If you are someone with a vulva you might have wondered “Does your vagina taste good?” Maybe you’re curious if a vagina is what you want to see if someone has one.
Vulvas can come in many sizes and colours, as well as a variety of aromas and flavours, just like any other body part. Many of us have heard messages from TV, movies, and other people about vulva health. The vagina should smell and taste like roses. This can make you worry about the vagina’s taste. However, there is no need to be concerned about it.
* (Note: The vagina is the tube of muscle that connects the uterus and the outside world. “Vulva” refers entirely to the genital region including the vaginal opening, labia minora majora, and clitoris. Many people interchangeably use the terms “vagina” or “vulva”, and we will do so throughout this article. )
How should a healthy vagina look?
O. School is told by Dr Sarah Toler (Certified Nurse Midwife, Women’s Health Advocate) that vaginal and vulvar flavours are part of a spectrum. The taste of vaginal flora can experience pH changes [acidity] so it can vary from sweet to acidic.
Because of the presence of billions of lactobacilli bacteria, the vagina is naturally acidic. Lactobacilli, like other beneficial bacteria in the human microbiome, helps the vagina resist the overgrowth of potentially harmful microorganisms.
Acidity in the vagina can result in a slightly tart, tangy or fermented taste. Some describe it as tasting like yoghurt, bread, or beer. The vulva may also have a metallic or coppery taste. This can be due to either the vagina’s acidity or trace amounts of menstrual bleeding. Because sweat accumulates in the vulva’s nooks and folds, it can be salty.
Vaginal flavour can be changed
Your hormonal cycle can affect your vagina’s taste. This could mean that certain times of the year can be associated with changes in pH. You may find that the flavour of your vagina can be affected by what you eat. Just like strong-smelling foods such as onions, garlic and cruciferous veggies can alter the odour of your urine and breath, these odours can also affect the taste of your vagina. Citrus, pineapple, and other sweet fruits are also associated with a sweeter or more neutral vaginal taste.
O. School was informed by Dr Toler that there is no solid evidence supporting this idea. “There is no evidence that any type of food impacts flavour in any manner.” Some evidence suggests that caffeine and asparagus can impact urine odours. Since the urethra lies near the sex organs these odours can transfer to other parts of the body.
Make your vagina taste great:
People are curious about how to make their partner’s vagina taste great. But it can also be very empowering to discover what your vulva smells like. You can not only taste your vulva but it can also help you connect with your body and help to understand your “normal”.
You can detect potential problems by being attentive to the taste of your vagina. Next time you feel like masturbating, slide a finger into the vagina. Or run it from your clitoris up to your vaginal opening. Then, lick it or suck it for your taste.
Although salty, sour or metallic flavours might not sound very appealing, most love eating pussy because of its distinctive musk and often rich, complex bouquet. Dr Toler assures O. School readers that the vaginal and vulva are “just like a body!”
Contrary to what some vaginal products claim to make you smell like roses, your vagina is mostly self-cleaning and does not require any sprays, soaps or douches. research indicates that douching can disrupt vaginal microflora and negatively affect taste and smell.
The best way to avoid the buildup and removal of sweat and secretions is to wash your vulva with warm water or mild, pH-balanced soap. You should avoid using soap near your vaginal opening. soap or other products can irritate sensitive tissue and disrupt the delicate balance between bacteria that helps keep your vulva healthy.
Apart from good hygiene, your choice of underwear can also affect the taste of your vagina. Synthetic or tight-fitting fabrics can trap sweat odours and increase their intensity. Cotton undies are the best for maintaining vulva health.
What does “off” taste imply?
Unusual flavours can sometimes indicate problems. While there is variation in vulvas and they don’t taste exactly like strawberries, “fishy”, or other foul-smelling aromas can be a sign of trouble. An off-flavour will often be correlated with a bad taste.
Bacterial vaginosis — This is an infection caused by unfriendly bacteria overgrowth. This can cause thick, white or grey-coloured discharge as well as a distinctive fishy smell. Yeast infections may cause a strong yeast smell. This can lead to a stronger taste than a healthy vulva and a thick white discharge.
STIs — Other sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and trichomoniasis may also cause an unpleasant funk.
Talk to your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. Early treatment can prevent complications and restore normal taste to your vulva (or whatever normal it is). ).