What is the chemistry behind "vaginal odor"?

I wonder if that guy gets asked out a lot. Then again, he might be a lot of fun at parties.

You’re close. I’ve heard from a reputable source that George is one of the few scientists who is regularly invited to give talks to groups like the Rotarians.

Anyway, to answer the OP, I refer you to the following paper:
Huggins, George P and George Preti. “Volatile Constituents of Human Vaginal Secretions.”* American Journal of Obsterics and Gynacology*, vol. 126, pp. 129-136

I haven’t read the paper (I’m too afraid to order it)

My work here is done…(wipes hands…strides off into the sunset)

If your loved one’s nether regions smell like sardines, take it from us who know: There’s a problem.

Speaking as a guy, I find that if I work up the sweat during the day without changing my underwear, and then stick my hand down my crotch, and then sniff it – it smells like pussy, only less so. I think it’s just a generical, gender-inclusive “crotch smell.”

Thats what I was trying to say but he doesn’t seem to think so.

A good healthy vagina has a slight scent of musk, NOT fish.

I’ve always been partial to baby powder or Shalimar[sup]TM[/sup].

Another condition that can cause an odor- bacterial vaginosis. It’s not sexually transmitted and easily cured by antibiotics (the same one that kills trich, so you’re good both ways there). It’s caused by an imbalance of normal flora, so nothing to be ashamed of and a darn good reason to go to the doctor. Trust me on this- fishy odor equals not normal, k?

Speaking as a chemist, amines are the usual suspects when it comes to “fishy” smells.

I thought the use of talc on the female genitalia was suspected to be linked to some kind of health risk…

Yeah whatever, just put on a glove when your gonna shakes my hand… :smiley: