Bad smell from your vagina: what it means

Author: Aunt Vadge
Qualified Naturopath | BHSc(N)

Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Hi Aunt Vadge,

For the last year or two I’ve been noticing a smell from my vagina that leaves my underwear, and even my trousers, smelling of it.

Sometimes I think I can smell it while I’m just sitting with people, and I worry they can smell it too.

There’s also always discharge on my underwear that’s white or yellow. I wondered if that was normal, but along with the smell, I don’t think it is.

There’s no pain, bleeding or anything else that I’ve noticed. It makes me embarrassed and really anxious. I’ve never had a sexual partner, but if I did I’d be mortified.

Without any pain or irritation, is there any benefit in going to the doctor? Do you have any idea what this might be? I’m too embarrassed to go!

Sincerely,
Embarrassed
From England

Dear Embarrassed,

This sounds like it could well be bacterial vaginosis (BV),¹ which happens without any sexual activity at all – it’s a microbe problem, not a hygiene or morality one. We see it constantly in the clinic, in women of all ages and situations, so please don’t carry any shame about it.

With a smell and discharge that have hung around for a year or two, it’s worth getting a proper look at what’s going on. A doctor can take a swab (and give you a check to confirm everything is otherwise normal), and that’s useful information rather than anything to dread. They’ve seen it all before, and it’s no reflection on you as a person.

Vaginal infections are extremely common and very solvable. If it is BV, it means your vagina has an overgrowth of disruptive bacteria that has made it less acidic, and your protective bacteria (lactobacilli), which love an acidic environment, are struggling to hold their ground.

To get a really clear picture, you might also consider a comprehensive vaginal microbiome test, which shows exactly which bacteria are involved and what’s been depleted.

For the smell in the meantime, have a look at the My Vagina guide to douching with hydrogen peroxide. And once you know what you’re dealing with, our free how to treat BV guide walks you through the whole approach. If you go down the antibiotic route with your doctor, follow it up with a vagina-friendly probiotic to help your protective bacteria recover.

If you’d like a plan tailored to you, you’re welcome to book an appointment with us. Either way, please don’t let embarrassment keep you stuck – this is common, treatable, and you’ll feel so much better once it’s sorted.

Warmest regards,
Aunt Vadge

This is general information, not a substitute for personalised medical advice.