Is it meant to smell like that?
The million-dollar question we’re always asking ourselves. Having a vagina is a full-time job. It bleeds, it cleans itself, it changes with the seasons (and moods), and - yep - it smells. And if you've ever found yourself pausing mid-pee or mid-hookup wondering, Wait... is that normal?, you're definitely not alone. Let’s get into it: what vaginal smells are totally fine, and when it’s time to check in with your body.
So... What’s “Normal,” Anyway?
First things first: your vagina isn’t supposed to smell like flowers, vanilla cupcakes, or 'summer breeze' body spray. (And honestly, if it does - you might want to investigate what you're putting on it.)
A healthy vagina usually has a mild, musky scent that can shift throughout your cycle. Here’s what you might notice at different points:
- Earthy or tangy? Totally normal - often influenced by your natural pH and sweat.
- A little metallic? Likely due to blood (especially around your period or after sex).
- Slightly sweet? Also common and usually nothing to stress about.
- Strong but not unpleasant? Could just be a post-gym, tight-undies, or warm-weather moment.
Your vagina is connected to your hormones, hydration, stress levels, sex life, and even your diet. That means it’s constantly changing - and that’s okay.
When to Check In
While a bit of scent is healthy and expected, there are some signs it’s time to talk to your GP or sexual health clinic:
- Fishy or rotten odour that doesn’t go away (often a sign of BV or another imbalance)
- Yeasty or bread-like scent with itching or thick white discharge (hello, yeast infection)
- Strong chemical or bleachy smell
- Unusual discharge paired with pain, swelling, or redness
- Anything that suddenly changes and sticks around
If you're experiencing discomfort and a strong odour, it’s your body’s way of waving a red flag. Trust it.
Why It’s About More Than Just Scent
The vaginal microbiome is a delicate little ecosystem. It works hard to protect you - but it’s also easily thrown off by stress, sex, tight synthetic underwear, sugar or medications.
That’s why it really matters what you put on and inside your body. Especially during intimacy.
Let’s Talk Lubricants
Not all lubricants are created equal. Some contain ingredients that can:
- Mess with your pH
- Dry you out instead of hydrating you
- Leave behind residue that bacteria love
If you’re already dealing with irritation, infections, or just feel “off” down there, take a look at your products. Harsh preservatives, sugars, and synthetic fragrances? Not your vaginal BFFs.
That’s why we created Playmate (our water-based lubricant) and Extra Virgin (our oil-based lubricant ) - both designed to work with your body, not against it. No weird stuff, no afterburn, and nothing that throws off your natural balance.
The Bottom Line
Yes - your vagina is meant to smell like something.
No - it’s not meant to smell like a candle from a shopping centre.
And yes - your body’s signals deserve to be listened to, not feared or masked.
Normalise noticing. Normalise checking in. And please, normalise saying, “This smell is just my body being a body.”
