor may prescribe an oral or vaginal antibiotic, like clindamycin, metronidazole, or tinidazole.
Does stress cause BV?
Excessive exposure to psychosocial stress is independently associated with increased prevalence of BV (20, 73–75), which is the most common vaginal condition in women of reproductive age.