Experts have told women that they shouldn't feel insecure if their vagina isn't "fragrant" – as that's how it should be.
However, they have been warned that a "dead fish" smell could meant they have an infection.
Every vagina has a smell, with this scent changing due to things such as menstrual cycles or sexual activity, however this is normal, experts say.
But if you smell a "fishy" odour, you may want to visit a gynaecologist.
Dr. Lauren Streicher, gynaecologist and author of Slip Sliding Away: Turning Back the Clock on Your Vagina, told Insider: "A lot of women are told from an early age that the vagina is dirty and smelly.
However, Dr Streicher says when she sees patients that are concerned about their smell, most of the time, nothing is wrong.
Dr. Mary Minkin, a clinical professor in the department of obstetrics, gynaecology, and reproductive sciences at the Yale University School of Medicine, also spoke about the vagina.
She added: "It doesn't smell like perfume or something like that, but it doesn't have a foul odour."
Dr Minkin said this is because the vagina is home to billions of healthy bacteria that keep it "healthy and happy".
This healthy bacteria in the vagina create an acidic environment, which fends off bad bacteria down there.
There are many reasons vaginal scent may change – with one of them being sex.
Semen has a different PH level than the vagina and the fluid can cause an "overgrowth of funkier organisms," Minkin said, which can change your vagina scent.
Blood also has a different PH level, and can change your smell during menstruation.
"Fortunately, in most cases, it's a temporary thing," Streicher added.
The experts warned though that if your vagina smells "fishy", it's possible you may have an infection.
"The most common description that I hear for people as far as what's the stinky odour that they don't like is dead fish," Minkin said.
"This odour can be caused by an overgrowth of bad bacteria, otherwise known as bacterial vaginosis."
Like what you see? Then fill your boots…
Want to bring a little glamour to your life every day with all the most exciting real-life stories, fashion and even sex tips HOT off the press?
Well, we've got you covered with our great new Hot Topics newsletter – it'll drop straight into your inbox around 7pm and you can unsubscribe whenever you like.
And signing up now means you'll get a front row seat for our great new series inside the lives of the next generation of Daily Star Page 3 girls.
You can sign up here – you won't regret it…
The expert said Trichomoniasis, an organism that swims around and spreads through sex, is another infection that can cause a fishy smell.
Minkin said the vagina is a "self-cleaning oven," however said there's a number of steps you can take to clean your vagina if you're worried about odour.
She recommended gently rinsing the inner labia with soap and water, but "I discourage people from doing too much in the vagina itself".
If you think that the bacteria in your vagina is off-balance after sex or a period, Minkin said you can buy RepHresh, a vaginal gel that restores the vagina back to its healthy, acidic environment. RepHresh is also available in the pill form, too.
If vaginal odour gets worse, or there's irritation, Minkin said you should see a gynaecologist.
Especially because if you do have bacterial vaginosis, it can help gonorrhoea or chlamydia grow.
Streicher also recommends going to the gynaecologist if an unpleasant odour persists.
Visit the NHS website for more information.
Source: Read Full Article