HEALTH

I know that it is normal to have white stuff in your panties, but is it normal for it to have an odor? And can other people smell it?

It’s 100 percent normal for discharge to have a slight odor (and to be super self-conscious about it). So breathe easy—the smell isn’t strong enough to be detected by anyone.

Still, you can offset any odor by always wearing cotton undies and breathable clothes. Showering regularly (duh!) and washing the outside of your vagina with mild soap and warm water helps, too.

Keep in mind that the color, texture and amount of discharge fluctuates throughout the month, so figuring out if something is truly off can be a little tricky. But if the odor is all of a sudden really nasty, a color other than clear, white or off-white, or it’s accompanied by itchiness, it could be a vaginal infection and you should see a doctor right away.

When you’re dealing with down there, it’s always better to go with a pro. (And don’t worry—they deal with this sort of thing all the time.)

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