A
female
age
36-40,
anonymous
writes:this is a really embarassing question...but i am a virgin and have not gone that far with a guy. i'm starting to talk to a guy that i really like and lately we have gotten closer. i know eventually we will fool around or have sex, but i'm nervous. i want to do it, i'm just afraid that i will smell "down there" or something. i do shower and bathe regularly but i still worry about stuff like this. is it normal for me to worry? Reply to this Question
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reader, anonymous, writes (3 January 2008): Perfectly normal to worry about because, in our culture, girls grow up thinking that their private regions are somehow nasty and even ugly. As a man, I can assure you that it is not. It is beautiful and the "scent of a woman" is a wonderful thing to a man - all of her scents from her hair down. Unless it is extremely strong, which could indicate a low-grade infection, it is totally natural if you are healthy and clean.
There is usually a natural balance of good bacteria in the vaginal environment called lactobacilli, a healthy thing that is part of our bodies. It is also found in yogurt, and a woman's nether regions actually have a slightly pungent yet sweet odor to a man. The taste is the same and quite pleasant. The natural pH balance can sometimes be upset by too much soap, any amount of douching or the use of most lubricants. Use low pH soaps such as Basis or Purpose in this area instead of regular bath soap. Avoid lubricants.
Younger men, who also were indoctrinated with the myth that this is a nasty place, may be queasy about it at first, but will hopefully get over it.
A
reader, anonymous, writes (3 January 2008): Also: some diseases appear as a consequence of... the fact that one, in fear of bad smell, washes VERY often and somewhat roughly - so don't exaggerate either or obsess about it - to wash too frequent and roughly can produce candida, if I may add. So take care not to go from one extreme point to another - I am sure your odor is ok so long as you wash... "normally." You can taste yourself, just to quench the curiousity and put your mind at rest, also rub your finger in the area after you had a bath, you'll see you're fine.
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A
female
reader, cd206  +, writes (3 January 2008):
 I think as long as you bathe or shower regularly and wash down there well and are having no weird discharge that you don't have anything at all to worry about. I remember worrying about that too, especially when he was *down there* but it doesn't sound to me like you have anything at all to worry about.
CD
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A
female
reader, MeowMix86 +, writes (3 January 2008):
 Yes, its perfectly normal for you to worry, but is it worthwhile? I don't think so. No matter what your body naturally emits an odor from your genital region and during intercourse, these smells only increase with the release and exchange of certain fluids. Truth be told, the smell of a woman's vagina is actually a turn on to most men. It increases their arousal and sex drive. It's natural that this happens, so don't consider it a bad thing. You can't do anything about that smell but be sure you are clean and ready when the time comes!
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A
female
reader, Miss Tee +, writes (3 January 2008):
 It is totally normal; don't worry about it! A good tip is to have some wet wipes in the bathroom and if things are developing, pop in and use one! On a serious note, if you are bathing and showering regulary, you won't smell unpleasant X
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