The Science Behind How We Taste and Smell. Down There.
Women, in particular, may go to great lengths to conceal their natural aroma by using douches, antibacterial soaps, perfumes, and powders. Sometimes these products upset the normal balance in the vagina and cause harm. Some women even fear that people with whom they are involved in non-sexual situations may notice the smell through their clothing. This can become an obsession that they think about most of the time. In some cases it can reach psychotic proportions and lead to social withdrawal, low self-esteem and depression.
I am also likely to encounter the patient who is turned off by their partner's smell or taste, and this problem is limiting their intimacy. Some people find it difficult to speak about this problem with their partner in a constructive, non-hurtful manner. Not uncommonly, they hold back from discussing it, or when they do bring it up their partner feels rejected. One male patient of mine did not reveal his revulsion for giving his partner oral sex and asked me to discuss the issue of her odor with her for him when he was not in the room. It turned out that she had a vaginal bacterial infection that was easily remedied. After that he had no problem with giving her oral sex.
Smitten: Do you have any tips about making oral sex a more comfortable experience?
Dr. Bartlik: Cleanliness is important in making oral sex a comfortable experience for both partners. Cotton underwear that permits the area to breathe, or wearing no underwear at night also may be helpful in reducing sweat and odor-producing bacteria that thrive upon it. If a woman has a yeast problem, it is important that she reduce her sugar and alcohol consumption. Both partners need to be mindful of the possibility of a bacterial infection and take measures (consult a physician) to address it if that is the case. In addition, people can watch what they eat or drink, avoiding foods known to cause unpleasant odors or tastes and taking foods and supplements (such as BOP) that improve the taste and odor of sexual secretions prior to oral sex.
Oral sex is one of the most important and effective ways for a woman to reach orgasm, and almost any man you ask will tell you that oral sex is one of his favorite sexual activities. It's important to break down sexual barriers and bring joy, instead of worry, to the bedroom. BOP can help people to release their inhibitions around oral sex, give couples new confidence and improve the way both men and women experience oral pleasure.
__Thanks Dr. Bartlik! __
Do you ever worry about the way you smell or taste? Would you ever change your diet or consider taking a supplement to change things up? Personally, I think I'll stick with showering beforehand! Does you think guys feel self-conscious about this?
P.S. If you have specific questions about sexual health, feel free to submit them to Glamour's own Dr. Kate!
For further reading…
Photos: Courtesy of BOP
