Remedies For Vaginal Odors

Remedies For Vaginal Odors
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.
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This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Dr. Axe nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.
Vaginal odor is a topic that’s not only embarrassing to discuss for many, but it’s simply embarrassing to live with for anyone who may be experiencing it. Oftentimes, it’s the result of a vaginal yeast infection , but that’s not always the case — which is why it’s important to find the root cause.
Having a healthy vagina is extremely important to overall health, healthy births and healthy marriages, and vaginal odor can be a signal that there might be a health issue at play. How this affects a woman’s self-esteem is another side effect, not to mention how it can affect her relationship with her significant other due to the impact it may have on their sex life. While there are many causes, most of the time it can be resolved through natural remedies. But where does this incredibly uncomfortable vaginal odor come from, and what is it in the first place?
Vaginal odor is defined as any odor that originates from the vagina. It’s normal for your vagina to have a slight odor given it’s an opening to the interior of the body, but a strong vaginal smell, such as a fishy vaginal odor, could indicate a bigger problem and should be checked out with your physician.
Abnormal vaginal odor is typically associated with other vaginal signs and symptoms, such as itching, burning or irritation. Often there is vaginal odor and discharge at the same time. Luckily, there are natural ways to take care of vaginal odor such as apple cider vinegar, baking soda, probiotics, tea tree oil and more that I lay out below.
Vaginal odor is often more noticeable just after sex and can vary throughout the menstrual cycle . Normal sweating can also be a cause a vaginal odor. This is often where the the idea of using vaginal douching and other vaginal deodorant-type products comes to mind, but these products can actually increase irritation and other vaginal symptoms due to their chemical-filled ingredient list. ( 1 )
Instead of douching and other potentially toxic feminine hygiene products, try the following natural remedies.
Apple cider vinegar contains amazing antibacterial and antiseptic properties that can help fight vaginal odor. ( 2 ) Taking a bath with apple cider vinegar can help fight off the toxins and bacteria that cause vaginal odor while restoring the acidic quality of the vaginal flora. Try drinking a glass of water mixed with one or two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar daily.
Baking soda can be used to balance the pH level in your body. When the pH level is in balance, the problem of vaginal odor will dissipate, which means you can add natural deodorizer to the list of baking soda uses . ( 3 )
You can simply add half a cup of baking soda to your bathwater and soak for about 15–20 minutes. Then thoroughly dry your body before putting on your clothing. Make sure to not allow moisture to sit in any folds or the groin area of the body.
We love probiotics since they can help keep the gut healthy, but did you know that probiotics can do wonders for vaginal odor? Miso, kimchi, sauerkraut, yogurt and kefir are all great options. Probiotic yogurt , for example, is rich in lactobacillus bacteria, which helps fight candida infection, a common cause of vaginal odor. It also helps restore the normal vaginal pH level, which can remove vaginal odor. ( 4 )
While apple cider vinegar seems to get all the glory when it comes to home remedies, let’s not forget white vinegar . White vinegar can help neutralize odors by breaking down odor proteins, and a white vinegar bath may help eliminate vaginal odor and help restore pH levels in the vagina. ( 5 )
Just a half cup each of white vinegar and sea salt in lukewarm bath water several times a week may do the trick.
Tea tree oil contains strong antifungal properties as well as being a great antiseptic. These characteristics help get rid of bacteria that may contribute to the problem of vaginal odor and discomfort. ( 6 )
Add a few drops combined with water and witch hazel on a cotton pad and then applying it to the effected area daily can make a big difference. Make sure to dilute with the water and witch hazel since tea tree oil can cause some initial sensitivity to the groin area.
It may seem odd to take one foul smell to get rid of another, but garlic is known for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties. It’s a natural antibiotic that may be just the remedy for vaginal infections as well as vaginal odor. The antifungal properties that garlic contains can help fight a yeast infection, which, in turn, gets rid of bad bacteria. ( 7 )
Just incorporate garlic in raw or cooked form, on a daily basis, into your meals. Garlic is available in capsule form at your health food store, or you can eat one or two raw garlic cloves on an empty stomach with a glass of warm water.
Fresh, organic, whole fruits and vegetables are always key to a healthy body and support vaginal health due to the numerous vitamins and minerals they contain. We know that vitamin C , found in citrus fruits, guava, strawberries, kiwi, and green and red peppers, is an immune system booster . ( 8 )
Leafy greens should always be consumed in abundance since they help with circulation and prevent vaginal dryness. Eat plenty of spinach, kale, cabbage, salad, Swiss chard, collards and other leafy greens by including them in your salads and smoothies. The avocado stimulates vaginal health and also helps with libido because it contains vitamin B6 and potassium, which supports healthy vaginal walls, reducing the risks of infection and bacterial growth. ( 9 )
Adding nuts to your daily nutrition helps prevents vaginal dryness because they contain vitamin E . Look for sunflower seeds, almonds, walnuts and hazelnuts. Almonds and pumpkin seeds are also rich in zinc, which helps regulate the menstrual cycle, reduce itching and other symptoms of dryness that can cause bacterial growth and odor. ( 10 )
Ground flaxseed is a superfood that’s rich in phytoestrogens and omega-3 fatty acids , which helps to boost estrogen levels and may stop vaginal dryness.
I cannot stress enough the importance of water and lots of it. The mucous vaginal membranes need water to function properly so they remain well-hydrated. Water helps lubricate your vagina naturally, which aids in diminishing vaginal smells. ( 11 )
Neem bark has some pretty phenomenal antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties that help support balanced intestinal flora while fighting infection from fungi, such as candida. In fact, in vitro studies showed efficacy against infections, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia and herpes, in sexually active women who took neem oil extract in the tablet form. This is due to the possible enhanced antibody production and because forms of neem may promote the immune response of white blood cells, unleashing them — hence killing bacterial invaders. ( 12 )
1. Wear Loose Clothing and Cotton Underwear

When wearing tight clothing, it can restrict airflow, causing moisture buildup. Loose clothing and cotton underwear can help increase airflow to your groin and help prevent moisture in the area. Changing your underwear every 12 hours is helpful too. This prevents additional bacteria growth that can occur if the area is kept in an unsanitary environment.
2. Change Your Clothes After Exercising

A sweaty groin, also known as a sweaty crotch, can leave you feeling and smelling unpleasant. Don’t hang out in your in sweaty clothes. This is a breeding ground for bacteria! It can also help if you wash your groin area, then dry the area, before putting on fresh clothes.
While it may seem irrelevant, extra weight can cause extra sweating, even in the vaginal area. As noted above, this extra moisture can cause bacteria to form, which can cause vaginal odor. Choosing a healthy lifestyle of clean eating and regular exercise can making a big difference in how much sweat you produce.
Our bodies were designed to take care of most issues. When you douche, you remove healthy bacteria in the vagina that you need to help prevent infection. As well, douche products contain lots of chemicals that can cause toxic buildup in the body.
5. Don’t Fall for the Feminine Sprays

Feminine sprays are a marketing trap! These sprays can lead to irritation and possibly an allergic reaction. Our bodies aren’t able to break down the chemicals that come through the skin. In fact, the skin absorbs these chemicals very quickly because of the thin nature the skin. The chemicals then head right into the bloodstream. The vagina is made to naturally cleanse itself, so interfering with the process is more likely to cause bigger problems for you. ( 13 )
There are numerous foods that affect the pH of the body, and when that happens it increases inflammation and bacterial growth. Candida is a common infection that can easily become inflamed through eating certain foods, especially sugary foods since yeast thrives in a sugary environment. Foods that are best to avoid if you have vaginal odors and infections include sugar, alcohol, and wheat products. Overall, avoid processed and sugar-rich foods, and eat plenty of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables.
Vaginal odor causes are still being studied, but we know that there are many things that can cause vaginal odor. However, problematic vaginal odor is typically combined with other symptoms, such as itching, burning, irritation or discharge.
Generally, if you have vaginal odor without some of these other vaginal symptoms, it’s unlikely that your vaginal odor is abnormal. Chlamydia, gonorrhea infections and yeast infections usually don’t cause vaginal odors — however, let’s review the possible causes.
The most common cause of vaginal odor is bacterial vaginosis . Bacterial vaginosis is an overgrowth of normally occurring vaginal bacteria. It has a high rate of recurrence, affecting nearly 30 percent of women who are in their reproductive years, and is associated with miscarriage , preterm birth, as well as the increased risk of acquiring other sexually transmitted infections. One of the biggest indicators of bacterial vaginosis is a “fishy” odor.
A study conducted at Virginia Commonwealth University as part of Vaginal Microbiome Project was designed to investigate the relationships between the human microbiota composition, diet and health status. Visitors to Virginia Commonwealth University’s outpatient clinics enrolled in the study focusing on the understanding of the common structure in vaginal microflora and to identify differences due to bacterial imba
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Remedies For Vaginal Odors

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