Latest news with #smell
Health Line
2 days ago
- General
- Health Line
What Does a Vagina Taste Like?
A healthy vulva — which includes the labia and vaginal opening — might taste or smell sweet or sour, metallic or bitter, salty or sharp. You might even notice faint hints of what you last ate. The taste can even vary throughout the month, thanks to your menstrual cycle. Blood can affect the way it tastes, as can the white discharge that's common with ovulation. But as long as you don't experience any unusually strong scents — think fishy odors or whiffs of something foul — your smell and taste are fine, whatever they may be. Read on to learn more about what it may taste like, why it might change, and what you can do if the taste or smell seems off. Some vaginas taste metallic or have a penny-like flavor The vagina — that is, the internal canal — is naturally acidic. That's a good thing. It's how the vagina balances the bacteria that blossom down below. But that natural acidity can translate to some flavors that are stronger than neutral. Some people might describe this as a metallic or penny-like flavor. Others may even call it a 'battery' taste. A metallic taste may actually be more common in the days after menstruation, as trace amounts of blood may still be in and around the vagina. Blood naturally has a metallic taste because of its iron content. Vaginas aren't supposed to taste or smell like flowers or fruit If Mother Nature had intended for your vaginal area to smell like a flower stand or freshly-cut fruit, that's what your vulva would offer. Instead, the natural smell and taste are as close to neutral as your body can get, if not without hints of sweat, musk, and body odor. After all, the vulva is often under layers of clothing, and anything that has been damp for a while can develop a stale smell or taste. That doesn't mean anything is wrong. It's just the nature of bacteria, body fluids, and vulvas. Your only concern should be a fishy vaginal odor or an otherwise foul profile Certain conditions or infections can cause foul smells in your vaginal area. Bacterial vaginosis, for example, often causes a yellow or gray discharge and a strong, unpleasant vaginal odor that people might describe as fishy. Trichomoniasis, a type of sexually transmitted infection, can also cause odors that closely resemble dead fish. Unusual discharge may also occur. If you or a partner detects a truly unpleasant odor, it's time to contact a gynecologist. They can investigate the possible cause and provide treatment to restore your smell and flavor. If something tastes off, it's most likely because of your vaginal pH The taste can be a lot of types — salty, bitter, metallic, sour — but what it shouldn't be is funky. If your vaginal area suddenly develops strong odors or tastes, it could be that there's a disruption in your natural pH balance. The vagina does a good job of maintaining the bacterial status quo. But the bacteria may skew when a new bath product or medication upends it. That can lead to inflammation, itching, or even infection, which can all cause unusual smells and tastes. A change in vaginal taste could be because of your diet Some foods affect how your vaginal area tastes, but the list is short — and no, it doesn't include pineapple. Asparagus, which can make urine smell strong, might also affect the way you taste. Anecdotal reports describe it as 'grassy' or 'green.' Curry and other heavily-spiced foods may also have an impact. These foods often produce sweat with a distinct smell. Sweat in your groin may interfere with your vulva's natural aroma and taste. Alcohol and tobacco use can also affect vaginal taste Your vagina may taste a bit off if your partner goes down on you after a night of drinking. That's because alcohol can increase perspiration. It might even affect the taste of that sweat and your body fluids. Depending on the type of drink you had, the taste may be bitter or sour. Sugary drinks, for example, might interfere with your taste. Tobacco use might affect how much you sweat and your perspiration potency, which can affect your natural smell and flavor. For example, tobacco use might cause acidic or bitter flavors. It may even cause a sour or stale taste. Your skin and hair can also absorb the odors of smoking tobacco, so the pungent smell may affect your taste. In some cases, a change in vaginal taste stems from your hygiene practices The vagina is a self-cleaning entity. Left alone, it can and will care for itself and maintain a healthy pH balance, so long as outside forces don't interfere. You need only wash the outside — the vulva — with mild soap and water when you bathe. If you don't follow regular hygiene practices or wash yourself regularly, you may develop unusual or off-putting smells and tastes. To properly wash, rinse the vulva and groin with warm water. You can use soap if you want — just be careful not to get any inside your vaginal canal. Spread the lips of your labia apart and use a washcloth or your hands to clean around the folds. Also, wash your anus and the area between your anus and your vaginal opening. If it isn't clean, this area can affect the odor and taste of your vagina. Skip the specialty washes and so-called 'feminine hygiene' products Because your vagina does such a good job taking care of its own health, you really don't need to use any specialty products to help it along or mask any odors you think are bad. (Again, if you think your taste or smell is repellent, contact a doctor instead of using body spray to cover it up.) Many soaps, gels, and washes may seem well-intentioned, but they can worsen a condition or infection if there is one. They can also upend your natural pH level, which might invite bacterial growth. It's a good idea to leave the 'feminine hygiene' products, like washes, sprays, and deodorizers, on the store shelf and let your body and vagina fend for themselves. If you really want to change the way your vagina tastes, try this No scientific studies suggest you can change your vulva's taste or confirm ways you might do this. Temporary sprays and washes might mask or deodorize briefly, but there's little you can do permanently. If you're determined to find a way to make your vaginal area smell or taste more flowery and fresh, you might try to: Limit certain foods before sex: Asparagus and spicy or heavily-flavored foods might cause scented sweat or body odor. Limit alcohol and tobacco use before sex: Tobacco and alcohol can affect body odor and sweat, too. Ultimately, these foods may make the area taste more bitter, sour, or metallic. Don't eat right before it's time to go down: If your partner wants to pop a piece of gum and spit it out just before doing the ABCs on your clitoris, by all means, let them. But keep in mind that what you eat affects how your vagina tastes. It's a good idea to skip eating 30 minutes before they plan to go downtown. Try not to worry: How you taste and smell is typical unless you're getting whiffs of dead fish or rotting seaweed. The bottom line Your vulva's natural scent and flavor aren't like anyone else's, and they can change throughout your life, even monthly. As long as you aren't having symptoms of an infection, your smell and taste are just fine. But if you're worried that your odor might be off, talk with a healthcare professional. They can look for any underlying concerns, whether it's a matter of hygiene or an untreated infection.
Forbes
6 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
2 Reasons Why Nostalgia Has A Unique Scent — By A Psychologist
Here's how your sense of smell holds the key to your most vivid and emotional memories. When the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafts through the air, suddenly, you're back in your grandmother's kitchen. You're a child once more, gazing at those golden treats in anticipation. This nostalgic journey is your brain's way of responding to the powerful connection between your sense of smell and your memory. Smell doesn't just evoke memories; it anchors them in emotion, linking past and present in a sensory flash. In a 2016 study published in Brain Sciences, author Rachel S. Herz highlights how smell is not only a powerful trigger for memory, but plays an essential role in enhancing our well-being. She found that smells linked to positive memories can boost positive emotions, reduce negative moods, curb cravings and lower stress, including markers of inflammation in the body. So, how does a familiar scent transport you decades into the past? Here are three reasons why smell is so deeply tied to memory and emotion, and why it's important to make the most of this connection. What makes smell so potent in triggering memory lies in its unique pathway to the brain. Unlike sight and sound, which can take a longer, more roundabout route to reach memory centers, smell has a direct passageway. In a prior study, Herz describes how different senses (smell, sight and sound) trigger memories and emotions. She found that smells, like campfire or fresh-cut grass, brought up more emotional and powerful memories than when the same cues were presented visually or through sound. Picture this — a high-speed train zooming past stations, heading straight for its destination. That's how your sense of smell directly works with the brain. The olfactory bulb, where scent signals are processed, sits close to the hippocampus and amygdala — the very regions responsible for memory and emotion. This proximity gives smell a VIP pass to your brain's most intimate spaces. Herz also explains that smell-induced memories are often vivid and emotionally charged. Think of it like this — while sight might be the photograph in your mind's eye, smell is the living, breathing experience that takes you back to the moment as if it were happening right now. Smell can resurrect entire chapters of your life with startling clarity. Imagine that your mind is a vast library, where memories gather dust on forgotten shelves. A specific smell acts like a librarian dusting off an old book, placing it in your hands before you even realize it's missing. A 2023 review suggests that certain flavors and smells can vividly transport us back to specific moments in our lives, even when other details have long been forgotten. Smells that are linked to childhood often have the ability to evoke powerful autobiographical memories that define your understanding of yourself today. This phenomenon is called the 'Proust Effect.' Researchers highlight how the Proust effect also creates a sense of connection with others and gives life more meaning, reawakening moments that have otherwise faded into obscurity. 'The 'Proust phenomenon' from the eponymous literary anecdote where Marcel Proust took a bite of madeleine biscuit that had been dipped in Linden tea and was suddenly transported to a long forgotten moment in his childhood, occurs when an odor triggers the recollection of a meaningful past personal episode,' Herz explains in her 2016 study. This sensory time travel is rooted in your brain's architecture. A 2012 study published in Neuropsychologia confirms how memories triggered by smells tend to be older, more emotional and feel more like time-travel compared to memories triggered by other senses. Memories triggered by smell come steeped in emotional layers. The smell of rain-soaked earth, known as petrichor, offers a perfect example of this idea. For some, it brings comfort and nostalgia, stirring up memories of quiet afternoons after a summer storm in their childhood. Whereas, for others, that same scent might carry a tinge of sadness, perhaps reminding them of a time they felt loss or isolation. This emotional potency isn't arbitrary. When your brain stores a memory, it doesn't just catalog the details — it renders the feelings too. It's likely that the more emotionally intense the experience, the more strongly the memory is imprinted. So, the next time a familiar scent suddenly brings back a memory, take a moment to appreciate it. Your brain is opening a door to the past, letting you revisit stories and emotions that might have been forgotten. Do you often feel nostalgic? Take this science-backed test to learn if you might benefit from being more grounded in the present: Nostalgia Scale
The Independent
7 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Your cat may not show it – but it definitely knows your scent
Cats can tell their owners apart from strangers from the scent of their human companions, a new study reveals. Researchers from the Tokyo University of Agriculture say cats tend to spend a longer time sniffing the odour of a stranger than that of their owner, suggesting they can recognise familiar humans quickly based on smell. Previous studies have shown that cats use their sense of smell to identify other felines and communicate with each other. Whether they can also use scent to distinguish between humans has been unclear, however. The latest study, published on Wednesday in the journal PLoS, sought to find out if cats could tell familiar and unfamiliar humans apart based on smell alone. Researchers tested 30 domestic cats by presenting them with plastic tubes containing swabs rubbed under the armpit, behind the ear, and between the toes of either their owner or a human they had never met. They asked the cat owners to complete an online questionnaire to assess their pet's personality and their relationship. They observed that the study cats spent significantly longer sniffing an unknown odour than that of their owner or an empty tube. The felines tended to sniff unknown odours with their right nostril initially before switching to the left nostril as they became more familiar with the smell. Researchers found that male cats with seemingly neurotic personalities tended to sniff each tube repetitively. To the contrary, males with more agreeable personalities sniffed the tubes more calmly. No such effect of personality was seen on the behaviour of female cats during the experiment, according to the study. The findings suggest domestic cats can distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar humans based on their odour. It is still unclear, however, whether they identify specific humans based on smell alone. The research also reveals that cats have a right nostril preference for investigating new smells, indicating they may favour different hemispheres of their brain for different tasks. This phenomenon has previously been seen in other animals such as dogs, fish and birds. 'We suggest that cats use their olfaction for the recognition of humans. Also, we record characteristic rubbing behaviour occurring after sniffing, indicating that sniffing may be an exploratory behaviour preceding the rubbing of odour in cats,' the study notes. 'This relationship warrants further investigation along with the theory of whether cats are able to recognize a specific person from olfactory cues.'
BBC News
28-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Cats distinguish their owner's scent from stranger's, study finds
Domestic cats can tell the difference between the smell of their owner and that of a stranger, a new study study by Tokyo University of Agriculture found cats spent significantly longer sniffing tubes containing the odours of unknown people compared to tubes containing their owner's suggests cats can discriminate between familiar and unfamiliar humans based on their odour, the researchers say, but that it is unclear whether they can identify specific are known to use their strong sense of smell to identify and communicate with other cats, but researchers had not yet studied whether they can also use it to distinguish between people. Previous studies of human recognition by cats have shown they are able to distinguish between voices, interpret someone's gaze to find food, and change their behaviour according to a person's emotional state that is recognised via their the study published on Wednesday, researchers presented 30 cats with plastic tubes containing either a swab containing the odour of their owner, a swab containing the odour of a person of the same sex as their owner who they had never met, or a clean swabs containing odours had been rubbed under the armpit, behind the ear, and between the toes of the owner or spent significantly more time sniffing the odours of unknown people compared to those of their owner or the empty tube, suggesting they can discriminate between the smells of familiar and unfamiliar people, the researchers idea of sniffing an unknown stimulus for longer has been shown before in cats - weaned kittens sniff unknown female cats for longer compared to their the researchers cautioned that it cannot be concluded the cats can identify specific people such as their owner."The odour stimuli used in this study were only those of known and unknown persons," said one of the study's authors, Hidehiko Uchiyama."Behavioural experiments in which cats are presented with multiple known-person odour stimuli would be needed, and we would need to find specific behavioural patterns in cats that appear only in response to the owner's odour." Serenella d'Ingeo, a researcher at the University of Bari who was not involved in this study but who has studied cat responses to human odours, also said the results demonstrated cats react differently to familiar and unfamiliar smells, but that conclusions couldn't be drawn over their motivations."We don't know how the animal felt during the sniffing... We don't know for instance whether the animal was relaxed or tense," she d'Ingeo added that the presentation of samples to cats by their own owners, who naturally added their own odour to the environment, could have increased the cats' interest in the unfamiliar ones."In that situation, owners present not only their visual presence but also their odour," she said."So of course if they present other odours that are different from their personal one, in a way they engage more the cat."The study's authors concluded that "cats use their olfaction [smell] for the recognition of humans".They also noted cats rubbed their faces against the tubes after sniffing - which cats do to mark their scent on something - indicating that sniffing may be an exploratory behaviour that precedes odour researchers cautioned that this relationship needs further investigation, along with the theory of whether cats can recognise a specific person from their smell.
The Sun
18-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
The 65p hack that stops your bin from smelling bad – it keeps pests out the garden, too
THERE'S nothing more off-putting in the summer than the smell of bins when you want to sit in your garden. Not only is it hard to ignore, but the smell can linger for days, especially in the sunshine and warm weather. 4 4 And with at least four huge outdoor bins at most homes, sometimes there's not a lot of space where you can put them to get them out of the way. Luckily, experts have shared their fool-proof top tips to stop your outdoor bins from smelling this summer. And one handy trick only costs 65p - and you might even already have it in your kitchen cupboard. Graham Matthews, waste management expert at says homeowners should keep on top of their rubbish every few months. Not only can this get rid of smells, but it also keeps pests and insects away. He said: "Keeping your wheelie bin clean reduces bad smells, germs, and stops pests. "While it might not be the most glamorous job, spending time cleaning your bins every couple of months is a great way to stop insects like flies and maggots from taking over. 'There are some simple storage and disposal hacks that will prevent smells and pests at the source. "Correct food waste disposal helps keep your bin clean. "And it also means you'll be doing your bit for the environment.' We've decked out our house for FREE using brand new furniture we found in bins 1. Add bicarbonate of soda to the bottom of your bin Bicarbonate of soda can be picked up for as little as 65p in supermarkets including Tesco. And it can be a lifesaver for getting rid of unwanted smells, which in turn stops pests from being attracted to your garden. Graham suggests sprinkling some at the bottom of the bin as it can help get rid of 'bin juice'. He explains: "Doing this helps neutralise many bad smells. "Bad bin odours are often caused by acidic substances released as food waste breaks down. "Bicarbonate of soda is an alkali, which helps counteract this, creating a chemical reaction that neutralises the odour. "Bicarbonate of soda can also absorb 'bin juice' and other moisture that creates a less hospitable environment for bacteria that may contribute to bad smells." 2. Store it in a cool, dry place As mentioned before, you might not have a lot of options for places to store your bins, especially if your garden is on the smaller side. But trying to put it somewhere that's cool, dry or shaded can make a big difference when it comes to the smell. Graham advises: "Moving your wheelie bin out of direct sunlight when you can will slow down the decomposition of waste, which reduces the chance of bad odours developing. "A bin store can be a great solution. "If this isn't an option, look for a shaded spot on your property, preferably under shelter or in a garage." 4 3. Always keep the lid closed This may seem like an obvious one, but the experts say it can be an easy mistake than many homeowners make. Graham has urged everyone to make sure they shut the lids after putting something inside their bin. He warned: "If your bin lid remains open for long periods of time, it can contribute to bad smells. "Keeping the lid closed reduces the amount of oxygen reaching your waste, which will slow down the aerobic bacteria responsible for breaking down waste and producing strong smells. "Alongside this, keeping the lid closed prevents pests like insects and rats from getting inside. "These can contribute to bad smells by laying eggs and disturbing your waste." Expert's tips for giving your bin a good, deep scrub While most of the time we can use washing-up liquid to clean our bins, sometimes it's just not enough. So Graham has shared his top pieces of advice on how to properly clean your bin if it's been left untouched during the cold, winter months. Base – "Scrape out any thick bits of grime, dirt, or rubbish stuck to the sides or bottom of the bin with a trowel or shovel. Lie the wheelie bin on its side and use a hose or pressure washer to blast away the dirt, pouring it out into a drain. Put the bin upright and add the antibacterial spray, bleach, or eco-friendly alternative and swill it around the bottom. Leave to destroy the germs, then pour it out and rinse with clean water." Sides – "As you spray water into the base, make sure you get the sides as well to remove any bits of dirt. Cover the four sides with the antibacterial spray too and leave for as long as necessary to kill any germs. Scrub the sides clean with a mop or hard brush before pouring out the cleaning solution in the base. After the bin is emptied of all liquids, leave it to dry, either on its side or upside down (you can also use a towel to speed up the process)." Lid – "After washing the sides and base inside the bin, move onto the lid. Simply wipe the underside clean with a cloth and warm water, then apply the antibacterial spray and leave for a few minutes. Rinse it off with a sponge or cloth and some fresh water and leave it to dry." He adds: "Antibacterial or bleach sprays are necessary to destroy germs, but there are eco-conscious options to stay green when you clean. A homemade recipe of water, white vinegar, and lemon juice works just as well." 4. Dispose of food waste correctly We're all guilty of just chucking our food waste in outdoor bins - especially in the summer when you're having a BBQ. But Graham says that doing this can not only cause the bin to smell, but it can also attract pests like rats and foxes. The expert said: "Ideally, waste food should be composted or put in a separate food waste bin. "If that's not possible, make sure all food scraps are sealed in biodegradable bags or wrapped tightly before being placed in the bin. "Keep food waste in a smaller, sealed container when you can and only transfer it to the larger bin closer to collection day." 5. Clean your bin regularly and effectively It's not a pleasant job, but it's the easiest way to keep it clean and get rid of smells. And Graham says all you need is some washing-up liquid for the job. He explained: "You should keep on top of cleaning your bin regularly. "A bucket of warm water, a cloth, and some washing-up liquid should do the job." 4
