Why Does My Discharge Smell Sour? 10 Potential Causes Revealed

Experiencing a sour smelling vaginal discharge can be bothersome and little worrying? This might make you wonder, "Why does my discharge smell sour?" But do not panic, as in most cases, it's completely normal. The body has its way to keep the reproductive system balanced by changing vaginal order. Still, it is crucial to know when the smell is harmless and when it signals something more. Let's explore the blog to learn about it. 

Is it Normal for the Vaginal Discharge to Smell?

Yes, a sour or vinegar-like smell in the vaginal discharge is normal and is associated with natural acidic levels (pH) of the vagina. The vagina generally maintains a acidic pH level of around 3.8 to 4.5 because of the presence of bacteria called lactobacilli. These bacteria are responsible for preventing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria or yeast.

However, if the sour-smelling discharge comes along with unusual symptoms, it can indicate issues like infections. 

Why Does My Discharge Smell Sour? 

Curious to know, “What causes a sour smell in vaginal discharge?” Sour discharge can happen for the following reasons:

1. Poor Hygiene

• Using harsh soaps, infrequent vaginal washing, not changing underwear and sanitary products regularly, and leaving tampons for longer period can contribute to disruption of balance of normal vaginal flora (bacteria that live in the vagina).

• This disruption can lead to an overgrowth of bad bacteria, producing a sour smell.

2. Bacterial Vaginosis

• This vaginal infection occurs due to an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina, leading overgrowth of harmful bacteria like Gardnerella vaginalis.

• These bacteria produce a sour or unpleasant odor.

3. Trichomoniasis

• Parasites that cause trichomoniasis make the vaginal alkaline, making a favorable environment for the growth of bacteria that produce volatile compounds.

• These compounds release a foul, sour odor.

4. Yeast Infection

• Overgrowth of the Candida fungus leads to yeast infection, which contributes to sour-smelling discharge

• This sour smell especially occurs in cases when the infection is severe. 

5. Urinary Tract Infections

• The bacteria from urinary tract infections can reach the vagina and disrupt the natural balance of vaginal flora (bacteria).

• This disruption can change the odor of the vagina, causing sour smell.

6. Toxic Shock Syndrome 

• TSS associated with retained tampons, particularly left inside the vagina for longer periods can create favorable environment for bacteria.

• This helps the bacteria to multiply and produce byproducts that cause a sour smell.

7. Hormonal Changes

• Hormonal changes due to pregnancy, birth control methods, menstruation, and menopause can change vaginal pH balance.

• This disruption leads to a decrease in good bacteria and an increase in bad bacteria, which contribute to a change in odor.

8. Excessive Sweating

• Excessive sweating, especially in the groin area, can interact with the natural environment and bacteria of the vagina.

• This, as a result, lead to sour-smelling vaginal discharge.

9. Sexual Activity

• Semen being alkaline can change the natual pH levels of vagina (acidic).

• This leads to a temporary change in odor, which is a sour-like smell. 

10. Dehydration

• Dehydration can lead to more concentrated urine with waste products such as urea, which have an ammonia-like odor.

• When this smell mix with vaginal fluids, it releases a strong sour odor. 

Note: If, along with sour odor, you experience uterine bleeding, irregular discharge, and itching, consult with a gynecologist.

Other Vaginal Odors and Their Causes

Understanding different types of vaginal odor can help find out whethere the odor is normal or something bothersome. 

Which Vaginal Scents are Healthy or Unhealthy?

Here are the healthy and abnormal vaginal scents that can indicate about the vaginal health. 

Types of Normal, Healthy Vaginal Odors

The following are all examples of normal vaginal scents in women:

Tangy, sour, or fermented:

• The vagina has beneficial bacteria that create lactic acid and other compounds to keep the vagina healthy, which produces a sour vaginal discharge.

Metallic, like pennies:

• Human blood has a metallic scent due to the high iron concentration in blood. Therefore, a metallic odor in discharge is common and normal after periods and sexual intercourse. 

Bittersweet, earthy, or molasses-y:

• The bacteria in your vagina produce odors that is like a sweet, earthy soil or molasses. This type of smell is not a cause for concern as it is typical of bacterial ecology.

Bleach-like odor:

• The left urine can create a strong chemical odor. In addition, urine contains ammonia, which gives a pungent odor. Washing it off can alleviate the smell.

Odor like body sweat:

• The vagina has sweat glands, which release odorless sweat, especially during emotional distress. This sweat mixes with the vaginal flora and produce a odor similar to your body sweat.

Types of Abnormal Vaginal Odors

Here are some abnormal vaginal sour discharge to look for:

Fishy odor:

• A study reports that bacterial vaginosis, a common vaginal infection can result in an unpleasant dead fish-like smell coming from the vagina. Also, trichomoniasis,  a sexually transmitted infection, can also be the reason. Both these infections need medical attention. 

Dead meat-like odor:

• This smell is easy distinguishable and occurs because of a tampoon that is left inside the vagina for a longer period. Speak to your gynecologist if this type of smell lasts longer.

When to Worry About Vaginal Smell?

While mild odor in your vagina is normal, see a gynecologist if you experience:

• A strong, persistent smell that doesn’t subside after a couple of days

• Itching, irritation, and burning in your vaginal area

• Unusual discharge color that appears yellow, green, or gray

• Pain during urination or sexual intercourse

• Genital redness or rashes

• Thick and white clumps in vaginal discharge, looking like a cottage cheese.

• Bleeding after sex or between your periods

These symptoms can indicate other issues such as bacterial or yeast infections, a sexually transmitted infection (STI), or other underlying health issues that need medical treatment.

Medical Interventions and Treatments 

Medical interventions often vary based on the specific condition diagnosed by a healthcare provider that is causing the odor. Here’s a simple breakdown of treatments associated with the most common causes of sour-smelling discharge:

How to Get Rid of Unpleasant Vaginal Odor?

A sour vaginal odor is quite common but they can be sometimes uncomfortable. To get rid of such a smell, follow these vaginal health tips:

• Practice good vaginal hygiene by washing the vaginal area regularly with warm water and mild, unscented soap.

• Use a non-irritating and odorless lubricant to treat vaginal dryness.

• Take a shower and change wet clothes immediately after any physical activity to prevent bacterial and yeast infections.

• Wipe your vagina from front to back to reduce the risk of anus bacteria entering the vagina.

• Use condoms during sex to prevent harmful bacteria from attacking you by causing bacterial imbalances or sexually transmitted infections.

• Stay hydrated and consume probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kimchi, or kefir to support the growth of good bacteria.

• Avoid douches or scented soaps, pads, and tampons to prevent disruption of vaginal flora.

• Change tampons every 4 to 8 hours to prevent bacterial growth.

• Wear breathable underwear to alleviate the risk of excessive sweating in your groin area.

Final Thoughts

So, if you are wondering why does my discharge smell sour? The answer is it's smell can normally occur due to bacterial and yeast infection, poor vaginal hygiene, sexual activity, UTIs, hormonal changes, etc. The sour smell vagina is normal, if the smell last for a long time and is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, irritation, or itching, see a gynecologist. This is because if infections are the cause of odor, it can lead to STIs, fertility issues, and pregnancy complications.