The odors and tastes found between women's thighs have had volumes of euphemisms written to commemorate, or denigrate, their uniquenesses. While researching my new book The Ultimate Guide to Cunnilingus, I encountered oceans of euphemisms, yet little actual information about the way women smell and taste. Women and men who enjoy performing cunnilingus will gush enthusiastically about the sensual tastes and musky bouquet they relish, while others new to the game may be quite nervous about what they're going to encounter between their sweetie's legs. The scent and taste of a woman has certain certainties, though the makeup of her personal cocktail will change from day to day. These changes depend on any number of factors, from the time in her cycle to whether she's eaten raw garlic or takes multivitamins. If you're wondering what's in store for you when going face-to-face with her vulva, then perhaps a chemistry lesson is in order.

In determining the combination of sensory information we perceive when we put something in our mouths, like food, it's easy to make comparisons and get general ideas by taking a look at pH (acid/alkaline balance). For instance, on any given day, our skin's pH hovers between 6.0 and 7.0, while the pH of a healthy, happy vagina hovers between a 3.8 and 4.5. Even though you won't find pussy on the menu at your local café, you can sample a taste of items near her pH levels: have some black coffee (pH 5), try a lick of lemon (pH 2), or have a glass of the closest thing going, wine, which has the same pH range as the vagina. While we're on the subject of food, it's interesting to note that the friendly bacteria that protect the vagina from becoming the perfect hostess to germs are lactobacilli, the same bacteria found in yogurt. The lactic acid in vaginal secretions plays a big role in keeping the pH low. Healthy, juicy women will have a slightly sweet, slightly pungent scent, very near that of plain yogurt.

The natural taste of a woman can range from slightly tangy to a slippery saltiness, to even having a hint of iron around the time of her menstrual cycle. Strong foods such as asparagus and garlic can influence her flavors, and so can vitamins. Flavors and aromas secreted from an aroused woman's genitalia are so packed with chemicals and pheromones that they make a powerful biochemical aphrodisiac. However, this doesn't mean that her chemistry will "click" with yours, or that your lover will have the same sweet taste every time you go down on her. Should you notice a marked change in your sweetie's bouquet, and you have both established trust around oral sex, you might gently bring it to her attention, as it may warrant a health check.

When a woman's vaginal pH changes, her secretions become stronger smelling. Wine is now off the menu; yogurt will not be served with breakfast. It doesn't take much to upset the balance and change the pH in the vaginal ecosystem, and three big polluters are douching, using a harsh soap, and semen. Douching is one of the biggest causes of vaginal infections. Regular soap is a surprisingly big offender -- most body soaps range in pH anywhere from 7.0 to 14. Women with sensitive vaginas may want to use a low-pH soap, available at many beauty shops and health food stores, in place of regular soap. Choosing a low pH soap to use on your pussy may sound strange at first, but it's highly recommended -- and you use different soaps on your face, right? Look for soap that states a low pH on the label, soap made from goat's milk, or naturally-made soaps (found in health food stores). Semen is so amazingly alkaline that it can change the scent of a woman within minutes.

One little-known fact is that the human mouth is less hygienic than the vagina, and folks who are going down will want to do their own bit of washing up, too. Rinse your mouth with mouthwash, then water, to eliminate bacteria before you take the plunge. Don't brush your teeth, however, especially if you're not using safer sex barriers because brushing (and flossing) your teeth creates tiny cuts with which you may catch -- or pass -- an STD.

Either way, tactful communication is the golden rule when you talk about her smell and taste. How each woman internalizes the rampant sexual shame about taste and smell is individually filtered and is coped with in infinite ways, from realizing it's b.s. to actually believing she's dirty and gross on some level. You know it yourself -- there is nothing hotter under the sun than a lover who goes crazy for your tastes and smells, and makes it crystal clear that they absolutely love to have you in their mouth. Always be sensitive, and let her know how much you enjoy everything about her.

If one or both of you have cleanliness concerns, try showering together beforehand, or taking a sensual bath. If you're unsure as to what your initial reaction to her taste might be, try this: As you seduce, arouse, and titillate her in the stages of foreplay, take the time to become accustomed to the scent of her skin. Gently massage her vulva with your hand, and try a taste of her on your fingers. This way, you can change your mind before it's awkward or potentially hurtful to do so. But most likely you'll be singing the juicy praises of your sweet, sweet lover.