This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.
Do you have a fishy smell down there? If so, don't worry, you're not alone. Many women experience vaginal odor at some point in their lives. There are many different causes of vaginal odor, but fortunately, there are also many ways to get rid of it and enjoy a fresh-smelling vagina. In this blog post, we will discuss the top vaginal smell remedies as well as the way to differentiate between normal odor and discharge.
Is It Normal To Have Vaginal Odor?
Women have a natural odor. This can be enhanced depending on your diet, sexual activity, and the time of the month. If you feel like something smells off down there, this is most likely due to an infection or another underlying cause that should be treated as soon as possible. So how will you know if it's a normal discharge from my vagina?
The normal smell of a vagina can be described as musky, metallic, or fleshy. However, this can change depending on your cycle, changes in hormone levels, pregnancy, or even menopause can impact the scent of your vagina.
Top Ways To Get Rid Of Vaginal Odor
While it can be completely normal to have some type of vaginal odor, there may be times when it's too pungent for your liking. Here are our top vaginal smell remedies that can help you get rid of any unwanted odors:
Invest In Proper Hygiene
It's no surprise that proper hygiene is a great way to prevent any unwanted smells. You should be cleaning your vagina with warm water and soap once or twice a day. However, it's important not to overdo it as this can cause irritation, leading to an even worse odor down there.
Eat A Balanced Diet
Vaginal freshness can be affected by your diet. If you're eating lots of sugary foods, it may be the reason why your vagina smells. Eating a balanced diet is one of the best things you can do for your health, and that includes down there! Feeding yourself with lots of fiber and protein while incorporating lots of vegetables is an easy way to help reduce any odors you may be experiencing.
Wear Breathable Underwear
One of the easiest ways to get rid of vaginal odor is by wearing breathable underwear made out of materials such as cotton. This allows your vagina to breathe instead of being trapped and sweaty in those tight pants all day long. However, try to also ensure that the underwear you choose isn't too tight, as this can also cause bacteria to build up and create an unpleasant odor.
Avoid Strong Soaps And Other Irritants
The last thing you want to do when dealing with a foul-smelling vagina is to use products that will irritate it. So while it's essential to keep yourself clean, you want to avoid using products that have a heavy fragrance. This also includes checking the laundry detergent you use as well to ensure there are no harmful chemicals that could cause unnecessary reactions.
Don't Linger In Wet Swimsuits Or Clothing
Another great vaginal smell remedy is to change out of your wet swimsuit or sweaty clothes as soon as possible. By allowing yourself to stay in damp clothing, you're creating a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to an unpleasant smell down there! So when you're done swimming or working out, you'll want to ensure your shower and put on dry clothing to protect your vagina.
Invest In Probiotics
Another way to help get rid of vaginal odor is by taking probiotics. This can help regulate the bacteria down there and minimize any bad smells. You can either take a probiotic supplement or eat yogurt, which contains live cultures that will help to improve your gut health overall.
Use Boric acid suppositories for BV
If you find that a thick, white discharge accompanies your vaginal odor, then you may have bacterial vaginosis (BV). This can be treated with over-the-counter boric acid suppositories. Boric acid is a natural antifungal and antibacterial agent that can help to clear up any infection fairly quickly. You can also take Boric acid as a preventative measure to help ensure you don't have any issues moving forward with funky smells or odors.
Incorporate Deodorant Spray
Another way to help get rid of vaginal odor is by using a deodorant spray specifically designed for the vagina. You can use this type of product any time you need some quick freshening up after a workout or even during your period as well! This will help keep odors at bay and help you feel refreshed, regardless of what's going on in your everyday life.
Drink More Water
Drinking more water is one of the best ways to get rid of vaginal odor because it helps keep your body hydrated and flushes out toxins that can cause an unpleasant scent. By drinking at least eight glasses a day, you'll also notice fewer headaches, better digestion, clearer skin - all leading up to feeling great from head to toe!
When Should I See A Doctor?
While you use all of the above steps to help get rid of an odor, there may be times when it's better to see a medical professional instead of relying on home remedies. For example, if you have a persistent, foul smell that doesn't seem to be going away no matter what you do, then it's time to schedule an appointment with your gynecologist.
Additionally, if you experience any other symptoms such as itching, burning, or inflammation down there, then it's best to get checked out as soon as possible. These could be signs of a more serious infection that needs to be treated right away.
Conclusion
If you've experienced vaginal odor, you're not alone. The best way to get rid of a vaginal odor is by keeping it clean and dry. You can do this by showering regularly, changing out of wet clothes as soon as possible, avoiding certain foods that may cause irritation like spicy foods or alcohol (if you drink), wearing cotton underwear instead of nylon ones because they breathe better!
