Just like looking for ways of getting rid of smelling underwear is embarrassing to discuss with others, so also is vaginal odor. Living with one who may be experiencing it isn’t very comfortable.

Today in this article, we’ll take you through the best strategies for getting rid of vaginal odors and staying all fresh. But before going into that, let’s quickly look at the various types of vaginal odor.

What are the Different Types of Vaginal Odors?

It is worth noting that vaginal odor changes with hormonal shifts during pregnancy, menopause, and when experiencing your menstrual cycle. A mild musky smell isn’t a reason you should be all bothered. However, you’ll need to consult your doctor when you experience other vagina odors. Below are some vaginal odors you need to be worried about.

· Beer-like or sweet vaginal odor

The vaginal is prone to producing a sweet smell like honey when there is an overgrowth of yeast. Sometimes, it smells like bread, beer, flour, or even sour.

· Fishy vaginal odor

When there is an overgrowth of healthy bacteria in your pubic region that affects the whole vaginal ecosystem, it produces a fishy smell accompanied by a thin grey discharge or bad stench right after sex. This fishy vaginal odor is primarily caused by bacteria vaginosis (a common vaginal infection among females aged 15-44).

But How Can I Get Rid of Vaginal Odor at Home?

When the vagina smell isn’t accompanied by other symptoms like itching or a feeling of dryness, amongst others, you may be able to find relief on your own.

The best ways you can get rid of vaginal odor with ease include:

· Practice good hygiene

Incorporating various safe and gentle vaginal hygiene practices can help reduce the rate at which your vaginal smell. Sometimes, the off smell might be a sign you need a warm bath. The vaginal is enclosed with low ventilation, so it accumulates sweat, dirt, and even dead skin. All those alone can affect the smell of your vaginal. Other hygiene practices include;

Urinating after sex.
- Using different underwear each day or changing when underwear is soiled or sweaty
- Use of unscented products in washing under wears.
- Washing the vulva with warm water when you notice an unpleasant smell.
- Use of fragrance-free for the vulva only.
- Cleaning the vagina and the outer lips with a washcloth. This helps prevents fecal matter from entering the vagina.

· Avoid washing inside the vagina.

When we suggest washing the vagina as a good practice for getting rid of vaginal odors, we didn’t necessarily mean washing the inside of the vaginal but the outside (that is, the vulva). The vagina is a self-cleaning machine (the natural form and number of good bacteria in the vaginal canal are made to keep the canal fresh, healthy, and clean all the time) and needs no external help in cleaning itself. However, washing inside the vaginal canal can disrupt your vaginal natural bacterial make-up and pH, leading to an overgrowth of healthy bacteria. This overgrowth puts you at a high risk of developing infections like bacterial vaginosis, which sometimes comes with a fishy smell and grey discharge.

· Opt for internal menstruation products

During menstruation, some ladies notice a rather strong vaginal odor. This is considered normal as menses itself have an awful odor. It can cause an odor similar to iron or ammonia. To this effect, you are advised to use internal menstruation products. Some maxi pads and reusable cloth pads have moisture that can contribute to odor. Even sitting on a wet pad can provoke the occurrence of an infection.

· Try consuming probiotics

Probiotics consist primarily of good bacteria that keep your body healthy and function well. It also supports healthy bacteria in the body and inhibits the growth of bad bacteria, thereby preventing vaginal infections like yeast infections. However, if you experience frequent infections, you are advised to consult your doctor about probiotics or other available options.

WRAP UP

Having vaginal odor at times is 100% natural and normal and shouldn’t cause panic. But when the odor gets awful (more like smelling fishy) and lingers for days with heavy discharge and other symptoms, you have to see your gynecologist immediately.