

However, if you feel that your discharge is unusual or abnormal (green, grey, very yellow, smelly, itchy, chunky, and so on), definitely go visit a doctor. Discharge can vary in amount, colour, texture and scent depending on your cycle, and is, in fact, essential for the healthy functioning of the vagina. It’s nothing but a natural secretion of bodily fluids that keeps your vagina lubricated and well-cleansed. The white sticky semi-solid substance you find in your panties often? Yep, that’s what you call ‘vaginal discharge’. But it’s important to remember that there is no singular way in which a vagina should smell, it’s different for every person! What Is Vaginal Discharge And Is It Good For Me? However, if you are worried about your scent, you can place an organic fragrant oil to an area around your vulva but not on it (places like between your thighs or on your lower stomach, for example). It’s true that every vagina has its own smell, but that’s a combination of the discharge and bodily fluids that comprise and lubricate the vagina, and nothing about it should adhere to a particular patriarchal aesthetic.

Have you ever been told that your vagina should smell “fruity” or “floral” or “pleasant”? That’s a complete and utter misconception. Just as every person is different, every vagina is different. And hence, one’s pH can be either high or low, depending on various factors. Vaginal pH varies from person to person, day to day, depending on your cycle, your diet and many other external factors. A vaginal pH in this range indicates that there is a perfect amount of “good” bacteria (lactobacilli), and no overgrowth of the “bad” bacteria that can cause odour, irritation and sometimes infection. They provide natural disinfectants and help maintain a healthy vaginal pH of 3.5-4.5. PH refers to the vagina’s acidity level. Vaginas naturally contain a balance of different “good” bacteria which protect it from external “bad” bacteria and fungus. So, here are some basic facts you should know, and should probably follow, in order to achieve good vaginal health: Maintaining Vaginal PH

From douching to avoiding an annual vaginal exam, there are tons of common misconceptions about what you should do to maintain a healthy vagina. Talking about vaginas is as much a taboo as talking about sex is, and hence, in an effort to gloss over uncomfortable details, we forget to take proper care of this organ, which in turn leads to a whole host of diseases and complications. Though the vagina remains one of the most important organs for those who have it, we often don’t talk enough about vaginal health and hygiene.
