For many individuals curious or couples that are looking to try something new, oral sex has been a tiptoed discussion as parties are usually concerned with the possible smell or taste that may arise from it. A lot of us experience a form of shame or embarrassment from things that are surprisingly normal for all of us. Despite such, it can still affect the confidence created during intimacy.
Here, we'll be discussing the different factors that affect the taste and other information that you might find useful. It's a great step to learn more about yourself and your sexual health. This can also be useful, especially for those towards exploring oral sex.
Different Factors That Affect Vagina Taste
Generally, the taste of a healthy vagina can be sweet, sour, metallic, bitter, or even salty. While this can be affected by the menstrual cycle and ovulation. But as long as there is no unusually strong scent such as a fishy or foul odor, then the taste and scent of yours are definitely normal.
There are other specific factors that can affect the vagina taste, some of them are:
Acidity
The vagina is an internal canal, which makes it a naturally acidic area. The purpose of acidity is to prevent and balance the presence of any bacteria in the vagina. But due to the natural acidity, this highlights a particular taste. This is what is usually referred to as the metallic or battery-like flavor of the vagina. However, the metallic taste can also be a result of menstruation since blood contains a metallic taste from the iron in it.
Vaginal PH Balance
The vagina does a great job of maintaining bacteria levels completely normal. But the balance can be changed easily such as when you try a new product or medication. The bacteria balance during this period can result in a sudden change in the strength or taste of the odor. Some of the things that can affect this are by washing inside the vagina, incorporating food in oral play, using strong-scented soap, or. leaving a tampon for longer durations.
Lifestyle Choices
Some food can apparently affect the taste of the vagina. Some reports claim that asparagus can strengthen the scent of urine and in turn, affects its taste. It was described to have a grassy taste. Other diets such as curry or heavily-spiced foods are said to produce a distinct smell in the person's sweat. This may also affect the natural scent and taste of the vagina.
Alcohol intake can also instantly affect the taste of the vagina. Since alcohol can increase perspiration, the sweat in itself can affect the taste. While this would mainly depend on the type of alcohol you drank, the taste may range from bitter to sour. If you smoke, tobacco can have an effect as well. Its effects include changing how much and the potency of the sweat which changes its natural characteristics. The usual taste is often associated with acidic or bitter flavors.
Personal Hygiene
Aside from the ones enumerated above, personal selections whether to cleaning habits or brand selection can also play a factor when it comes to taste and smell. While you only need to wash the outside part, it is often recommended to rinse the vulva and groin with warm water. By maintaining a great hygiene routine, you can easily mitigate and prevent any unwanted stench or taste.
Can I Change The Taste?
While it is true that what you usually decide to eat or drink plays an important factor when it comes to your body composition, there is no particular research or proof that backs up the claim that spiced foods increase the spiciness of the vagina. However, food such as garlic, onion, dairy, and sugar have a noticeable effect on the vaginal taste. That is why it is recommended by a sex therapist that a good rule to follow is that anything that can affect the smell of sweat or pee can also possibly affect the taste and scent of the vaginal secretions.
You can also try to change the taste when you're preparing for sex. Take a shower beforehand or wash your area properly after a long day. For those active in oral sex, they might find the spontaneity of the situation as a turn-on. By regularly washing, it can retain its healthy and normal scent for longer periods of time.
Should I be Concerned?
Generally, foul or offensive smells can exist in the vaginal area. These can be a result of certain conditions or infections that you might have. One of these is called bacterial vaginosis which can be noticed through a yellow or gray discharge accompanied by a fishy vaginal odor. If there is a strong unpleasant odor that is far from usual, don't forget to visit medical personnel to help you with accuracy in terms of investigating the possible causes and getting the necessary treatment.
Some of the common symptoms that will require medical attention is the presence of itching or burning sensation, red and irritated skin, unusual discharge, burning sensation during peeing, and abdominal pain. In these cases, consult immediately to determine factors to consider.
Tips For A Healthier Vagina
Use Cotton Panties
They say that a cotton set of panties is much more comfortable to use and best for your vaginal health due to its breathability. Research also points out that users of breathable panties have a much lower rate of BV compared to synthetic-based materials.
Diet Changes
As pointed out, lifestyle choices especially in smoking and alcohol can significantly affect the taste of the vagina. It can make it extra salty, sour, or even bitter and it might lead to other complications as well. Cutting back on these can retrieve the healthy taste and scent of the vulva.
Never Forget Water
Always stay hydrated. If you lack water in your system, not only does your pee cloudy, but it also makes your vagina stench as usual. With water as your best friend, it keeps you fresh and helps your body in flushing out the urethra.
