In this article, My HealthCare Tips helps you shed light on vaginal odor, one of the most common health issues that cause both discomfort and embarrassment to most women and find out how to get rid of vaginal odor effectively and naturally.
As its name suggests, vaginal odor is the term related to a condition where an afflicted individual can experience a foul odor originating from her vagina. Basically, it is quite normal for a bit of odor from the vagina, however, a persistent “fishy” smell can become indicative of further severe health problems.
What is Vaginal Odor?
On normal circumstance, vagina usually possesses a slight odor. However, vaginal odor refers to the somewhat strong smell coming out of the vagina, for example, “fishy” smell. In fact, vaginas own different natural odors and each female will have different odors.
If your vagina is healthy, then the typical smell would be said to be musky. This is normal, then what’s not normal? It tends to be more persistent and have strong odors. And these strong vaginal odors often indicate other conditions such as irritation, burning, itching and even discharge of the vagina.
But don’t worry because your abnormal vaginal odor would take place from time to time. Even when you’re taking great care of the body and vagina, you still encounter strange and bad odors. So how many types of vaginal odor you know? It’s time to explore now:
How many types of vaginal odor?
It’s recommended for females and women to be conscious about their vaginal smells. This helps you know how to get rid of vaginal odor effectively.
Your vagina can have the musky or mild smell. According to the research, it states that this odor occurs due to some pheromones that help raise the sexual attractiveness. Besides, the smell can easily change with some hormonal shifts when you’re pregnant, or in the menopause.
Thus, a subtle smell is not truly a cause for your concern. Meanwhile, if you have some other different odors, then prepare for a call to your doctor. The first type of vaginal odor is the fishy vaginal odor.
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Fishy vaginal odor
People commonly called it bacterial vaginosis (also known as BV) – the typical vaginal infection occurring among women of the child-bearing age. It’s easy to picture how it happens. Once something tries to upset the complex chemistry of your vagina, some harmful germs would possibly grow out of control, releasing the fishy smell.
As a result, some females having that BV condition easily experience some symptoms, from itching to burning. But for some others, the odor is the only one symptom. And to treat that problem, your doctor will prescribe some antibiotics.
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Beer-like vaginal odor
I know that you want to learn how to get rid of vaginal odor, but before that; you must know what causes your vagina to smell like beer! And the yeast development is the main culprit for the problem. It will produce a sweet odor that reminds you of some cookies. The vagina would smell like beer or bread after that. But at times, the odor is slightly sour.
Together with that, you’ll suffer the strong burning, itching, and the dryness that typically accompanies the yeast infections. When the time passes by, you’ll feel that the smell gets worse, and even a few people experience a discharge just like the cheese.
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Other Odors
Due to a few hormonal changes during your menopause, the smell of your vagina can be changed. Afterward, the vagina will be left dry. Besides, the STs, or the trichomoniasis, which are said to change that odor, too. So once noticing any change in your vaginal odor, especially when that smell is getting stronger or causing it to be unpleasant, call for a trip to your doctor. More importantly, you can use perfume, but do not use it too much to cover up that smell.
Vaginal odor is a fact of life, so don’t worry because you’re not alone! Let’s find out with me why it smells off like that:
What causes Vaginal Odor?
The odor might appear during the female menstrual cycle as well as sometimes after having sexual intercourse. Even normal sweat can trigger the vaginal odor. Although products like the deodorant can temporary eliminate the odor, they might even cause other side effects such as irritation along the way.
Common causes of vaginal odor can be the following:
- Bacterial Vaginosis: the vagina is infected by bacteria which has overgrown.
- Trichomoniasis: the type of infection which is spread through sexual activities.
- Poor hygiene as well as a forgotten tampon.
- Hormonal changes: The change in hormone can be the result of menstruation, menopause or even pregnancy can easily lead to vaginal odor, along with the foul-smelling watery discharge.
- The overuse of soap to rinse your vaginal area will cause an imbalance in the release of some natural chemicals. This also leads to uncomfortable odor and terrible odor.
- When being tempted by some beautiful and sexy thongs, you’re putting yourself at risk. So try to avoid wearing these since they will trigger the excessive odor or sweating. Just like the body, the other private parts should breathe, too.
Also, there are some uncommon causes which sometimes contribute to the appearance of vaginal odor such as cervical or vaginal cancer, rectovaginal fistula which means there are openings between vagina and rectum which feces can penetrate into the vagina and infect.
Vaginal odor becomes a terrible nightmare to many women worldwide and makes them lose lots of confidence.
What are the symptoms of Vaginal Odor?
When it comes to vaginal odor, its common warning signs are shown as follow:
- Fishy or rusty smell
- Itchiness in the vagina
- Redness
- Excess white discharge
- Terrible-smelling discharge
- Metallic-smelling
- White and thicker discharge
- Fishy Odor
- Yellowish or greenish discharge
- Irritation in the lower abs area
- Pain when having sex
Regardless of the reason, vaginal odor is extremely embarrassing and negatively affects women’s confidence and their normal life. Fortunately, apart from other medical treatments, there emerge a number of useful natural remedies to help you overcome this disturbing problem.
How to Get Rid of Vaginal Odor?
Here are the top 20 most effective vaginal odor treatments which is extremely easy to apply at home and help you solve the problem of how to get rid of vaginal odor…
1. White Vinegar
The first and foremost method on how to get rid of vaginal odor is white vinegar. White vinegar is a natural odor removal which can dispel odor-causing proteins. Just simply pour approximately 150ml white vinegar and 100g salt to bath water (warm water is better than cold water) and then soak vagina in minutes.
White vinegar can restore the vaginal pH level which limits the growth of female odor bacteria. You can use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar to get the same effect.
With antibacterial and antiseptic properties, apple cider vinegar can counteract unpleasant female odors. You can use apple cider to bath daily so as to help balance the acidity of the vagina. Just mix two cups of apple cider in warm water then soak in the mixture for about 20 minutes then wipe. Or every day, you drink a glass of water containing 1-2 tablespoons apple cider.
Vinegar is extremely effective against any type of infections related to bacteria.
2. Garlic
Garlic is a natural antibiotic that can cure the infections as well as the female odor in the vagina. You can eat raw garlic or add them to the daily dishes. Regarding tips on how to get rid of vaginal odor, it is the simplest one.
3. Baking Powder
Baking powder is an ingredient often used to restore the pH balance in the body which help solve the problem of how to get rid of vaginal odor.
Mix 15g baking powder into a glass of warm water and drink each day or dissolve 150gbaking powder into a bath and soak yourself for about 20 minutes, then wipe with a soft towel. Baking powder is capable of preventing inflammation and known as an effective deodorizer.
4. Essential Tea Oil
Essential tea oils, among many home remedies for how to get rid of vaginal odor, is a disinfectant. Therefore, it will help eliminate female odors in vaginal areas.
Dilute a little tea oil with water and use them to wash the inflamed area. You can also give 3 drops of oil in water with about 500ml apple cider vinegar and soak yourself for 30 minutes. Just bath this solution 3 to 4 times per week, disgusting odors are eliminated.
Well, using the lavender oil can be the best since the aroma of it makes anyone feel much younger. It indeed smells great all day long and prevents the issue of vaginal odor. Like other essential oils, pour the oil into the bath water and soak the whole body in it for 10 minutes at least. If not, add the oil to one liter of water and then refrigerate it. Use a cotton dab to apply to the mouth of your vagina.
5. Yogurt
Yogurt contains many lactobacillus helping restore normal pH levels in the vaginal areas. This makes the ingredient a perfect choice for an effective vaginal odor treatment. When the pH comes back to equilibrium, the problem of female odor in the vagina is completely solved.
Yogurt is proven to be women’s best friend as it can treat many problems related to female sexual health.
6. Citrus Fruits
The citrus fruits can cure inflammation of the vagina and prevent female odors. With ample amount of vitamin C, they will support the culling of toxins, strengthen the immune system. Good immunity helps you confront with harmful bacteria. This is the reason why citrus fruits are always on the list of home remedies for vaginal odor.
The citrus fruits such as grapes, oranges, lemons or grapefruit, pineapple … are the ideal choice which not only limits odors but also helps prevent urinary tract infections. So how to get rid of vaginal odor with these fruits?
Consume the fruits, which is the easiest thing to do. In another way, cut the fruits into slices and toss them all in a jar that has one liter of water. Leave them soaked in there through the night. Sip this mixture all day. Last but not least, put all the citrus fruits into a blender and juice them. Drink it up!
7. Water
One of the best ways on how to get rid of vaginal odor is drinking water. The human body needs about 1.5 to 2 liters of water to lubricate all operations and provide enough moisture for body parts.
Water contributes to purify contaminants and toxins along with dangerous bacteria that build up in the body. In addition, they also help eliminate excess sugar – one of the causes of feminine odor in vaginal areas. However, you should avoid beverages containing caffeine or sugar.
8. Blueberry Juice or Pineapple Juice
These are natural fruit juices helping balance bacteria in the urinary tract. So how to get rid of vaginal odor with those fruits? Drinking a glass of blueberry juice or pineapple juice every day may help improve the situation of unpleasant female odor.
Besides working as active agents in home remedies for vaginal odors, blueberries juice and pineapple juice are extremely good for your skin. Notably, it is advisable to have one cup of the juice whether you have the problem or not.
9. Coconut Oil
Since ancient time, coconut oil has been seen as a trusted friend of women in treating many problems, including how to get rid of vaginal odor. Specifically, to restrain female smells or cure the common fungal infection, applying coconut oil to your affected area on a regular basis. This method is quite effective to use in emergency.
Coconut oil will help you diminish the irritating female odor. And when you feel your hormones so out of balance, then leave the rest to the oil! It will balance them out for you.
10. Fenugreek Seeds
The reason why fenugreek seeds are among effective home remedies for vaginal odor for most women can come from its help to balance the hormones when they are consumed on a daily basis. This kind of seed has been shown to be beneficial for boosting the regular menstrual cycles. Then how to get rid of vaginal odor with these seeds?
To reap one of their amazing health benefits, you can try to make the tea by boiling a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in a glass of water before straining and then consuming this herbal tea twice per day.
11. Indian Gooseberry
Known as amla, Indian gooseberry becomes an amazing help on how to get rid of vaginal odor. It serves as an organic cleanser and a natural blood purifier and subsequently reducing the infection resulting in vaginal odor. Also, this natural ingredient is traditionally used to manage thick vaginal discharge. In order to eliminate this problem, you can consume Indian gooseberry regularly in raw or another form such as juice, pickles, powder and so on.
12. Guava Leaves
Thanks to Tannis, anti-microbial and anti-oxidant agents present in guava leaves, they can help greatly combat bacterial vaginosis. To stop vaginal odor, you can make use of this treatment by creating an effective vaginal wash as following these steps:
- Boil about 10 guava leaves in a liter of water until half of the water evaporation goes away
- Allow the water to cool before straining it
- Wash the vagina two times daily with this water to maximize its benefits
- Or you can drink this before having breakfast every day for two weeks.
13. Turmeric
Turmeric has been used as a wonderful home remedy for vaginal odor for generations due to the anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Simply, you can add a teaspoon of turmeric powder to a cup of warm milk and take it per day before bedtime.
14. Neem
Neem can be your satisfactory answer on how to get rid of vaginal odor because it has antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties that aid in fighting vaginal odor and eliminating the vaginal infection. To take advantages of neem, you can boil neem leaves with some water and allow it to dry. Do remember to wash the vaginal area with this handmade solution daily for several days or even a week.
15. Epsom Salt
The astringent and anti-bacterial agents found in Epsom salt play an essential role in fighting vaginal odor resulted from bacterial vaginosis. Mix a teaspoon of Epsom salt in a bathtub with warm water and dip your whole body into it for about 10 minutes. Performing the same process two times per week can generate positive outcomes and become a long-term treatment for this unpleasant problem.
16. Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice can work wonderfully as a natural acid that helps control the pH level to inhibit the bacterial development. Regarding the application, you can consume a cup of undiluted cranberry juice daily to make it become a long way towards getting rid of vaginal odor.
17. Leafy Green Vegetable
Apart from the above-listed ways on how to get rid of vaginal odor, you can consider eating a few of leafy green vegetables including lettuce, cabbage, spinach, etc in your diet to eliminate this “fishy” smell.
18. Perfume
As you are at high risk of vaginal odor, do not forget to try perfume since it can reduce the bad odor quickly. Simply spray a little dosage of perfume from the knees towards the inner thighs to make your vaginal area smell better.
19. Select Airy Underwear
You should choose underwear appropriately if you are serious about learning how to get rid of vaginal odor. Opt for the pants made of cotton and have the absorbent ability.
20. Wash Genital Areas After Going Pee
Urine often makes genital area wet and leads to unpleasant female odor. So, to quickly get rid of vaginal odor, remember to wash after going pee so as to keep the genital area clean and avoid bacteria.
21. Betel leaves
Another excellent method for how to get rid of vaginal odor is using betel leaves. These can be availed to treat other smelly issues. So let’s prepare some betel leaves and the tampon at first.
First, tear the leaves into little pieces until it arrives at the warm temperature. Next, cool down the decoction until it reaches the pleasant temperature. And then dip the tampon in the liquid and put it right in your vagina. Try to keep it right there for 15 minutes, and then get rid of it. But how often should you do that?
It’s okay to repeat the process every day for a week. And drink the decoction about twice per day, or only use the water to wash your vagina.
22. Seeds and nuts
How to get rid of vaginal odor with only nuts? It’s easy! Seeds or nuts have an enormous amount of Vitamin E, which is renowned for preventing you from the vaginal dryness and itching experience. Meanwhile, the seeds of pumpkin and almonds tend to have a lot of zinc – it can avoid the vaginal dryness and bacterial development pretty well.
How about some other nuts such as flax seeds or walnuts? These twos are rich in omega-3-fatty acid while the sunflower seeds or hazelnuts are excellent at regulating your menstrual cycle. All of them can prevent the dryness and hormone imbalance in your vagina.
Firstly, you must soak the almond seeds in a blow of water for four hours before peeling their skin and tossing into a blender. Next, throw in some hazelnuts and add milk for a spin. Later, pour the milk into a cup and add the flaxseed powder. Stir them well. This mixture truly works well for your vaginal odor.
But more than that, both milk and nuts can power up the bones, boost the brain, and remove oxygen radicals as well as improve your immunity.
Foods To Avoid
In addition to those above-mentioned treatments, there are some foods and beverages that should be stayed away in order not to bother you with their strong odor.
You should avoid drinking coffee, tea, and eating asparagus, beetroot, curry, hot foods or anything with a strong odor.
Is it easy to fight against female odor in the vagina, right? Good luck and have a fun.
When will you see a doctor?
If you find that this odor goes along with some abnormal symptoms, then the best thing for how to get rid of vaginal odor is skipping the above home remedies to consult a doctor. How come? For instance, once noticing that strange smell becomes more intense than casual or seems to be more unpleasant, let’s make an appointment.
So if you now have a fishy vaginal odor, do it soon. These could be the signs of an issue that hasn’t improved yet. Therefore, you need the proper medication or the right prescription remedy from the expert. Or whenever seeing an increase in your discharge or realizing if your fluids aren’t white and translucent anymore, there must be an infection here.
Also, you can have itching experience, but that’s normal. If you’re likely to experience the usual itching, you’re probably experiencing some signs of the vast problem. Don’t want to encounter that problem again? Get started to get some good ideas on how to prevent the future odor:
How to avoid your next vaginal odor?
Once you’ve known how to get rid of vaginal odor at the time, I suggest you keep all of these tips below to prevent it from reappearing in the future:
- Consider using some probiotics, which are apparently great for you. They have the function of maintaining the pH balance in the vagina. Try to consume some probiotic-based foods, such as yogurt, miso soup, dark chocolate, pickles, and more.
- Have healthy diets: This aims to help you consume a balanced diet daily, which includes fruits, veggies, whole grains, and some lean proteins. As being said, a balanced diet could make for a great body, and your vagina as well.
- Keep your body hydrated: Drinking a lot of water will be the top priority you shouldn’t miss here, which is useful not just for the skin. It also boosts the general health status of your vagina by promoting healthy sweating.
- Stay away from scrubs or douches: Stop misunderstanding that they will help remove any lousy germ. In contrast, they only remove the good bacteria and let the body handle the condition. So make sure to let the body work out the ratios of these bacteria and skip doing these strong washes.
- Rinsing the vagina right before and after having sex. The intercourse only releases bacteria and even the external substances (lubrication and sperms) to your vagina. Does it sound scary? Let’s rinse before and after your intercourse to keep your natural germ levels.
- Avoid wearing tight outfits: Remember that any piece of clothing seems too tight won’t allow that vagina and groin region breathe at all. So ensure to leave plenty of oxygen here to maintain great vaginal health status.
- Put on cotton panties: Why should you choose cotton material? That’s because cotton can absorb the excess moisture from sweating and discharge. Don’t pick up the synthetic ones since they’re not as good as cotton.
Conclusion
How to get rid of vaginal odor? This question has been asked several times recently, and I’m sure that that worry will be gone after you finish reading the article. The mentioned-above home remedies are in charge of reducing the abnormal vaginal odor for one week. And if seeing that smell hasn’t gone, or when it tends to become more unpleasant, go to see a doctor.
The intense odor is possibly a sign of a bigger issue, which is something that you cannot treat on your own. Thus, it’s best to consult a doctor early before the problem gets worse.
