The typical odour of a female’s private parts creates a very embarrassing situation for them. The bad vaginal odour is usually because of bacterial infections like trichomoniasis or bacterial vaginosis.
Ironically, few of the products meant for maintaining the hygiene of the vagina can lead to a change in the pH balance of the vagina and result in a bad odour.
Another vital factor for vaginal odour is due to sexually transmitted infection or disease. If left untreated, it will lead to vaginal odour and pelvic inflammatory disorder and infertility in extreme cases.
This article will help you to know how to get rid of vaginal odour. So, read through to know all about vaginal odour.
Is It Natural to Have Vaginal Odor?
It is natural to have a vaginal odour. Even after taking good care of the body and vagina, you may still experience the discomfort of bad odour from your vagina. But, the problem starts showing up if the strange bad smell persists longer and lets out a strong stinking smell.
A smelly vagina should not remain so for a longer duration. The natural odour of a vagina varies from woman to woman. No matter how clean or healthy a vagina is, it will always let out a musky or fleshy smell. During the menstrual cycle, the vagina smells metallic too.
Your vagina naturally cleanses itself. If your vagina is in its proper natural state, it will maintain a healthy pH balance and keep harmful contaminants at bay.
So, if the vaginal odour smells different, there must be some problem. A strong scent, itchiness, and irritation with abnormal vaginal discharge are all symptoms indicating something serious and strange about your vagina.
Ways to getting Rid of Vaginal Odor
Poor maintenance of hygienic conditions is the prime reason for a smelly vagina. Unhygienic circumstances promote the growth of bacteria and fungus inside the region of the vagina. This further leads to vaginal yeast infection, other diseases, and raw, pungent smell.
The common genital infection called bacterial vaginosis in females produces a fishy smell after it cross-reacts with the vaginal secretion. The principal inciting agent for such a condition is a change in the healthy pH balance of the vagina. The following steps on keeping your vagina clean, healthy, and smell good will help you know how to get rid of vaginal odour.
1. Practice Proper Hygiene
Clean the exterior area of the vagina every day with mild soap and a washcloth. Avoid using loofahs as their rough surface may cause tiny tears in the vaginal region and expose it to infection.
Proper cleaning and light scrubbing will exfoliate the skin from dead skin cells and wash away dirt and sweat. Also, avoid using perfumed body washes and soaps. The chemicals and scent may disturb the natural pH level of your vagina. Always use mild bar soap.
2. Use Deodorizing Products Only Externally
If you have to use any perfumes or sprays, only use them on the external surface of the vagina and not directly inside the region of the vagina. Daily application of perfume or sprays can upset the standard chemistry and balance of your vagina, leading to more significant problems.
3. Change the Underwear Daily
Always avoid wearing satin and silk under-wears. Switch to cotton panties if you were wearing them of any other material. Cotton is comfortable, breathable and does a great job of keeping away sweat and fluids from the vagina. Excess moisture may also affect the natural balance of the vagina.
4. Consider using a pH Product
Over-the-counter products that can be bought without prescription help restore the natural vaginal level of pH. But, if the problem with a smelly vagina persists even after using such products, it is essential to set an appointment with the doctor.
Sometimes, a particular product may not be suitable for you but may work perfectly for others. So, in such cases, consider changing the type or brand of the pH product.
5. Use of Essential Oils
Tea Tree oil is ideal for eliminating vaginal odour. Tea Tree oil is an essential oil with the contents of natural antifungal and antimicrobial properties that can protect the vagina from harmful contaminants. Please do not use the essential oil directly but mix it with water. Apply a few drops on the outside region of the vagina. Repeat this procedure after every three to five days. Discontinue if the symptoms continue to occur.
6. Soak in Vinegar
Frequent hot showers and baths can upset the natural pH. You can try a different way of taking a bath by pouring a cup of apple cider vinegar in the warm water and soak your body for at least 20 minutes. Vinegar helps to remove bacteria.
7. Prescription Treatments
The doctors’ prescribed treatment can help get rid of underlying causes contributing to vaginal odour. But, if the home treatment or the treatment prescribed does not help you, it is time to seek more help from the doctors for other alternate and advanced methods.
When to See the Doctor?
Firstly if the vaginal odour continues for a longer duration, it is best to consult a doctor. Moreover, if other vaginal symptoms show up apart from the bad smell, taking medical assistance is the best you can do.
Suppose your vaginal odour is building stronger than what is usual or smells like a fish. Seeking medical help is the best idea. Home treatment or remedies will always not work, as severe conditions require severe measurements.
Doctors can suggest the best possible medication and treatment for you. Mild smell and a small quantity of discharge are normal. However, if the problem continues, like an increase in release or change in colour of the fluid, it may act as a warning sign of something important. It could either be a disease or an infection. Usually, the fluid vaginal discharge is white or translucent. In severe cases, the colour of the release may change and cause discomfort and itching to the vaginal region.
Tips for Preventing Vaginal Odor in the Future
Having a vaginal odour once does not mean you won’t have it ever. Even after you have eliminated the sharp and strong smell of the vagina either by medication or other treatment, they can happen again after a few years. The following tips will help you to prevent a similar problem in the future.
Consider Using Probiotics – Probiotics are antibacterial and can help maintain a proper pH balance of your vagina.
Maintain a Healthy Diet – It is imperative to eat a balanced diet with lots of vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains. A balanced diet keeps a healthy body and vagina.
Stay Hydrated – Keeping hydrated by drinking plenty of water is crucial for maintaining overall health, which of course, includes your vagina too.
Avoid Too Much Scrubs and Douches – Too much shower or scrubbing will eliminate the bad bacteria and the good ones.
Wash Your Vagina Both Before and After Intercourse – Sexually Transmitted Disease can be a dangerous condition. Moreover, sex introduces bacteria, lubrication, spermicidal factors, etc. Washing both before and after the intercourse will help balance a natural pH level, and it is also good hygiene.
Do Not Wear Tight Clothes – They are not only uncomfortable, but tight clothes also do not allow the areas of the vagina and groin to breathe properly. Plus, getting proper oxygen is important for good health.
Switch to Only Cotton Panties – Cotton panties absorbs excess moisture like sweating and fluid discharge. Synthetic fibres fail to perform this function of wicking away the wet substance.
Staying cautious towards your health and maintaining proper hygiene and diet will avoid many health problems. Home remedies are to be performed every day. You will notice a visible change in your body towards betterment if you follow the tips discussed above.
These steps will reduce the abnormalities of your vagina, like a change in the smell and colour of the discharges. Remember, vaginal odour can indicate significant problems and should not be left untreated. Therefore, it is always better to seek medical aid before vaginal problems turn worse.
