Scarleteen

Hello! I am reaching out as I have few questions that I can’t seem to find the answer to.

This is personal to say, but I have noticed that my genitals (vulva and vagina) have a scent. I’d describe it as being musky and sometimes slightly tangy. I personally enjoy the smell, and I’m curious to learn about it as I have an interest in human sexuality. I have listed the questions below.

[*]Why does the vagina and vulva produce this specific smell, and is this scent common?

[*]Is it common for one to enjoy their own genital scent?

[*]Does the scent have any purpose? I’ve heard of pheromones, which can be arousing, though I do not know if the smell created by the genitals is considered pheromones.

I apologize if this was a lot to ask! I’m curious to learn the answers to these questions!

Hi MightyAphrodite! Welcome to the boards!

The vagina has a distinct smell because it has a unique microbiome (good bacteria that lives on our skin) and produces its own lubrication. The area outside of the vagina (the vulva) also has many sweat glands, just like your underarms, that can have a unique smell as well. Our vaginal odor can be affected by many factors like diet, medication, hormones, and your menstrual cycle.

Yes, I'd say it's common to enjoy your own scent! If not at least be unbothered by it. It's good to be familiar with your vagina's natural scent because then you can be more aware of any major changes which could be indicators of a health issue.

I would say the scent is more important as an indicator of vaginal health. Usually the vagina will have a sort of tangy, musky, or sweet scent and if it changes to something fishy or sour that can be an indication that there's a health issue that may need to be looked at by a professional. Pheromones are real but there's little indication in research that they have a huge affect on human sexual attraction. There have been some studies that have shown that the smell of pheromones can affect some peoples mood or hormone fluctuation, but these results were not consistent.

But, hey! If you like the smell or your partner likes the smell-- that's great!

Thank you for the quick and informative response. I appreciate the nonjudgmental approach to my questions, and I also value the education.

I have another question that popped up in my head as I was reading this. I know that vaginal odor is well known in society and even though it’s natural, it has often been shamed. This made me realize that I have never heard about genital odor in men. Thus it made me wonder, do men also have a specific genital odor or is it mainly associated with vaginas due to the unique microbiome? It makes me curious whether men either don’t have much of an odor in their genitals, or if they do and perhaps society has focused its attention on women due to shame narratives. I apologize for the rambling!

Hello MightyAphrodite! No need to apologize, it is okay to talk about your thoughts here!

Yes, genital odors are not specific to vaginas--people with penises have them as well. And I think you're right that shame and stigma accounts for the unrealistic standards we hear about women and their bodies.

It’s unfortunate that women have faced and still face shame today regarding their sexualities. I sincerely hope it lessens in the future.

You mentioned that people with penises also have genital scents. I understand that for people with vaginas and vulvas the odor is caused by the microbiome inside the vagina in addition to sweat glands present in the vulva. For penis owners, what causes the scent? Do they also have unique microbiomes or is it caused solely by sweat glands or other anatomical reasons?

I find anatomy to be very interesting to learn about, and we sadly don’t get taught a lot of information about exactly how everything functions.

So do we, MightyAphodite! There is so much needless shame in the world... I think we all hope that providing inclusive sex education will help with that. The good thing is that, by believing differently and acting by that belief, you are a part of change that you make the future you hope for.

Technically, I think we can say that everyone's skin has it's own microbiome that interacts with sweat from the sweat glands, producing the unique scents that we all have. The skin of the vagina and vulva, along with the skin at the head of a penis, is a bit different than our other skin with it's own mucus and secretions, and so they have a special biome.

I'm glad you feel comfortable asking your questions about anatomy here. It is interesting!

That makes sense, and I understand. Thank you for providing an informative response!

If I have any other questions pop up about human sexuality (which I’m sure I will because I’m a curious individual, haha!), I’ll be sure to post it here.

Thank you again for answering my question, and I wish you a happy holiday season!

No worries at all, glad that the other volunteers have been able to help you! Take care for the holidays! ^_^