From a young age, I was aware of humanity’s innate curiosity about all kinds of passageways (including ears???). However, when my first boyfriend invited me to lift my 🍑 for the first time, I felt extremely embarrassed.
I imagine most girls are like me, having a sense of shame about body odors.
As the saying goes, “pull out the radish, bring out the mud.” Once Pandora’s box is opened, I can’t be sure if a clean room would be filled with the scent of an old latrine.
Since then, I’ve refused all 🌻 viewing and picking activities.
My concern wasn’t unwarranted.
One guy mentioned that when he approached his beautiful girlfriend from behind and gently pulled down her underwear, he was overwhelmed by a terrible smell, making him retch. This led to their breakup.
So, is the rear end really that smelly?
The rear end might be smelly, but that’s not the issue.
“Smelly” is a subjective concept. It depends on whether the person smelling it enjoys it. The BDSM principle of “smelly to the nose, delicious to the taste” (which I made up) applies here.
For kinky players, the enjoyment comes from that peculiar smell that might make ordinary people frown.
“Smell fetish” is a massive market with millions of people.
Just as there are many who worship black silk/white socks, there are those who are obsessed with pungent body odors.
“Smelly” is not an absolute concept.
The best-selling custom items in the original scent black market are often slightly yellowed and damp, highlighting that fermented, body-warmed tang.
Being attracted to smells shouldn’t be surprising. Sex and smell are tightly linked, with a long history in human sexuality.
In the ruins of Pompeii, perfume bottles were placed in “love hotels”; ancient Egyptians used essential oils for romantic baths; various spices have been linked to aphrodisiac properties, like musk; the modern billion-dollar perfume industry uses “sexy encounters” in marketing.
Can smells really turn people on?
Anatomy shows that smells can enhance sexual arousal. The brain’s olfactory bulb, which processes smells, is also where sexual arousal is triggered.
However, the relationship between sexual arousal and smell might not be as “civilized and elegant” as people think.
Mammals release pheromones through body odors, and humans are no exception. The human body sweats primarily in the armpits and around the genitals during sexual excitement, with these secretions containing higher steroid levels than sweat from exercise (stronger smell, clearer signal of excitement).
I’ve experienced this firsthand. When I’m in love, I find the boy’s scent intoxicating, like a mix of mint and cologne. Even if he’s sweaty, I won’t mind.
But after falling out of love, it just smells like human odor, nothing appealing 🤮.
Obsession with strong body odors can be divided into two camps.
One is attracted to the individual’s body odor, needing the warmth of their body (like preferring fresh feces). The other likes the smell attached to an object.
If you like human scent, you might be drawn to their pheromones. If someone loves the strong smell of socks or underwear, it could be classified as a fetish.
The International Journal of Aromatherapy once listed the top three scents that arouse women: candy, baby powder, and lavender. Many are also obsessed with air fresheners. By extension, it’s understandable why people might like natural body odors and foot smells.
Smell is a crucial factor in perfect sexual experiences.
How important is smell? A lack of it can even lead to sexual dysfunction: 17% of people with “olfactory defects” also have sexual dysfunction.
If you have a partner who loves the smell (with a big inhale?) of your rear end, you can rest easy.
However, most people don’t enjoy the smell of the rear end. Worrying about the odor ruining a romantic moment is a genuine concern.
After consulting numerous 🌻 enthusiasts, the conclusion is that in most cases, even without special cleaning, there won’t be a noticeable odor or one strong enough to ruin the moment.
The reason is that, barring diarrhea, the emptied intestines are generally clean, so there’s no need to worry about “stirring the pot.”
In other words, healthy people don’t need to worry about their body odor.
If you’re extremely cleanliness-conscious and want to use warm water for deep cleaning (though not recommended as it might damage the rectal wall and increase infection risk), it’s best to do this at home before a date. The act of cleaning itself can release strong odors in a small hotel room, much like warm liquid amplifies smells.
So, there’s no need to be overly shy. “Body odor management” isn’t strictly necessary. Avoid spraying perfume on private areas to cover up, as the high alcohol content in perfume (ouch) and the mixed smell might be weirder than natural body odor.
The right approach is to eat more high-fiber foods, empty the bowels, use a bidet or wet wipes to clean any folds, and take a shower. That should solve the problem.
There are exceptions. Some people, despite thorough cleaning, still have a strong odor that can be off-putting.
If your partner is genuinely disgusted by the smell, it’s not just a matter of pride but a health concern.
A strong odor can be a sign of health issues, potentially caused by:
1. Hemorrhoids or anal fissures.
The rear end itself isn’t smelly, but hemorrhoids can be. Infected hemorrhoids can cause gangrene and pus, emitting a foul smell similar to rotting meat.
2. STIs
STIs can affect the entire genital area. Discharge can produce foul odors. Gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause symptoms that seem like gastrointestinal issues, including mucus in stool, painful defecation, bleeding, and itching around the anus. See a doctor before it gets worse!
3. Blocked glands
If there are small bumps around your anus, it could be blocked hair follicles and glands. Cats often have this issue with their anal glands. Hot baths or expressing the glands can help.
4. Constipation
If you haven’t pooped in a while, it can smell bad even if you don’t notice. Eating more fiber can solve this.
5. Poor fabric quality
If you’re wearing tight, non-breathable nylon underwear, it can trap sweat and bacteria, creating a sour smell. Wearing and frequently changing cotton underwear can help.
Aside from the rear end, the scent of a woman’s private parts can also be mysterious.
Healthy women do have a smell, and that’s not a sign of illness nor a reason for shame. Don’t let shady businesses pressure you into buying harsh cleaning products or scented hygiene items.
The normal scent is slightly acidic, from a balanced population of lactobacilli. (If your partner doesn’t like it, tough luck for them.)
Menstrual blood also has a metallic smell due to its iron content.
If there’s an ammonia smell, it could just be residual urine. Changing underwear daily can help.
However, some smells indicate problems:
Fishy odor (bacterial infection, trichomoniasis), moldy odor (fungal infection), or any unbearable stench.
Women’s natural scent isn’t unpleasant. I’ve even been quite fond of my own scent (I sometimes sniff my underwear before washing it; it brings a strange comfort).
For health reasons, avoid inhaling the smell of unknown socks and underwear. Fungi can infect the respiratory tract, leading to what’s colloquially known as “athlete’s foot in the lungs.” “Lick lovers” should note: fetishizing feet might lead to mouth infections.
Strong odors might be “good,” but don’t overindulge.
References:
[1] The Science of Sex and Smell, Mark Griffiths, Psychology Today
[2] Vaginal Odor, reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional, Cleveland Clinic
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