Why You Smell a Certain Way After Sex, According to a Doctor

Foul down-there odor after sex? Health’s resident medical editor explains what it could mean.

Some odor after sex makes sense: You’re doing an aerobic activity that involves vaginal secretions, possibly semen, a lubricant, and a latex condom, not to mention two sweaty humans. But if the scent definitely smells off, there could be an underlying health-related reason.

Is the smell noticeably fishy? Then there’s a chance it’s due to a condition known as bacterial vaginosis (BV), which occurs when there is an overgrowth of certain bacteria in the vagina. While many women with BV don’t have symptoms, some might notice a thin white discharge, pain, itching, and a fishy odor that may be especially strong after having sex. Some STDs, such as trichomoniasis, can also cause a foul odor.

Anytime you’re concerned about a sex-related smell (or any down-there odor), don’t hesitate to see your ob-gyn, who can screen for these conditions and prescribe antibiotics if need be to treat an STD or BV quickly.
