Women's Health: Normal or not? When it smells stronger "down there"
Not flowery, but slightly sour and tart: That's what a healthy vagina smells like. Why the smell is often more intense after sex - and which scent notes women should have checked by a doctor.
A change in vaginal odor after sex is normal and usually nothing to worry about, as semen can temporarily alter the pH level of the acidic vaginal environment. However, if the odor becomes strong or unpleasant, such as fishy or foul-smelling, women should consult a doctor, according to Stephanie Eder, a gynecologist with the German Association of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (BVF).
The vaginal flora, a combination of vaginal secretions and microorganisms, determines a woman's natural vaginal odor, which can vary depending on age, hormone levels, and menstrual cycle. Women can help maintain a healthy vaginal environment by avoiding scented soaps and douches, and instead cleaning the outer genital area with water and mild soap.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
