Period discharge is the body’s removal of old blood and will tend to have a oder
Smells are caused by what we eat and drink and not necessarily to do with bad hygiene
Consider that you might have an affection (caused by hot baths, bath salts, his dirty fingers) citrus soda will help in that case
If it is of a major concern consult your doctor

Right... the vagina will usually have a "distinct" smell but not a noxious one.
If you have smelly unusual discharge... you should see your DR.

That's the old joke of a smell...fish!

Anyway, you have to keep it clean and tidy. Some smells differ with women and during different times of their cycle. First NO DOUCHING! Your body will naturally excrete internally.

Always wash and clean up with a mild, warm, soap & water. Such as Ivory. Avoid the perfumed soaps and no body lotion, in the genitals, to cover up the smell. Try to wash up in between, especially if you wear pants or pant hose during the day or exercised. Make certain your underwear has a cotton liner to it. Again, always wash mild soap & water. Also do the same before sex and make certain you get all soap out.

Always be certain you wash with a washcloth, and get in the folds well. Try trimming down the pubic hair with scissors, it helps decrease odor.

tmps,

We all smell because we all constantly discharge. A sustained noxious odor usually indicates a vaginitis. This is usually, but not always, accompanied by a bit of discomfort.

All women encounter this at some point - some more frequently than others. You really should see a doctor and determine what the cause is. All women should have a gyn exam before becoming sexually active. If you did not, now is the time. DO Not douche before seeing the doctor. She needs a swab of whatever is there; do not flush it out.