How to Get Rid of Vaginal Odor

Even when you’re taking good care of your vagina, vaginal odor happens from time to time, What’s not normal is persistent of the bad smell.

Vaginas have natural odors, and each woman has a different odor. A healthy vagina’s typical scent can be described as “musky”. and you might have a slightly “metallic” scent for a few days when your menstrual cycle comes. Intercourse may also temporarily change the odor.

Your vagina cleanses itself naturally, it can maintain a healthy pH and keep unhealthy bacteria at bay, so you don't have to worry too much.

But if you notice a stark difference in your vagina odor, then you may be having a problem. Bad odors, irritation, itching, and unusual discharge are all signs you have something wrong.

Sweet or Beer-like vaginal odor

Sweet or Beer-like vaginal smell is often caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina. It can also smell sour sometimes.

Intense itching and feelings of dryness usually accompany yeast infections. and in some cases, you may also notice a discharge that resembles cottage cheese.

You can treat these conditions with over-the-counter medications (OTC). However, if you haven't had a yeast infection before you should probably go see a doctor to rule out other causes.

By the way, the same measures used to prevent bacterial vaginosis, such as never douching and avoiding scented products, can also help in preventing yeast overgrowth.

Fishy vaginal odor

When the complex chemistry of the vagina is affected, harmful bacteria may start growing out of control, producing a fishy odor.

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection among females between the age of 15–44 years

Some females who suffer from bacterial vaginosis may experience other symptoms, like itching or burning. This may seem very similar to yeast infection. However, if there is fishy odor then it's definitely Bacterial vaginosis.

Other odors

During menopause Hormonal changes can also alter the scent of the vagina and also make the vagina feel dry.

Some STIs also alter the scent of the vagina, especially trichomoniasis.

You should consult a doctor if you notice any changes in your vaginal odor, particularly if the smell is unpleasant. And never use perfume to mask the smell.

How to Get Rid of Vaginal Odor

Remedies for vaginal odor depends on the cause.

Your physician may prescribe an antibiotic such as Cleocin, Flagyl, or Tindamax if you have an infection such as trichomoniasis or bacterial vaginosis.

You can control mild vaginal odor by:

1. Changing clothes after exercising.
2. Wearing loose clothing and cotton underwear, to limit dampness buildup and improve airflow to the area.
3. Wash your vaginal area with non-irritating soap and warm water regularly.
4. Avoid eating foods that increase the odor.
5. Avoid wiping front to back to the front after urinating or defecation to prevent the spread of bacteria from the anus to the vagina.
6. Avoid feminine creams and sprays, which can lead to irritation.

Tips for Preventing Vaginal Odor

Here are some tips to keep in mind after you eliminate the unusual vaginal odor to prevent the problem from happening again:

1. Consider Using Probiotics: Probiotics can help maintain the pH balance in the vagina. Foods that are rich in Probiotics include kombucha, yogurt, and sauerkraut.

2. Maintain a healthy diet: A balanced diet makes your body healthy, and that includes the vagina. Eat a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains.

3. Drink plenty of water: water is good for more than just your skin. Drinking plenty of water can help the vagina’s overall health, by encouraging healthy fluid release.

4. Avoid douching: You might think you are eliminating the bad bacteria, but you are also eliminating the good bacteria. So you better let your body work out the bacteria ratios on its own.

5. Wash your vagina before and after having intercourse. Because sex introduces foreign substances like bacteria, lubrication, and spermicide from condoms. So to help maintain natural bacteria levels wash your vagina before and after sex.

6. Stop wearing tight clothes: because they don’t let your vagina breathe. oxygen is a vital thing to good vaginal health.

7. Wearing cotton panties help wick away the excess moisture from sweating or discharge, and Synthetic fabrics don't so wear cotton panties.