The Lust Perfume: Why that musky vajayjay smell is turning your man on

Imagine that long, exhausting day at work, when all you want is a shower to wash away the sweat and fatigue. Or perhaps after a morning run or intense gym session, when you’re drenched in sweat and the last thing you want is being noticed for your natural scent.

But then your partner is drawn to your strong, musky, intoxicating smell and just before you even get the chance to shower, he peels down your gym clothes, and is more than eager to lick the earthy aroma from your Miss Victoria.

Vaginal odour has long been a subject of fascination, stigma, and even humour. From Napoleon’s famed request to his wife Josephine to delay bathing so that he could experience her natural scent to modern-day discussions about hygiene and sexual attraction, the smell of a woman’s intimate area has intrigued men for centuries.

While some may shy away from discussing it, others celebrate the natural “lust perfume” that can be both alluring and intoxicating. But what exactly makes this scent so attractive?

Human attraction is largely influenced by scent, a fundamental, yet often overlooked, sense. Dr Joachim Osur, a sexologist and expert in human sexuality says when it comes to intimacy, scent plays a surprisingly significant role in attraction—especially when it comes to the natural smells of the body.

“The human body produces natural smells that are influenced by a variety of factors, including diet, hygiene, hormonal fluctuations, and even emotional states,” he says.

In the case of vaginal odour, these natural scents are not inherently “bad” or unpleasant; they are simply a part of the body’s normal functioning

Unique smell

“The smell of the vagina is unique to each individual and can change depending on the time of day, diet, and even where a woman is in her menstrual cycle,” Dr Osur explains.

“The presence of hormones, bacteria, and the natural pH balance of the vagina all play a role in shaping this scent,” he adds.

While many people may feel self-conscious about their vaginal odour, it is crucial to understand that natural body smells—whether from sweat, breath, or genital secretions—are not only normal, but can be highly attractive to some individuals.

This is due, in part, to the pheromones that our bodies release, which can subtly influence sexual attraction.

Pheromones, the sexologist explains are chemical signals that affect the behaviour or physiology of others, are believed to play a role in sexual attraction.

“Research has shown that humans, though less reliant on pheromones than many animals, are still sensitive to them, in particular, the smell of vaginal secretions has been found to carry pheromones that can evoke sexual desire,” he says.

These natural substances, the doctor says, can act as powerful aphrodisiacs, signaling fertility and sexual readiness.

For some men, the odour of a woman’s vagina during certain phases of her menstrual cycle can heighten sexual attraction. According to University of Kent research on Archives of Sexual Behaviour, women may release different scents depending on where they are in their cycle, with certain smells becoming more pronounced during ovulation, the period when women are most fertile. It’s at this time that some men report feeling a stronger, more instinctual attraction to the scent of their partner’s vagina.

The idea of “lust perfume” isn’t just a romantic notion, but has roots in evolutionary biology. In a study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, it was shown that the smell of a woman’s sweat, particularly around her genital area, has the potential to increase male arousal.

According to the study, certain scents found in vaginal fluids, such as the musky, slightly metallic aroma, are perceived as sexually appealing by some men. This scent, while unique to each individual, can trigger a biological response, signaling readiness for sex.

“For many men, the smell of a woman’s natural scent is a turn-on,” says Tim, 34. “When my wife is turned on, that scent changes, and there’s something incredibly intoxicating about it. It’s not just a smell; it’s an indicator that she’s ready, and that biological signal is a huge aphrodisiac.”

This phenomenon can be linked to the concept of sexual arousal through scent. Similar to how perfume is used as a tool to attract or enhance an individual’s presence, a woman’s natural scent can have an even more powerful impact.

In fact, Dr Osur notes that this odor often serves as a subtle, subconscious cue to a potential mate about fertility and sexual compatibility.

While vaginal odour can be an enticing part of the sexual experience for some men, the key is balance. A healthy, sexually aroused vagina may release a strong, musky scent that signals attraction and arousal. However, when this scent becomes overpowering or unpleasant, it can signal that something may be wrong, such as an infection or imbalance in the vaginal flora. This is where hygiene plays an important role in maintaining a healthy and appealing scent.

“A clean and fresh vagina is always preferred,” says Brian, 36.

“But if it’s too perfumed or powdered, it feels like something is being covered up. I prefer natural, fresh smells over anything that’s too artificial,” he adds.

It’s important to note that there’s no one “right” smell for a vagina, and different men will find different scents appealing. Some men might find a slightly musky, salty scent to be incredibly enticing, while others might prefer a more neutral or sweet aroma. The key takeaway here is that maintaining a healthy vaginal environment is essential for both physical health and sexual appeal.

One of the most common concerns when it comes to vaginal odours is the so-called “fishy” smell, which is often linked to bacterial vaginosis (BV). BV is an infection caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina and can lead to a strong, unpleasant odor. Other infections, such as yeast infections, can also alter vaginal odor, leading to a musty or sour scent.

Dramatic change in smell

When women experience such changes in odour, Dr Osur stresses the importance of seeing a healthcare provider. “If the smell changes dramatically and becomes unpleasant, or if it’s accompanied by other symptoms, such as irritation or discharge, it could indicate an infection,” he explains.

For healthy women, however, the scent of their vagina should not be a cause for embarrassment. While it’s natural for some men to find the smell of their partner’s vagina attractive, others may not be as responsive to it. This is where individual preferences and sexual chemistry come into play.

Despite the potential for negative stigma around vaginal odours, Dr Osur encourages people to embrace their bodies and their natural smells.

“There is no ‘right’ smell, and it’s important to recognise that a variety of factors influences sexual attraction,” he says. “The vagina’s scent is part of its beauty, and it should be appreciated for what it is—a natural, healthy part of the body.”

There is also a growing movement towards rejecting unrealistic beauty standards and embracing natural body functions, including bodily odors. More people are beginning to understand that the natural aroma of the body—whether it’s from sweat, breath, or genital secretions—can actually play an important role in sexual health and attraction. “Sex is beautiful, and the natural scent of the vagina should be celebrated as a normal and healthy part of our lives,” says Dr Osur.

So, the next time you encounter this natural “lust perfume,” instead of feeling embarrassed or self-conscious, take a moment to appreciate it for what it truly is—a fascinating, powerful part of human sexuality.