Taking care of your body isn’t just about looking good, it’s about feeling good, staying healthy and keeping your confidence up. Good hygiene helps lower your risk of skin irritation and infections, while also making everyday life a little more comfortable. Revisit your knowledge of anatomy on TeenSource.
But let’s be honest, questions about body smells and discharge can feel awkward to ask. So, here’s what you should know:
Are genitals supposed to smell?
Yes, every vulva and penis has a natural smell. It’s completely normal and the smell is different for everyone because of our body’s composition and pH.
- For vulvas: A healthy vagina is naturally acidic, which creates a protective environment. That acidity can cause a tangy or sour smell. Sometimes it might smell metallic when someone is on their period because of the presence of blood. If the odor smells more like body odor, it’s usually an indication for a shower. The scent for vulvas can be impacted by anything put inside; this includes semen, lubricants, and certain type of fabrics.
- For penises: A mild, musky scent is normal, since sweat and natural bacteria can collect on the skin. But a strong or unpleasant smell isn’t normal, it could be a sign of needing to shower or clean more often or even a possible infection. For people who are uncircumcised, smegma (a white oily substance that builds up under the foreskin) can cause a cheesy smell if not washed away daily.
What’s discharge, and is it normal?
Totally normal! Discharge is the body’s way of cleaning itself and keeping things healthy.
- For vulvas: Vaginal discharge is a fluid that helps clean and protect the vagina. It can change in texture, color, and amount depending on what’s happening in the body like ovulation, arousal, pregnancy, menstruation, or even a possible infection. Most discharge is normal (clear, white, jellylike, etc.) but if it has a strong odor, unusual color, or clumpy texture it could be a sign of infection.
- For penises: Penile discharge means any fluid coming out that isn’t urine or semen. Some things like precum (pre-ejaculate) or smegma can be normal. But if discharge has a strong smell, unusual color, or odd texture, it may be an infection and should be checked by a healthcare provider.
Smells and discharge are part of having a body. Most of the time they’re normal and healthy. But if something feels off, like a strong odor, weird texture, or discomfort, it’s worth paying attention to. If anything, ever seems different than what is normal for you, it could be a sign to go to the doctor. Find a clinic using the TeenSource Clinic Finder and get care. Stay tuned for Hygiene Part 2 next week, where we’ll share practical tips for building a solid hygiene routine and keeping your body healthy day to day.