# Smell changes down there

> What is normal, and when your nose is telling you something.

Category: Body literacy · 4 min read · Written by the Splash team · Sources checked October 2026
URL: https://splash.care/learn/body-literacy/smell-changes

## Quick answer

- A mild, natural scent is normal.
- A strong fishy smell can be BV, which is common and treatable.
- A very strong smell may be a forgotten tampon.
- Skip douching and perfumed products.

A healthy [vagina](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/vagina) is not supposed to smell like a meadow. The NHS says [discharge](https://splash.care/learn/body-literacy/discharge-decoded) is normal if it does not have a strong or unpleasant smell, so a mild, natural scent is nothing to worry about.

## Why it has a scent at all

Your vagina is home to helpful bacteria, mostly lactobacilli, that produce lactic acid. This keeps the environment slightly acidic, which helps protect against infection. Jean Hailes explains that when this balance shifts, [bacterial vaginosis](https://splash.care/learn/conditions/vaginal-infections) (BV) can follow.

## Smells worth noting

- **Strong fishy smell, especially after sex,** with thin grey-white discharge: often [Bacterial vaginosis](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/bv). BV is common and not classed as an [STI](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/sti), but sex can trigger it.
- **Very strong, unpleasant smell:** could be a forgotten tampon. The NHS says a tampon cannot get lost but can turn sideways, so check, and see [your GP](https://splash.care/learn/conditions/talk-to-your-doctor) or a sexual health clinic if you cannot remove it.
- **Smell with green, yellow or frothy discharge:** possibly trichomoniasis, which needs treatment.
- **No smell, but thick white itchy discharge:** more like [Thrush](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/thrush), which usually does not smell.

## What actually helps

The NHS says to avoid perfumed soaps, bubble bath, vaginal deodorants and washes, and douches. With BV it also suggests showers instead of baths, plain soap for the genital area, and not smoking. Probiotics are often sold for vaginal health, but researchers say there is not yet enough good evidence that they treat or prevent BV. BV is treated with antibiotics.

**Myth:** Scented washes and douching keep you fresh.

**Fact:** Douching and perfumed products can upset your vagina's natural bacteria. The NHS lists perfumed products as a reason you are more likely to get BV.

> **Splash says:** cotton knickers, changing out of sweaty gym kit, and plain water for the vulva are all your vagina needs.

### When to see a doctor

See a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic if you notice a new strong or fishy smell, a change in discharge, itching, soreness or pain. If you are pregnant and your discharge changes, tell your midwife or GP. The NHS says BV is not usually serious, but may need antibiotics, and it can come back, so go back if it does. A forgotten tampon with a fever or feeling unwell needs urgent help (see the toxic shock guide).

## Sources

1. [NHS: Bacterial vaginosis](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bacterial-vaginosis/)
2. [NHS: Vaginal discharge](https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/vaginal-discharge/)
3. [Jean Hailes: Lactic acid, key to a healthy vagina](https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/articles/lactic-acid-key-to-a-healthy-vagina/)
4. [NHS: Starting periods (forgotten tampons)](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/periods/starting-periods/)
5. [NHS: Thrush in men and women](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/thrush-in-men-and-women/)

This is general information, not medical advice. Splash can’t diagnose. If you’re worried, talk to a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US).