What Is Considered a Normal Smell for the Vagina?

Your vagina has a natural scent that many people describe as slightly tangy or mildly acidic. This smell comes from good bacteria, called lactobacilli, which produce lactic acid to keep your vagina healthy. A healthy vaginal odor isn’t strong or offensive and can change a little with different times of your menstrual cycle or personal hygiene habits. It is normal if the smell is mild and only noticeable when you pay close attention. Everyday factors like your diet, exercise, or even the clothes you wear might also make the smell change slightly from day to day. However, if you ever notice a strong, fishy, or unpleasant odor that sticks around, or if it is accompanied by itching or discomfort, it might be a sign of a change in the balance of bacteria known as dysbiosis. In general, the natural scent of your vagina is part of its healthy ecosystem, and having a gentle, natural smell is completely normal.