Scarleteen

I'm a 15 year old girl and I want to mastrubate, but I tried it and the dampness around my vulva really bothered me, and when I sniffed my hand it really stunk. I don't have any problems or insecurities with my body, just the wetness and smell was kinda gross (mostly the smell, though).
Any suggestions?

Vulvas are pretty much always a bit damp: that's just how they are, kind of like the inside of your mouth is always wet. Too, the vagina makes its own lubrication during arousal, so the vulva and vagina will generally become even more moist during masturbation than they may be the rest of the time.

As for the smell, genitals do generally have a slight smell, which many people describe as a bit musty or salty, kind of like sweat. A very strong and/or fishy-smelling scent can be a sign of infection, and you can always check in with a healthcare provider, but if they give you the all-clear then you can be sure that what you're smelling is just the way your vulva smells. Bodies in general are always going to smell like, well, bodies, so maybe it would help you to think of this as just another part of having a body, and not a problem?

Hi NotSure,

I just wanted to add that when I first started masturbating, and exploring my vulva/vagina in general, I also had a strong response to the smell. I felt really embarrassed about it, and also kind of grossed out. Once some time passed I got used to it though. And now I like it! (Although I'll be honest, I still don't particularly like the way my vulva smells after a sweaty workout.) It also helped/helps me to remember that all other people with vulvas/vaginas, or people who have sex with those people, are pretty used to the smell too