Why Does My Discharge Smell Sour?

Everybody loves their signature trace, but you must have wondered, "Why does my discharge smell sour?" This is because the vaginal flora contains various bacteria and yeast that keep our reproductive system healthy. 

As a result, an acidic pH is naturally found in the vagina, which may cause a sour smell vagina. In this article, let's discuss some possible reasons why your vaginal discharge smells sour.

Why Does My Discharge Smell Sour? 

Vaginal discharge, also known as leucorrhea, is a fluid discharged from a woman's vagina.  Every healthy vagina smells different as every woman has her unique perfume, and it's an entirely natural element of her personality.  

In general, this is not causing concern and does not indicate any problem with the body.  The cervical mucus is host to several natural microorganisms; these bacteria move down to the vagina, contributing to the discharge smells sour. 

Why Does My Vagina Smell Sour? 

If your discharge smells for a long time, in combination with symptoms like pain, irritation, itching, and burning sensation, you might be facing a serious issue. Sour discharge can happen because of the following reasons: 

• Poor hygiene

• Bacterial Vaginosis

• Trichomoniasis

• Toxic shock syndrome

• Vaginitis

• Forgotten tampon

• Urinary tract infections

• Hormonal changes

• Sexually transmitted disease 

Types of Normal Vaginal Scents

The following are all examples of normal vaginal scents in women:

• Body Odor

The vagina possesses sweat glands. More perspiration may accumulate in the vagina during stress management or physical exertion. It can produce a body odor-like smell when mixed with regular vaginal flora. The smell is unpleasant but not abnormal or hazardous. Consult your doctor if the odor becomes stronger and is accompanied by new symptoms or pain.

• Metallic

Human blood has a metallic scent due to the high iron concentration in blood. The vagina is densely packed with blood vessels, which can bleed easily due to penetration, irritation, or menstruation periods. 

Therefore, a metallic odor in discharge is pretty common and normal. Consult a gynecologist if you notice a metallic odor coupled with symptoms like itching or increased discharge. It might be because of irregular uterine bleeding.

• Earthy and Sweet

The bacteria in your vagina produce odors reminiscent of sweet, earthy soil or molasses. This type of smell is not cause for concern as it is typical of bacterial ecology.

• Sour and Tangy

Your vagina has beneficial bacteria that create lactic acid and other compounds that keep the vagina healthy. Due to this, the vaginal canal has an acidic pH which protects against harmful germs and other illnesses. It produces a sour vaginal discharge, similar to mild vinegar or pickles. It is typical and reflects healthy vaginal flora. 

Types of Abnormal Vaginal Odors

Here are some abnormal vaginal sour discharge to look out for:

• Fishy

Bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal infection that results in an unpleasant smell coming from the vagina. Additionally, it can damage your health and increase the chances of catching sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. 

Furthermore, it can be dangerous for pregnant women as it increases their risk of experiencing preterm labor. In this condition, harmful bacteria grow in number and cause an elevation of pH level making the vagina alkaline which results in fishy sour vaginal discharge. You must see your gynecologist who will prescribe the necessary drugs. 

• Yeasty 

At times one’s vagina might have a slight beer-like smell or emit a faint odor resembling bread yeast. Often, most yeast infections do not have any scents; however, if this yeasty scent comes with redness together with some burning feeling while peeing then there’s a need for concern so seek medical advice either through buying over-the-counter medicine or visiting your doctor who may give you prescription drugs after examining what could be wrong with you.

• Rotten

If tampons are left inside one’s body for several days they start smelling foul like rotten meat due to the high concentration of microorganisms within limited space thus causing them to multiply excessively. If this happens consult a healthcare provider immediately, especially when accompanied by flu-like symptoms after eight hours of wearing the tampon.

• Bleachy

Having vaginal discharge that smells like ammonia may indicate bacterial vaginosis or STIs such as gonorrhea and/or chlamydia among others; additional signs include painful urination together with grayish-greenish-yellowish discharge coupled with itching around the genital area but also throughout the whole body sometimes too! 

Ensure you visit a gynecologist urgently but remember sometimes urine contains ammonia hence a false alarm on the part where there seems to be an interaction between two types of fluid i.e., pee & vaginal secretions leading to mistaken belief about having contracted infection.

Medical Interventions and Treatments 

Medical interventions often vary based on the specific condition diagnosed by a healthcare provider. Common treatments range from prescribed medications to over-the-counter solutions that help restore the natural balance of bacteria and pH levels in the vagina. 

Here’s a simple breakdown of treatments associated with the most common causes of sour-smelling discharge:

How to Get Rid of Vaginal Odour?

Vaginal odors are quite common but they can be very offensive. To get rid of the unpleasant sour smell vagina, follow these tips:

• Take a shower and change clothes immediately after any physical activity.

• Wash your vaginal area regularly with warm water and mild soap.

• Use condoms during sex to prevent harmful bacteria from attacking you.

• Choose a non-irritating, odorless lubricant for vaginal dryness.

• When necessary, wear sanitary pads to manage your periods.

See a doctor as soon as possible if there’s an infection that needs treating because once it’s treated the smell will go away.

Conclusion

Why does my discharge smell sour? Even if a sour smell vagina is typical, if the smell persists for a long time and is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, irritation, or you notice a different discharge, you should consult a gynecologist. 

This is because certain untreated infections can migrate into the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing long-term complications such as fertility disorders.