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It’s normal for your vagina to have a slight odor. But if you feel your vagina has a strong odor, such as a fishy smell or an unpleasant smell, it could be a symptom of another health issue or problem. [1] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source The odor may be accompanied by other symptoms like itching, burning, irritation, or vaginal discharge. [2] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source In general, if you have vaginal odor without other symptoms, the odor may not be abnormal. [3] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source There are several common infections found in your vagina that could cause an unpleasant odor or smell, and you can try home remedies as well as professional products to get rid of the odor fast.
Steps
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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. [4] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- 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. [5] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source [6] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
- 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. [7] X Research source
- 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 formulated to help women get rid of vaginal odor and stop vaginal infections like bacterial vaginosis. This supplement contains garlic, neem bark extract, biotin, zinc, selenium, and Lactobacillus Acidophilus. Femanol claims to help re establish the good bacteria in your vagina and help your immune system fight off any infections.
- Keep in mind herbal supplements can be expensive and are not regulated by the Federal Drug Administration, so manufacturers are not required to demonstrate that they are effective. They should be used with caution.
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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. [8] X Trustworthy Source US Office on Women's Health U.S. government agency providing resources for women's health Go to source
- 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. [9] X Research source
- 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. [10] X Research source
- 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. [11] X Research source
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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. [12] X Research source
- 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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Note if you have a fishy odor, gray or white discharge and a burning sensation when urinating. These are all symptoms of bacterial vaginosis (BV), a common vaginal infection. There is no known cause of BV, but it can lead to an overgrowth of normally occurring vaginal bacteria and an infection. [13] X Research source
- Many women display no symptoms of BV other than an unpleasant odor. Your doctor can confirm you have BV during a check up.
- Certain activities, like unprotected sex and frequent douching, can increase your risk of developing BV.
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Check if you have a foul odor and yellow or green discharge. You may also experience pain when you urinate. These are symptoms of trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite. Men who have trichomoniasis usually display no symptoms, so both partners should be treated for this STI once it is diagnosed. [14] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- You should always practice safe sex and use condoms to reduce your risk of getting trichomoniasis.
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Note if you have a yeast-like smell and thick, white discharge. You may also experience itching, soreness, and a burning sensation when you urinate or have intercourse. These are all symptoms of a yeast infection. This infection occurs when there is an overgrowth of yeast in your vagina. [15] X Trustworthy Source US Office on Women's Health U.S. government agency providing resources for women's health Go to source
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Check if you have a strong odor and watery discharge. These could be signs that the odor is due to hormonal changes during menstruation or between ovulation and your next period. You are susceptible to unpleasant vaginal odors during these stages of your cycle. [16] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
- Depending on your age and your medical history, you could also be experiencing another hormonal change: menopause. Women can experience a smelly, watery discharge during menopause.
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Notice if you have an odor after you work out or sweat. When your whole body sweats, your vagina can end up smelling sweaty and unpleasant. Your external genitals have a special gland called apocrine sweat glands, which are also found in your armpits, nipples, ear canals, eyelids, and the wings of your nostrils. These glands release an oily fluid that is metabolized by the bacteria on the surface of your skin, thereby letting off a noticeable smell. [17] X Research source
- Wearing tight clothing and sweating in tight clothing can make the odor worse by trapping sweat and bacteria onto your skin. If you are overweight, it may be difficult for your body to release odors around your groin due to skin folds from excess weight.
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Make sure you did not forget to remove your tampon. If you forget to remove your tampon, this can cause a buildup of menstrual blood and bacteria. This buildup can irritate your vagina, causing itching and a strong, unpleasant smell and discharge. [18] X Research source [19] X Research source
- If you realize you forgot to remove your tampon, you should see your gynecologist immediately. She can safely remove it for you and treat any infection due to the forgotten tampon.
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Talk to your doctor if you think you have bacterial vaginosis. Your doctor will perform a pelvic exam and take a sample of your vaginal secretions to confirm you have BV. She will then prescribe a pill or a cream to help eliminate the infection. [20] X Research source
- You may receive Metronidazole, a medication available in pill or gel form. Your doctor may prescribe Clindamycin, available in the form of a cream you insert into your vagina. Finally, your doctor may prescribe Tinidazole, which can be taken orally.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while on Metronidazole and Tinidazole and for at least one day after completing treatment with either drug.
- Recurrence of BV symptoms within three to 12 months of treatment is common. If your symptoms recur, talk to your doctor about other treatment options.
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Get prescribed medication from your doctor for trichomoniasis. Your doctor will test a sample of your vaginal fluid to confirm you have this STI. She will then prescribe one megadose of either metronidazole or tinidazole. If you have a sexual partner, you and your partner should both be treated for trichomoniasis. [21] X Trustworthy Source US Office on Women's Health U.S. government agency providing resources for women's health Go to source
- Avoid sexual intercourse until one week after treatment, when the infection is cured. You should not drink alcohol 24 hours after taking metronidazole or 72 hours after taking tinidazole, as this can cause severe nausea and vomiting.
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Ask your doctor about yeast medication if you have a yeast infection. Your doctor will perform a pelvic exam and take a sample of your vaginal secretions to confirm you have a yeast infection. [22] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
- If you have an uncomplicated yeast infection, with mild to moderate symptoms and infrequent episodes of yeast infections, your doctor will prescribe a one time application or one to three day application of an antifungal cream, an ointment, a tablet, or a suppository. Your doctor may also recommend an over the counter treatment.
- If you have a complicated yeast infection, where your infection is recurring and your symptoms are severe, your doctor may prescribe a vaginal cream, ointment, tablet, or suppository for seven to ten days. Your doctor may also recommend a maintenance plan to monitor your yeast growth and prevent further yeast infections.
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Tips
- If there is no infection present, sometimes just a warm bath with plain water a few nights a week is enough to alleviate the concern.Thanks
- Often, what women think is a vaginal discharge odor is actually just a normal odor from the sweat glands. Also, sometimes the odor is actually from leaking urine, which has many causes but is common after childbearing.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17905-vaginal-odor
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/3963-bacterial-vaginosis
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17905-vaginal-odor
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/14598-probiotics
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003158.htm
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/bv.htm
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/drugs-bath-salts.html
- ↑ https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/douching
- ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/vaginitis/how-do-i-prevent-vaginitis
- ↑ https://uihc.org/educational-resources/vulvar-skin-care-guidelines
- ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/vaginal-yeast-infection
- ↑ https://www.unicef.org/media/91346/file/UNICEF-Guide-menstrual-hygiene-materials-2019.pdf
- ↑ https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/vaginal-discharge
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/4719-vaginal-discharge
- ↑ https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/vaginal-yeast-infections
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/bacterial-vaginosis-test/
- ↑ https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/vaginal-discharge
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/supplies.html
- ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/menstruation/how-do-i-use-tampons-pads-and-menstrual-cups
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/bv.html
- ↑ https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/trichomoniasis
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/std/bv/stdfact-bacterial-vaginosis.htm
About This Article
Article Summary
X
The fastest way to get rid of vaginal odor is to keep the area clean by using water and a mild, unscented soap. While it’s tempting, avoid douching and using feminine sprays, which can remove the healthy bacteria in your vagina and make the condition worse. You should also wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom to keep your vagina free of bacteria that can lead to bad odors. When you’re on your period, change your tampon or pad every 4 to 6 hours to prevent odors from building up. Along with good hygiene habits, stick to loose clothing and 100 percent cotton underwear to increase air flow and prevent odors due to sweating and bacteria. For more advice from our Medical co-author, including how to get rid of vaginal odor with natural remedies, keep reading!
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- "I have just got my results back from the doctor saying I got an infection, so she gave me some antibiotics. The doctor was also just teaching a bit on how to keep my vaginal and vulva area clean. Another read on this article really helped a lot." ..." more
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