Viginal Odor

Vaginal odor is a smell that comes from your vagina. This may include the natural aroma of a healthy vaginal secretion or an unpleasant, abnormal smell resulting from an infection.

This smell of your vagina can vary throughout your period cycle and during other periods, such as pregnancy or perimenopause.

Is it Normal?

Every vagina is supposed to have some sort of smell similar to other parts of your body – including the scalp, belly button, and armpits.

The scent of your vagina is subject to change due to factors such as:

• Hydration levels
• Recent dietary choices
• Medication usage
• General health condition
• Menstrual cycle phase
• Sexual activity

Common vaginal odors include coppery, musky, meaty or fishy. However, sex might change the smell for a few hours, particularly if bodily fluids are exchanged.

To book an appointment, please email us at info.bkk@pulse-clinic.com or chat with us on your preferred platform.

+66-84-226-2569   @PulseRx     PULSEClinic

What Causes Vaginal Odor?

The natural secretions from your vaginal tissue frequently produce a smell, which is entirely normal and anticipated. However, this scent may appear more pronounced than usual.

These are some potential causes of stronger or abnormal vaginal smell:

• Sweating
• Poor hygiene practices
• Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
• Vaginitis
• Trichomoniasis
• Forgetting to remove a tampon
• Douching
• Diet
• Hormone changes (period cycle, pregnancy, menopause)

In rare cases, more severe medical issues can lead to vaginal odor, including:

• rectovaginal fistula
• cervical cancer
• vaginal cancer

Home Remedies for Smelly Vagina

If your vagina does not smell right, and that scent is not appearing with other symptoms, these home remedies might be able to eliminate the symptoms on its own.

1. Shower Regularly

If your body is signaling you with an off smell from your vagina, you may just simply need a shower. Many areas of our bodies can gather sweat, dead skin, and grime just as they can produce vaginal scents.

Having consistent hygiene habits can prevent the buildup of unpleasant odors. However, if the odor persists and there is no time for a shower, a simple solution is to use a warm washcloth to clean the pubis area and outer labia. You can also gently wipe warm water around the vulva with your hand.

2. Do NOT Wash Inside Your Vagina

You can and SHOULD wash the outer parts of your vagina, you definitely should NOT go in your hole with water, washcloth, or soap.

Yes, the vagina is self-cleansing as the bacteria naturally present within the vaginal canal to maintain its health and cleanliness without any external assistance. However, trying to clean inside the vaginal canal is not only unnecessary but also hazardous. Using scented soaps can particularly disturb the natural bacterial balance and pH of your vagina.

By disturbing your natural bacterial balance, you will increase the risk of infections such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), which can affect your vaginal odor.

3. Recent Changes in Products

Have you recently switched your detergent? Changed your body wash? Tried a different toilet paper brand? Because all these factors can impact your vagina.

You should take a moment to consider any recent changes in your routine. The soap you have used, your pick of underwear, and the tightness of your clothing can all potentially be causing this issue.

The cause could also be changing your:

• sexual lubricants
• sex toy cleaner
• type of condom (or other barrier methods)
• sexual partners

4. Stay Hydrated

Drinking lots of water is important and benefits more than just your skin. It can also promote overall vaginal health by encouraging healthy perspiration and fluid release.

5. Maintain a Well-rounded Diet

Generally, a well-rounded diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins tends to result in a milder scent compared to diets high in greasy, fast foods.

A balanced diet contributes to overall bodily health, including vaginal health. However, be mindful that some highly aromatic foods like asparagus, garlic, and onions can lead to a more pronounced vaginal odor.

Therefore, if you have been consuming a lot of asparagus, garlic, or onions lately, you can simply reduce your intake of these foods to help restore your vagina to its natural scent.

Medical Treatments Prescribed for Vaginal Odor

There are no medications specifically prescribed solely for vaginal odor. However, an unusual smell often comes from bacterial imbalance, infection, or hormonal changes, all of which can be effectively treated with medication.

For example, bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis, can impact vaginal odor and can be treated with prescription antibiotics.

Antibiotics may also be prescribed for various types of infections, such as:

• Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

For people experiencing changes, odors, and other symptoms associated with menopause, hormone replacement medications, either localized or oral, can be prescribed to provide relief.

Treatments to Avoid

1. Douches and Scrubs

Remember our advice not to wash the inside of your vagina? This extends to avoiding products such as douches and scrubs marketed for internal use. These products may promise to get rid of odor-causing “bad” bacteria, but they also remove the beneficial infection-fighting bacteria. Aggressively washing the inside of the vagina can disrupt the balance of bacteria.

2. Foods

You should NEVER, under any circumstance, put garlic gloves, cottage cheese, or yogurt inside your vaginal canal. Raw garlic can lead to burning, itching, and allergic reactions.

Inserting food into your vaginal canal is something you should never do. Food items will not benefit your vaginal microbiome and may cause harm.

3. Scented Feminine Hygiene Product

Numerous scented tampons, pads, and toilet paper are available in stores, It is advisable to steer clear of these. The vagina is a highly sensitive ecosystem that can be adversely affected by these scented products.

When Should You Consult a Doctor?

It is always best to consult a doctor if you have any concerns. It is particularly crucial if:

• You have recently started sexual activity with a new partner or partners.
• You are experiencing additional symptoms such as pain, irritation, burning, or unusual discharge.
• You are pregnant or planning to conceive.

Even without an underlying infection, a doctor can offer assistance. They can determine recent medications, hydration levels, or other lifestyle factors that might be contributing to the odor and guide the next steps.

Preventing Vaginal Odor

1. Assess Your Typical Odor

The most frequent indicator that something is wrong with your vagina is a change in odor. Particularly a change in smell that cannot be explained by where you are in your cycle.

By becoming familiar with the usual range of vagina smells you will be better equipped to recognize any deviations indicating an issue.

2. Use Cotton

Cotton is significantly more breathable than other materials and effectively draws sweat and fluids away from your body. Other materials can trap excess, potentially upset your natural bacterial balance, and increase the risk of infections.

Excess moisture can encourage yeast overgrowth, changing the natural bacterial environment and potentially disturbing your natural scent.

3. Stop Wearing Tight Clothes

Apart from underwear, tight clothing can retain moisture in the groin area. That moisture can cause stinky and irritating side effects.

Good ventilation between your legs is crucial for maintaining vaginal health. Healthcare professionals suggest that wearing thongs daily may contribute to unpleasant vaginal odors. This is because bacteria from the rectum could unintentionally move toward the vagina and urinary tract, causing odors or more serious problems.

If you notice a change in smell or would like to lower the chances of a change in smell, we recommend steering clear of skin-tight leggings and jeans.

A change in vaginal odor can indicate a more serious condition that may require professional attention and treatment. It is advisable to consult a doctor promptly to prevent symptoms from getting worse.

PULSE Clinic offers fast, confidential, and fuss-free candidiasis and vaginosis testing. Should you have any inquiries or concerns, feel free to contact us or make an appointment to consult a doctor for an appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

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We’re here to help

With whatever you’re experiencing, you are not alone. PULSE Social Enterprise is here for any concerns and questions that you might have about your health.

From general wellness to mental well-being to sexual health, we will be sure to give you fast, reliable, and safe diagnosis, treatment, and consultation.

To book an appointment, please email us at info.bkk@pulse-clinic.com or chat with us on your preferred platform.

+66-84-226-2569  @PulseRx    PULSEClinic