How To Stop Vaginal Odor

How To Stop Vaginal Odor
Medically Reviewed by Dan Brennan, MD on November 19, 2020
Some vaginal odor is normal and to be expected. Most women have a musky or fleshy natural scent, but this varies from person to person.
Your scent may change as you age or in response to certain stimuli. Some factors that temporarily change vaginal odor include:
In addition to the impact that the menstrual cycle itself has on smell, vaginal odor can vary throughout the period of menstruation.
Many women suffer from misinformation and insecurity regarding vaginal odor. Normal smells are nothing to be concerned about, and small changes in scent should resolve themselves. In fact, self-treatment of perceived vaginal symptoms can sometimes create a problem where there wasn’t one before.
However, when the vagina has a strong, unpleasant smell that continues for days, it may be a sign of a health problem.
Common causes of abnormal vaginal odors include:
Bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis often produce a fishy or chemical odor, while a forgotten tampon may begin to smell of rot.
If you are concerned about vaginal odor, you will need to address the cause in order to get rid of it. Maintaining good hygiene is key to avoiding health problems and abnormal odors.
Regular cleaning is important, but don’t go too far. Don’t be fooled by advertising that claims you need expensive products to be clean. The vagina is intensely acidic, naturally killing bad bacteria. You only need warm water to wash it away. In fact, some soaps may make things worse, changing the environment in a way that leads to bacterial growth.
Avoid perfumed soaps and deodorants. To wash the exterior folds of the vagina , use a gentle soap that won’t alter pH levels.
Wear Loose-Fitting Bottoms and Cotton Underwear
Thongs and lace are not the best clothing choices for good feminine hygiene. Take particular care with what you wear to bed. Consider wearing no underwear or basic cotton. Avoid tight underwear, pantyhose, and girdles.
Often, “vaginal odor” doesn’t come from the vagina at all. Excessive flesh around the folds and inner thighs due to being overweight can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
Switch to Tampons or a Menstrual Cup
Sanitary napkins frequently present a more noticeable smell. Try switching to a menstrual cup or tampon during your period, but be sure to change them frequently.
Semen can irritate the vagina, producing smell or discharge. Avoid using a douche after sex. Just urinate to clear foreign substances.
While the scientific evidence is still sketchy, there is some suggestion that certain oral probiotics can protect against bacterial vaginosis. If you experience frequent infections, you might want to talk to your doctor about probiotics or other options.
Douching refers to washing out the vagina with water or other fluids. It’s a fairly common practice, but doctors recommend against it. Douching can lead to vaginal infections. Moreover, if you already have an infection, douching can push bacteria into the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries.
Often, a vaginal odor that requires a doctor’s visit will be accompanied by other vaginal symptoms. If you experience any of the following, schedule an appointment with a doctor:
In addition, if you smell a strong, fishy odor, you may have bacterial vaginosis (vaginal infection) or trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted disease caused by a parasite). Schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss antibiotic treatments to stop the infection.
Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy : “Bacterial vaginosis: an update on diagnosis and treatment.”
Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners : “Factors influencing women’s decisions to self-treat vaginal symptoms.”
Mayo Clinic: “Vaginal odor: Causes.”
Mayo Clinic: “Vaginal odor: When to see a doctor.”
Mayo Clinic: “You don’t need fancy products for good feminine hygiene.”
Office on Women’s Health: “Douching.”
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You may be asking yourself, “is it normal to have vaginal odor?” If you’re experiencing unfamiliar scents from your vagina, you’re not alone.
In fact, this is an ordinary situation for most women. Vaginas emit natural odors, but what exactly is the difference between a natural and abnormal smell?
In this article, we’ll discuss what a healthy vagina should smell like as well as the causes, symptoms, and treatments for vaginal odors.
Even when you take good care of your body and vagina, you may experience unusual smells on occasion. The good news is, healthy vaginas are supposed to smell.
The most common factors that contribute to vaginal odor are standard bodily functions like the following:
1. Lactic acid
2. Bacteria
3. PH
4. Diet
5. Gland secretion
6. Hygiene
7. Hormones
8. Sweat
9. Hair growth
10. Menstrual cycle
Every vagina has a unique scent based on how your body operates.
Clean the outside of your vagina regularly.
Using scented soaps or feminine products often have chemicals that irritate the vagina’s PH which can cause a bad smell.
Satin, silk and polyester panties can retain moisture, upsetting your natural bacteria levels and leading to foul odors.
The probiotics in yogurt will help balance your PH and prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria that cause odors.
The acidity and antioxidants in cranberries, as well as citrus fruits, can help reduce vaginal odor by discouraging bacterial growth.
Always consult with your healthcare provider if you think your vaginal scent or discharge is abnormal.
If You Need Vaginal Odor Treatment
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Your vagina will always have a scent of its own. If that scent intensifies, it could be a sign of a serious problem, one that you may be unable to treat on your own. It’s best to see a doctor early before the problem grows worse.
At OB-GYN Women’s Centre of Lakewood Ranch, we are passionate about helping every woman. Whether you need advice or treatment.We’re here to help.
Please call us today or schedule an appointment online.
We’d love to hear from you! Call us today if you have any questions or to schedule your next appointment.
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Do not douche. Douching, which is when you force water or a cleaning agent in your vagina, can actually remove the healthy bacteria in your vagina and can push an infection (if one is present) into your uterus, making your condition worse. [4]
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You should also avoid feminine sprays, which are another form of douching that can irritate your vagina or lead to an allergic reaction.
Remember that your vagina naturally cleans itself. As long as you practice good vaginal hygiene, you should not have to force clean it or interfere with its natural cleaning process.

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Rinse your vagina during your shower or bath. Be sure to keep your vaginal area clean by using water and mild, unscented soap, like Cetaphil, to rinse your vagina, including your labia. [5]
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Avoid using harsh soaps on your vagina, with scents, as they can irritate the delicate skin in this area.

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Wear loose clothing and cotton underwear. This will increase airflow to your groin, especially when you are working out or sweating and prevent moisture buildup, which can then reduce any odors due to sweating or bacteria. [6]
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You should also change out of your workout clothing as soon as you are finished your workout. Do not keep wet, sweaty clothes on any longer than necessary, as this can lead to unpleasant odors.
Always wear clean underwear every day to prevent bacteria growth and odor.

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Wipe front to back after going to the bathroom. Prevent spreading bacteria from your bottom to your vagina by wiping from the front to the back after a bowel movement. This will ensure your vagina is free of bacteria that could cause odors and a possible infection. [7]
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Change your tampon or pad every four to six hours. Practice good period hygiene by being diligent about changing your tampon or pad every four to six hours. This will prevent a buildup of odor and ensure your vagina does not get irritated during your menstrual cycle. [8]
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Changing your tampon frequently will also ensure you do not forget to remove your tampon, which can cause an unpleasant odor and possibly serious health issues.

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Eat yogurt to promote the growth of yeast. Yogurt contains naturally formed probiotics that can help balance your bacterial secretions in your vagina and in the rest of your body. If you have recurring yeast infections, eating yogurt every day is good, healthy option for eliminating vaginal odor caused by yeast infections. [9]
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Check that the yogurt contains live and active cultures to ensure it will help your body produce more yeast.

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Avoid eating odor causing foods. Eating certain foods and drinks can actually change your vaginal smell, as the foods you consume can cause your body to release certain odors. If you are concerned about your vaginal odor, avoid drinking coffee and alcohol. You should also avoid onions, food made with strong spices, red meat, or dairy. [10]
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[11]
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Keep in mind you would need to consume a high amount of these foods to change your vaginal secretions enough to cause a strong odor. You can try to eliminate these foods and drinks from your diet to see if you notice a reduction in the odor.

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Take a hot salt and vinegar bath. One natural remedy is adding half a cup of white vinegar and half a cup of salt in a warm bath. You can then soak in the salt and vinegar bath to help eliminate the odor and restore the pH of your vaginal area. [12]
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However, this treatment may be best for short term treatment as it may not get rid of the vaginal odor completely.

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Use an herbal supplement. The herbal supplement Femanol is fo
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