How to Get Rid of Vaginal Odor

Vaginal health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, but it’s often shrouded in confusion and sometimes even shame. The truth is that the vagina, like any other part of the body, has its own ecosystem and can easily be influenced by various factors. Our menstrual cycle, diet, hygiene habits, menopause, pregnancy and even the fabric of our clothes can cause an imbalance, leading to changes in odor. Ultimately, understanding what is normal and when to seek help is essential to maintaining good vaginal health, and how to get rid of vaginal odor doesn’t have to be as scary as it seems.

Symptoms of vaginal odor

First of all, it is essential to distinguish between normal and abnormal vaginal odors. While it is natural for the vagina to have a slight odor, any sudden change or bad odor could indicate an underlying problem. Dr. Christine Greves, Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist suggests first monitoring the treatment for changes, and if you find something is wrong, make an appointment with your doctor. Symptoms to watch for include:

• Odor changes
• Changes in the color or consistency of the discharge.
• Burning, itching, or irritation
• Pain when urinating or having sex.

Understanding Vaginal pH Balance

The vagina is a delicately balanced environment, with a healthy pH level ranging between 3.8 and 5.0. This slightly acidic environment is maintained by lactobacilli, which plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy vaginal pH while preventing the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi. However, factors even as small as washing with scented soap or consuming a diet high in sugar can cause an imbalance, allowing harmful bacteria to grow, resulting in vaginal odor and possible infections. The most important thing to remember is that your vaginal odor is affected by your pH levels; Therefore, if you have odor problems, chances are your pH levels are out of balance.

Normal versus abnormal vaginal odors

Understanding what smells are normal can help you distinguish when something is wrong. Normal odors include spicy/sour, metallic/copper, sweet/earthy, and bleach/ammonia odors. However, abnormal odors such as fishy (indicative of trichomoniasis or bacterial vaginosis), sweet (yeast infection), or putrid (tampon left in too long) require attention and possible medical intervention.

Normal/healthy smells:

• Spicy/Sour: Often compared to the smell of sourdough, yogurt or other products with lactobacilli, this probiotic is vital for maintaining pH levels. Healthy bacteria keep the vagina more acidic to protect against the overgrowth of harmful bacteria that can cause infections.
• Metallic/Copper: The familiar penny smell in vaginal odor is due to iron in the blood. The odor is most common during or at the end of the menstrual cycle. It can also occur from minor cuts or scrapes in those who experience vaginal dryness, but is less likely. If you notice vaginal itching or discharge along with bleeding, you may want to see your doctor as this could be more serious.
• Sweet/earthy: A slight sweetness (or “molasses” aroma) means your body’s healthy bacteria are working as they should. The sweet aroma may simply be because your body experiences a slight change in smell, which is completely normal as our bodies change over time.
• Bleach/Ammonia: A bleach or chemical smell can indicate a few things. Urine contains a byproduct of ammonia called urea, and when traces of urine remain on your underwear or around the vulva, they can give off a chemical-like odor. A strong ammonia odor can also be caused by dehydration, as it causes the urea in the urine to be more concentrated, leaving a more pungent odor. While the smell is usually not harmful, if you experience other symptoms, such as itching or burning, this may be a sign of bacterial vaginosis.

Abnormal/unhealthy vaginal odors:

• Trichomoniasis: trichomoniasis It is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is often the result of having unprotected sex or having multiple sexual partners. Symptoms include a faint fishy odor and green, foamy discharge. It can also cause irritation and pain during sexual intercourse.
• Bacterial vaginosis: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) It is another STI caused by an overgrowth of bacteria that upsets the balance of healthy bacteria in the vagina. BV can be caused by several things, including having multiple sexual partners or even douching. Symptoms include a fishy odor and increased vaginal discharge (usually white or gray). Irritation, itching and burning sensations are also common.
• Fungal infection: TO fungal infection It has a sweeter odor (similar to beer) with a thicker (whitish or yellow) and clumpy discharge. The infection occurs when an overgrowth of yeast develops in the vagina caused by warm, humid environments (think non-breathable clothing). Many experience itching, irritation, burning and pain; Fortunately, most over-the-counter antifungal medications will take care of that. It’s important to note that taking antibiotics, in general, can increase the risk of yeast infection in some people because it kills the good bacteria in the vagina. Greves says, “If you’ve experienced this type of discharge before and think it might be a yeast infection, see your doctor after trying an over-the-counter cream to help with yeast infections.”
• Rotten: A horrible, putrid smell indicates that the tampon has been left in the vagina for too long. The discharge can be yellow, pink, green, brown or gray and can cause bacterial vaginosis if left for too long. Some of the symptoms include abdominal or pelvic pain, redness or swelling around the vagina, fever, and pain when urinating. If you cannot remove the tampon yourself, contact a healthcare professional immediately. Keeping a tampon in for too long can cause toxic shock syndrome (TSS)which can be life-threatening if not addressed.

7 Natural Remedies for Vaginal Odor aka How to Get Rid of Vaginal Odor

Implementing natural remedies to combat odor is the safest (and one of the most effective) methods you can approach when it comes to something as delicate as your vaginal health. Here is a list of ways to get rid of (or prevent) vaginal odor:

1. Wear breathable underwear: Cotton is by far the best material if you want to keep your vagina happy and healthy. It is considered very breathable and absorbs excess moisture better than alternative products. Merino wool, linen, and bamboo are also great options. Be sure to stay away from synthetic materials, such as nylon, polyester, and spandex. These are among the worst options due to the lack of airflow. Not only do they trap moisture, but they are also the perfect place for bacteria to grow and develop an infection. Unfortunately, it doesn’t end there. Most leggings and yoga pants use the same spandex, nylon, and polyester materials that are terrible for our vaginal microbiome.
2. Avoid odors around your vagina: Always avoid perfumes, powders, spray deodorants, vaginal deodorants, scented soaps and lotions, antibacterial soaps, vaginal douches, and other scented products (including laundry soaps). “A vagina is made to clean itself and was designed with certain good bacteria that are present and do a lot of the work,” Greves explains. “The use of deodorant products or feminine hygiene products can alter the natural bacterial flora.” This causes bacterial overgrowth, skin irritation, and will only make vaginal odor worse.
3. Wash your vagina carefully: By now it is clear how delicate the vagina is, and this also applies to washing. Rubbing too hard can create micro-tears that can lead to irritation or infection. Wash gently using unscented soaps on the external parts and, most importantly, NEVER use soap on the inside of the vagina. This can affect your pH and cause irritation and infection. It is also not necessary to clean the inside of the vagina, as it cleans itself.
4. Shower regularly: This may be a bit obvious, but when it comes to your vagina, you need a balanced level of care (i.e. don’t overwash it, but do maintain healthy hygiene habits). Excessive washing can cause irritation, imbalance, and even make the vagina smell worse. If you shower more than once a day (i.e. after exercising), consider washing your vagina with water only, as you don’t want to irritate the skin or alter the pH. That said, it’s still important to practice good hygiene. Our bodies accumulate sweat, dirt and dead skin throughout the day, which needs to be removed to prevent infections.
5. Take probiotics: Taking probiotics regularly is one of the best things you can do for your vaginal health if you find yourself a little off balance. Probiotics support healthy bacteria, help prevent some infections, and can restore a healthy pH level, all of which help reduce odor. HUM’s Private Party combines three crucial vaginal probiotics with a cranberry supplement to create a product that balances a healthy vaginal microbiome and urinary tract. The probiotic provides healthy bacteria to the body, naturally balancing pH levels and helping to prevent the onset of urinary tract infections, which can also cause an imbalance in pH.
6. Change out of your wet swimsuit: Normally we don’t think twice about the consequences of wearing a wet swimsuit while having fun at the beach or pool. But wearing a wet swimsuit in a dark, warm environment for too long is the perfect place for bacteria to grow, resulting in a yeast infection. If you know you’ll be out all day, bring extra clothes to change into.
7. Keep hydrated: When you are dehydrated, harmful bacteria tend to build up in the vagina, causing an imbalance in pH levels and increasing the risk of infection. However, those who are well hydrated are less likely to see bacterial overgrowth and are able to maintain a healthy balance.

When to Seek Professional Help on How to Get Rid of Vaginal Odor

While some vaginal odor can be controlled simply with home remedies, others may require medical attention. If you experience itching, burning, abnormal bleeding, rash, swelling, or pain, especially when urinating or having sex, you should consult a healthcare professional. These symptoms could indicate an underlying infection or other medical condition that may require treatment. While follow-up is always a good idea, Dr. Greves says, “If you have a new sexual partner, you may want to see a doctor as soon as possible to rule out infection or if you are experiencing pain.”

Food to go…

Before jumping to conclusions about all the “what ifs,” it is essential to understand that some odors are normal and can be influenced by various natural factors throughout life. By maintaining proper hygiene, paying attention to odor changes, and incorporating some of these natural remedies into your routine, you can effectively improve your vaginal odor.