A mild, natural scent in your intimate area is completely normal and reflects the body’s internal balance. But when the smell becomes noticeably strong—enough to catch through your clothes—it can feel distressing and difficult to ignore.

This noticeable change can be influenced by many things: a shift in hormones, sweat buildup, fabric choices, or even a change in your intimate routine. While it isn’t always a cause for concern, it can sometimes signal that your body needs extra care or attention.

Factors Contributing to Noticeable General Body Odour

Your body’s scent isn’t just a random occurrence. It reflects a delicate interplay of internal chemistry, bacteria on your skin, moisture levels, and even your daily routine. 

When this balance shifts, even slightly, it can show up in ways you don’t expect, including a more noticeable odour through your pants and clothing.

1. Dietary Influences

Believe it or not, the food you eat can also influence how your body smells. For instance, certain ingredients, especially those with strong or pungent compounds, may temporarily alter the scent of your sweat or urine. Foods like garlic, onions, chilli, vinegar-based dressings, and fermented dairy or fish products tend to linger in the system and may be noticed more in areas where sweat collects. While this is usually harmless, being mindful of how your meals affect your body can help you feel fresher day to day.

2. Perspiration and Hygiene

Sweating around the groin area is completely normal, especially during warmer weather, exercise, or intimate moments. But when the moisture stays trapped for a bit too long, it can mix with the natural bacteria on your skin and lead to stronger smells. 

3. Effects of Medications

Some medications may increase how much you sweat, which can, in turn, lead to a change in how your body smells. This is especially noticeable in areas where sweat tends to collect. So, if you've started a new medication and noticed a shift in body odour, it could be linked, though the change isn’t usually harmful.

4. Unintended Leakage

Even small leaks of urine that go unnoticed during the day can collect on the skin or fabric, eventually leading to a lingering smell around the groin. This is more common than most people realise, and it can be uncomfortable to deal with if not addressed promptly. 

5. Fungal Overgrowth

A warm, moist environment can sometimes encourage fungal growth near the vulva or groin. This might show up as irritation or a distinct, bread-like smell. In some cases, there may also be visible redness or discomfort.

6. Bacterial Accumulation in the Urinary Tract

Bacteria built up in the urinary tract can cause changes in how your urine smells—often stronger, sharper, or unfamiliar. This odour might linger on your skin or clothing and be mistaken for vaginal. Other signs can include needing to pee more often or feeling discomfort while doing so. 

Specific Causes of Strong Vulvar or Vaginal Odour

General body changes aside, there are times when the source of a stronger or unfamiliar scent is tied to a very specific issue.

Retained Tampon

It can happen, especially during busy days or when you're juggling multiple things at once. A tampon might be inserted and unintentionally left in for longer than recommended. When this occurs, a strong, unpleasant smell may be the first thing you notice. There could also be unusual discharge or a sensation of pressure.

Bacterial Imbalance

Your vaginal ecosystem is naturally balanced, but sometimes that balance can shift. When this happens, you might notice a more intense scent, often described as sour or fishy, along with a thinner, greyish discharge. It may also feel uncomfortable down there.

Common Sexually Transmitted Infection

In some cases, an unusual smell may be linked to an infection that’s passed through intimate contact. These often go unnoticed, especially if no other signs show up right away. But when they do, the changes can include a persistent odour, pink-tinted discharge, or discomfort when using the bathroom. And because these issues are often quiet at first, it's easy to overlook them. 

Hormonal Shifts

Hormones naturally fluctuate throughout life—from puberty and menstrual cycles to pregnancy and menopause. These shifts can influence how your body feels and even how it smells. For some, a more acidic or metallic scent may become noticeable, especially during periods of hormonal transition. 

Abnormal Connections

In rare situations, a stronger or unfamiliar scent may be tied to a structural issue deep within the body. For example, complications during childbirth or certain medical histories can cause an unusual connection between parts of the digestive and reproductive systems. This may lead to stool or gas entering areas they normally wouldn’t, resulting in a strong intestinal-like odour.

Approaches for Managing and Treating Vaginal Odours

So, how can you go about addressing that uneasy feeling of noticing a strong scent through your clothes?

Managing persistent odour often comes down to small changes in hygiene, lifestyle, and daily habits that help maintain your body’s natural balance. Consider the following:

• Clean Gently and Consistently: When using products, skip the heavily scented or harsh ones. For a gentle option that’s designed specifically for intimate skin, try Vagisill® Ultra Fresh Daily Intimate Wash. This vaginal wash is infused with a patented Odour Control Technology that doesn’t just mask odour, it actually helps prevent odour from happening in the first place, providing up to 24 hours odour protection. Not only that, this intimate wash formula is also pH Balanced, hypoallergenic and gynaecologist tested, and is safe for everyday use. 
• Rethink Your Underwear Drawer: Ever wondered if certain underwear can make you smell? Light, synthetic fabrics can trap heat and moisture. Instead, choose breathable cotton options and consider skipping underwear altogether at night to reduce buildup.
• Dress for Comfort, Not Just Style: Restrictive bottoms, especially lace or nylon, may hold in sweat and bacteria. Instead, go for looser-fitting clothes and materials that allow airflow to help maintain comfort and freshness.
• Be Mindful of Menstrual Care: Changing pads or tampons frequently, choosing pads or tampons made from organic cotton material and exploring alternatives like menstrual cups can make a difference. If certain products increase odour, it may be time to experiment with new ones.
• Keep Things Simple Post-Intimacy: Urinating after sex can help flush out irritants. Using barrier protection may also reduce unwanted changes. Avoid rinses or internal cleanses—they often do more harm than good.
• Watch Out for Moisture Buildup: Make sure your intimate area is fully dry after showers or workouts. Trapped moisture can throw things off and lead to discomfort. Here is where Vagisil Odor Block® Deodorant Powder formulated with proprietary advanced Odor Block® technology comes in. This unique powder helps prevent odor and chafing and can be used all-over body including your intimate area. Its talc-free moisture absorption, with silky lightweight freshness, keeps you feeling comfortable all day.
• Support Your Body From Within: If you're considering adding probiotics to your diet to maintain a healthy vaginal flora, look into options that support digestive and vaginal balance as a whole.

When Professional Medical Consultation is Advised

Sometimes, an unusual vaginal odour that you can smell through your pants may be accompanied by other physical changes that suggest it’s time to speak to a healthcare provider. Signs like persistent itching, rawness, discomfort, or discharge that feels out of the ordinary, for instance, shouldn’t be ignored. 

Using the right support products also plays a part in staying fresh and confident. And when discomfort becomes part of the picture, products like vaginal itch creams can offer relief while you consider next steps. 

Trust yourself, listen to your body, and know there are tools that can help you feel more in control.