What Is The Aroma Of A Vagina That Shows Normal Condition?

Illustration of female genitals (Photo: Freepik/pikisuperstar)

JAKARTA - Many women feel anxious about the smell of the vagina because they hear too much misinformation on the internet. Some say the vagina should not smell at all, some provide suggestions for cleaning which can actually trigger irritation or infection. Whereas vagina is an organ that has a natural mechanism to maintain its own health.

First, it's important to remember that the vagina does have a natural odor and it's normal. This smell is usually soft, light, and slightly musk or musky. Everyone can have a different odor because it is influenced by hormones, hygiene, food, and daily activities.

Reporting from the Health page, what needs to be watched out for is a very strong smell, stabbing, or suddenly changing drastically, because it could be a sign of imbalance or infection.

The vagina produces natural fluids or whitening throughout the menstrual cycle. This liquid cleans dead cells, maintains moisture, protects against harmful bacteria, helps prevent infection.

Healthy whiteness is usually clear in color, cloudy, or milk white, without a pungent smell, the amount is about one teaspoon per day (can be more stimulated or ovulation), can become more elastic and thick in the ovulation period (white-type eggs). All of this is part of a healthy vaginal condition.

Some changes to the smell or whiteness can be a signal of a problem. You need to be more vigilant if the whiteness smells emis or is very sharp, turns yellow, green, or gray, clots like cheese, accompanied by itching, burning, or pain.

Changes like this can be related to fungal infections, vaccine bacterials, or sexually transmitted infections. If you experience it, you should check with a doctor to get the right treatment.

Some things that can change the smell of the vagina include pH imbalance, the use of harsh soap or cleaning products, antibiotics, fungal or bacterial infections, sexual intercourse, sweat and physical activity, certain diets.

The change in smell does not necessarily mean a problem, but if it lasts a long time or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is better to check.

To keep the vagina healthy and the natural smell normal, here are some simple steps.

- Just clean the outer area of the vagina with water, without fragranced soap.

- Avoid douching, because it can damage the balance of good bacteria.

- Use cotton underwear that absorb sweat.

- Change your underwear if it's moist or sweaty.

- Clean the female area from the front to the back after defecating. Use a condom when dealing with a new partner.

- Consumption of food or probiotic supplements to maintain vaginal health