22 Best Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Vaginal Odor

Our vagina produces a whitish or clear fluid called vaginal discharge (1). Mostly odorless or with a musky scent, the discharge protects the vagina against infection, provides lubrication, and maintains the overall vaginal health (2, 3). However, it may also be responsible for vaginal odor, and many women often look for ways to reduce it. Thankfully, there are some ways to get rid of the vaginal odor naturally.

Do keep in mind that the consistency, quantity, and color of the discharge may change due to where you are in the menstrual cycle (4). In this article, we look at the symptoms and causes along with some of the best natural remedies you can try at home to get rid of vaginal discharge odor. Keep scrolling!

Note: You should consult your doctor for treatment if you experience itching and irritation along with a vaginal smell.

Vaginal Odor Symptoms

The symptoms of the feminine odor coming from your private parts vary among women (5). The most common symptoms are:

• Excessive white discharge
• Foul-smelling discharge
• Metallic-smelling discharge
• Thick, white discharge
• Fishy smell
• Green or yellow discharge
• Itching or pain in the vagina
• Pain in the lower abdomen area
• Pain during intercourse

What Causes Vaginal Odor?

There are many factors that can lead to a change in your vaginal discharge and/or cause that foul odor down there. The following are the usual causes of various types of vaginal odor (6):

• Vaginal yeast infection resulting in thick, white discharge.

• Sexually transmitted infections or diseases (STDs) chlamydiaⁱ  A sexually transmitted disease, common in men and women, but may severely damage the female reproductive system. , gonorrheaⁱ  A sexually transmitted bacterial infection that may cause painful urination and abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina. , andtrichomoniasisⁱ  A non-viral sexually transmitted disease that causes foul-smelling vaginal discharge, painful urination, and genital itching. causing green, yellow, or gray discharge with a foul odor. This can also be accompanied by pain in the pelvic area.

• Bacterial infections (bacterial vaginosis) that result in that fishy, foul smell.

• Change in estrogen levels due to pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopause.

• A forgotten tampon, which is producing the foul odor.

• Thongs! As tempting, colorful, and fancy as thongs may be, avoid wearing them. They can lead to irritation and excessive perspiration and odor. Wear cotton undergarments because your private parts need to breathe.

• Soap! Using too much soap in the vaginal area can cause dryness and lead to an imbalance in the production of natural chemicals, which leads to an unpleasant odor.

Apart from the causes mentioned above, certain medical conditions can also be responsible for abnormal vaginal discharge and disgusting smell

. These include cancer of the cervix or vagina. However, these conditions will be accompanied by pain and even vaginal bleeding.

Top 22 Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Vaginal Odor

To get rid of vaginal odor, all you need are some natural items that you can find right at your home. These remedies improve your vaginal health while also helping with odor control. They preserve the natural pH balance of the vagina, thereby promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. Here are the fastest and safest DIY remedies with which you can easily reduce and eliminate vaginal odor.

1. Tea Tree Oil
2. Baking Soda
3. Pineapple
4. Hydrogen Peroxide For Bacterial Vaginosis
5. Vitamin C With Rose Hips
6. Betel Leaves
7. Vinegar
8. Garlic
9. Chlorophyll
10. Yogurt
11. Herbal Capsules
12. Alum
13. Gooseberry (Amla)
14. Neem
15. Fenugreek
16. Cranberry
17. Turmeric
18. Citrus Fruits
19. Seeds & Nuts
20. Guava Leaves
21. Lavender Oil
22. Boric Acid

1. Tea Tree Oil

If you use scented commercial wipes and vaginal deodorants, it’s time to throw them in the trash bin. The chemicals in these products can disrupt the vagina’s pH balance and induce infection and foul odor. To get rid of odors, use natural tea tree oil diluted in water as a vaginal wash.

You Will Need

• A few drops of tea tree oil
• A cup of water

What You Have To Do

1. Mix three to four drops of tea tree oil in water and use this to rinse the vaginal area.
2. You can also mix 2-3 drops of tea tree oil in a small amount of olive oil and dip a tampon in the mixture and insert the tampon. Leave it in for an hour.

How Often You Should Do This

Wash with the tea tree oil water daily or several times a week. As for the ‘tampon and oil’ treatment, you can repeat it several times a week.

Why This Works

Tea tree oil is both antibacterial and antifungal, and thus will curb the infection while fighting the odor (7).

Caution

Always do a test patch on your forearm as tea tree oil might not suit everybody. Tea tree oil is very strong and that’s why you dilute it in water or olive oil.

2. Baking Soda

If you thought baking soda finds its use only in cakes and bread recipes, you are wrong. You will be surprised to see how this tested method helps you to get rid of vaginal odor quickly.

You Will Need

1/2 cup of baking soda

What You Have To Do

1. Add baking soda to your bath and soak your lower body in it for 20-30 minutes.
2. You can also mix a tablespoon of baking soda in 2 cups of water and use it as a vaginal douche.

Why This Works

The vaginal odor intensifies when the pH level of the body goes awry. Baking soda helps bring your pH levels back to normal, thus controlling the excess of bacteria and fungi. This treats the infection and eliminates the vaginal odor instantly. You can also use baking soda water as a vaginal wash (8).

3. Pineapple

This amazing fruit is said to be beneficial for your vaginal health and odor.

You Will Need

Pineapple or pineapple juice

What You Have To Do

Include raw pineapple and pineapple juice in your regular diet.

How Often You Should Do This

You can drink one to two glasses of fresh pineapple juice every day for a few days.

Why This Works

The high sugar and high enzyme content of pineapples improves the odor of your vaginal secretions.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide For Bacterial Vaginosis

Hydrogen peroxide is a multipurpose chemical that can be used to treat bacterial vaginosis and remove bad vaginal odor

. It is one of the most effective feminine odor remedies.

You Will Need

• 3% hydrogen peroxide
• 1 tampon
• Water

What You Have To Do

1. Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water. Make sure it’s only a 3% concentration.
2. Dip a tampon in this mixture and quickly insert it into the vagina. Leave it in for not more than 30 minutes.

How Often You Should Do This

You can repeat this every few hours until the foul odor subsides.

Why This Works

The natural disinfecting properties of hydrogen peroxide kill the bad bacteria in the vagina. This leads to an increase in the number of the good bacteria that are naturally present there. Many studies have been conducted, and they all prove the infection-treating capabilities of hydrogen peroxide (9, 10).

5. Vitamin C With Rose Hips

Rose hips are the seeds of the rose plant, and they contain high levels of vitamin C. Rose hips, by themselves, or in combination with a vitamin C tablet can be used to get rid of vaginal odor.

You Will Need

• Vitamin C tablet
• Rose hip powder
• 1 tampon

What You Have To Do

Crush the vitamin C tablet and mix with half a teaspoon of rose hip powder in 2 ounces of water. Dip a tampon into the mixture and insert into the vagina. Leave in place for 1 hour.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this every day until the malodorous vaginal discharge goes away.

Why This Works

Vitamin C is an immunity booster and helps remove harmful toxins from the body.

The tablet, when used in combination with rose hips, has an acidic pH and is an effective and safe method to treat bacterial vaginosis, one of the major causes of foul odor in the vagina area (11). An efficacy study conducted in 2013 also showed that using vitamin C tablets for six days a month for six months can reduce the recurrence of this infection by half (12).

6. Betel Leaves

Who knew betel leaves (paan) could be used to cure a smelly discharge problem? Read on to find out how.

You Will Need

• A few betel leaves
• Tampon

What You Have To Do

1. Tear the leaves into small pieces and boil them. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
2. Cool the decoction until it reaches lukewarm temperature.
3. Dip the tampon in this liquid and insert it into the vagina.
4. Keep it there for 15 minutes. Remove and discard.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this daily for one week. You could also drink this decoction twice a day or use the water as a vaginal wash.

Why This Works

The extract of betel leaves is used in ointments for its antibacterial properties. It also acts as an astringentⁱ  A chemical agent or substance that helps draw out water from the tissues, causing them to shrink and dry up secretions. (13).

7. Vinegar

Vinegar, especially ACV, is yet another potent remedy that is foolproof when it comes to fighting vaginal odor.

You Will Need

1 cup of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar

What You Have To Do

1. Mix two cups of vinegar in your bathwater and soak in it for 20 minutes.
2. You can also mix two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in 8 oz of water and drink it.
3. You can also mix one tablespoon of vinegar in one quart of water and use it as a douche.

How Often You Should Do This

Soak in vinegar water once daily till the foul smell discharge is treated. Drink vinegar water twice daily. Douche every two days for 2 weeks.

Why This Works

Vinegar gets rid of the toxins that cause the fishy vaginal odor. It is acidic in nature and is loaded with antibacterial properties that will help kill the odor-causing germs (14).

Caution

Rarely, a person may be allergic to vinegar. Step into the bathtub lightly, and if you experience a burning sensation, step out immediately and wash the area.

8. Garlic

Many may question the potency of garlic in treating odor, but thanks to its own pungent smell, it works amazingly. Believe us when we say that this is certainly one of the best-known home remedies to kill overpowering vaginal odor.

You Will Need

• A garlic clove
• A cheesecloth
• String

What You Have To Do

1. Peel the fresh garlic clove, and wrap it in a 6-inch square of cheesecloth.
2. Attach a small string to it. Insert it into the vagina and leave it there overnight.
3. Remove it in the morning with the help of the string.

How Often You Should Do This

Do it once overnight. The pungent vaginal odor should be gone by the morning. You can repeat if the infection and the bad odor is still there.

Why This Works

Garlic has been used since ancient times to treat infections. Various studies have proved that it has antibacterial activity against a wide range of bacteria (15, 16).

Caution: If you experience localized burning from the garlic clove, remove it immediately.

9. Chlorophyll

Do you remember reading about chlorophyll that plants use to make their own food with the use of sunlight and water? Yes, that very chlorophyll can work wonders in reducing the vaginal smell.

You Will Need

Liquid chlorophyll or chlorophyll tablets

What You Have To Do

1. Drink one tablespoon of chlorophyll diluted with 8 oz of water, and you may never have to visit the doctor to get rid of vaginal odor.
2. You can take one tablet in the night and one in the morning if you cannot find the liquid version in the pharmacy.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink or take the tablet twice a day till the fishy smell from the vagina is gone.

Why This Works

Liquid chlorophyll works as a good deodorant and helps reduce the strong and unpleasant odor (17). It is easily available with most pharmacists.

10. Yogurt

Yogurt might not be your favorite food, but it can help diminish and reduce vaginal odor considerably. Simply have two cups of unsweetened yogurt a day, preferably with meals, to restore vaginal pH balance and bring it to a normal level. You can also insert yogurt into the vagina.

You Will Need

• 1-2 teaspoons of yogurt
• 1 tampon

What You Have To Do

1. Dip the tampon in the yogurt and gently insert it into your vagina.
2. Let it be there for an hour or two. Remove and rinse the area.

Additionally, if you suffer from a very strong vaginal odor, you can also dip cotton pads in the yogurt and gently rub them on the vagina.

How Often You Should Do This

You can repeat the cotton pads method three to four times a day. The tampon method will help you to eliminate the vaginal odor overnight.

Why This Works

A strong vaginal odor can also be an indication of a yeast infection. Yogurt is considered one of the effective home remedies for yeast infections. The good probiotic bacteria in yogurt may help fight the infection and reduce the odor. Dan Jackowiak, HHP, NC, Holistic Health Practitioner and Nutritional Consultant, says, “Probiotics can help decrease vaginal odor by decreasing the amount of bad bacteria in your body and increasing the amount of good bacteria. They also help keep your immune system healthy so that it can fight off infections more effectively, preventing future issues that could cause an odor.” The acidic nature of yogurt helps bring the vaginal pH back to normal, and the lactobacillus bacteria present in it will help treat the infection. This is a home remedy for fishy odor that comes from your vagina (18, 19).

11. Herbal Capsules

An alkaline vaginal pH leads to bacterial growth and foul smell. Therefore, it is important to maintain an acidic vaginal pH. One of the best ways to maintain acidic vaginal pH is by consuming homemade herbal capsules for two consecutive weeks.

Here is how to prepare the herbal capsule:

You Will Need

• Comfrey root powder – 2 tablespoons
• Myrrh gum powder –  2 tablespoons
• Slippery elm bark – 2 tablespoons
• Goldenseal root powder – 4 tablespoons
• Echinacea root powder – 2 tablespoons
• Yellow dock root powder – 2 tablespoons
• Gelatin capsules – size 00

What You Have To Do

1. Mix all the herbal powders.
2. Fill 84 of the size 00 capsules with the herbal powder mix.
3. Store in a safe and cool place.
4. Take two capsules thrice a day.

How Often You Should Do This

Take six capsules per day for one or two weeks.

Why This Works

These homemade herbal capsules have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, which will help boost your overall health and prevent microbial growth in the vaginal area. (20, 21, 22, 23, 24)

12. Alum

Aluminum potassium sulfate is known as alum. It is widely used to clean water tanks, as a traditional aftershave ointment, and in pickles. Alum is mixed with water to kill bacteria and eliminate body odor or vaginal odor. If the vaginal odor is due to excessive white discharge, alum can be helpful in preventing the odor.

Here is how to use alum to prevent vaginal odor.

You Will Need

• Water
• Alum

What You Have To Do

1. Mix half a teaspoon of alum with a glass of water and drink it twice a day. This will help manage excess white discharge and vaginal odor.
2. Soak an alum stick in water and rub it gently near the mouth of the vagina. Alum sticks are available in the market. Do this once or twice daily until you get the desired results.
2. Mix one-fourth tablespoon of alum powder in a liter of water and wash your vagina with this water.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink alum water twice a day. Wash your vagina with alum water daily for two weeks.

Why This Works

Alum arrests bacterial growth by preventing bacterial adhesion to the vaginal wall, which is one of the reasons for vaginal odor.

13. Gooseberry (Amla)

One of the best and effective herbal home remedies to get rid of vaginal odor is to eat gooseberry or amla every day until you get the desired results. Gooseberry has a lot of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

You Will Need

• 2 gooseberries
• ½ teaspoon roasted cumin powder
• A pinch of salt
• 1 glass water

What You Have To Do

1. Use a mortar and pestle to grind the gooseberries.
2. In a glass of water, add the gooseberry paste, roasted cumin powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir well before drinking. Do this for two weeks.
3. You can also slice a gooseberry, add salt to it and let it dry in the sun for two days. Eat two or three pieces of the dried gooseberry per day for a week.
4. Cut a gooseberry in half and put it in a glass of water and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, add a little salt and roasted cumin powder and sip this water throughout the day. Do this for two weeks.
5. Juice the gooseberries and consume two tablespoons of the juice first thing in the morning every alternate day for two weeks.

How Often You Should Do This

Follow any of the above mentioned methods for at least two weeks for effective results.

Why This Works

The juice of the gooseberry contains vitamin C while cumin aids digestion and improves immunity. Both the ingredients help to boost immunity and kill bacterial growth (25, 26).

14. Neem

Neem leaves (Indian lilac) and neem bark have antimicrobial properties. Neem leaves have been used for ages to cure many skin diseases, smallpox, gut parasites, and wounds. Since vaginal odor can also be due to bacterial overgrowth, neem leaves can be used to treat vaginal odor effectively.

You Will Need

• 10 neem leaves
• 1 inch neem bark
• 1 liter water

What You Have To Do

Wash the neem leaves thoroughly and add them in water. Boil the water until the quantity reduces to half. Use this water to wash your vagina daily. Do this for at least one week.

1. Wash the neem leaves thoroughly and let them soak in water overnight. Use this water to wash your vagina.
2. Wash the neem leaves thoroughly and grind them using a mortar and pestle. Do not add water. Take the neem paste and use your palm to make five small “neem balls”. Gulp one neem ball every morning. Wash it down with water.
3. Put the neem bark in the water and boil it till the water reduces to half. Drink this water the first thing in the morning.

How Often You Should Do This

Wash your vagina with neem water twice daily for two weeks. Drink neem water every morning for two weeks.

Why This Works

Neem leaves and bark have antimicrobial properties (27). Thus, this herbal remedy may help prevent microbial growth down there and curb any odor.

15. Fenugreek

The leaves and seeds of fenugreek are both beneficial for women. It helps to maintain hormonal balance, reduces abdominal fat, improves digestion, reduces blood sugar levels, and reduces menstrual cramps (28). To use fenugreek to eliminate vaginal odor, follow these steps:

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• 1 liter water

What You Have To Do

1. Boil the fenugreek seeds in water until the quantity of water reduces to half. Cool it and drink it before breakfast every day.
2. Soak the fenugreek seeds in water overnight. Drink it the first thing in the morning every day.

How Often You Should Do This

For best results, drink fenugreek water for two weeks.

Why This Works

Fenugreek water has a subtle bitter-sweet taste. Apart from providing the body with vitamins and minerals, it balances female hormones and thus can reduce foul vaginal odor.

16. Cranberry

You might be aware that cranberry juice is highly effective in treating urinary tract infection (UTI). Cranberries have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, they will help reduce foul vaginal odor.

You Will Need

• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 liter water

What You Have To Do

1. Soak the cranberries in the water overnight. Sip this water all throughout the day. This will help to flush out toxins and prevent bacterial infections.
2. Blend or juice the cranberries and drink the juice without removing the pulp. Remove the pulp if you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink a glass of cranberry juice every day to eliminate vaginal odor.

Why This Works

Cranberries are highly effective against bacteria that affect the vagina and urinary tract. Cranberries prevent the adhesion of the bacteria on the vaginal wall, therefore preventing bacterial growth (29).

17. Turmeric

Turmeric has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It is one of the best home remedies to treat microbial infections and wounds (30).

Here is how to use turmeric to eliminate vaginal odor.

You Will Need

• 1 inch turmeric root or 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 glass milk

What You Have To Do

1. Wash the turmeric root thoroughly. Peel it and chew on it the first thing in the morning.
2. Add turmeric powder to a glass of warm milk and drink it before going to bed.
3. Wash the turmeric root thoroughly. Peel it and boil it in a liter of water until the quantity of water reduces to half. Use this water to wash your vagina.

How Often You Should Do This

Wash your vagina with this water twice a week.

Why This Works

Turmeric, if consumed in the raw and natural form, helps to kill bacteria and boost immunity. You will see a visible difference in your skin and your vaginal odor.

18. Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruit, sweet lime, lemon, grapes, etc., are excellent sources of vitamin C that boosts immunity (31). Citrus fruits help the body to fight against bacterial growth in the vagina. Therefore, eating them or drinking fresh citrus fruit juices will help to get rid of vaginal odor.

You Will Need

• 1 sweet lime or orange
• 1 liter water

What You Have To Do

1. Eat the citrus fruits.
2. Slice the fruits and toss them into a jar containing a liter of water. Let them soak overnight. Sip this water all throughout the day.
3. Juice the citrus fruits and drink.

How Often You Should Do This

Eat citrus fruits or drink juices daily to eliminate vaginal odor.

Why This Works

Citrus fruit juice or detox water will help to maintain the body’s pH balance and prevent microbial infection and itching in the vagina.

19. Seeds & Nuts

Nuts and seeds have a good amount of vitamin E, which prevents vaginal dryness and itching. Pumpkin seeds and almonds are rich in zinc, which helps to prevent vaginal dryness, itching, bacterial growth and odor. Other nuts, such as walnuts, flax seeds (rich in omega-3-fatty acid and polyestrogenⁱ  A naturally-occurring estrogen-like compound derived from plants, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. ), hazelnuts, and sunflower seeds, are also helpful in regulating the menstrual cycle and preventing vaginal dryness and hormone imbalance (32).

You Will Need

• 4 almonds
• 2 hazelnuts
• 1 tablespoon flax seed powder
• 1 cup milk

What You Have To Do

1. Soak the almond seeds in water for four hours.
2. Peel the skin of the almonds and toss into the blender.
3. Toss in the hazelnuts.
4. Pour the milk and give it a spin.
5. Pour out the milk into a cup.
6. Add the flaxseed powder and stir well.

Why This Works

Nuts and milk will help strengthen your bones, improve brain function, scavenge oxygen radicals, and boost immunity.

20. Guava Leaves

Guava leaves contain tannins, antioxidants, antibacterial, and anti-proactive properties. Guava leaves have been used to treat wounds and prevent microbial infections. Here is how to use guava leaves to treat foul vaginal odor.

You Will Need

• 4-5 guava leaves
• 1 liter water

What You Have To Do

Throw in the guava leaves into the water and boil the water until it reduces to half.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink this before breakfast every alternate day for two weeks.

Why This Works

Guava leaves have antimicrobial properties that make them one of the best herbal remedies to treat vaginal odor (33).

21. Lavender Oil

This sweet smelling and mood uplifting oil will help to reduce vaginal itching and irritation. Here is how to use it.

You Will Need

• 2 drops lavender oil
• 1 drop mint oil

What You Have To Do

1. Add the oils to your bath water and soak your body in the water for at least 10 minutes.
2. Add the oils to a liter of water and store in a bottle. Refrigerate it. Use cotton to dab this solution on the mouth of your vagina and vaginal area.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this every alternate day for a couple of weeks.

Why This Works

The aroma of this oil will make you feel rejuvenated, smell good all the day long, and curb the problem of vaginal odor.

22. Use Boric Acid

To prevent bacterial growth and vaginal itching, it is important to maintain an acidic pH in the vagina. Lactobacillus (the good bacteria) from yogurt help to maintain the acidic pH levels in the vagina. However, menstrual blood and semen increase the pH levels and make it favorable for bacterial growth. Using boric acid, a mild antiseptic, will help to lower the pH levels and prevent bacterial vaginosis,

Here is how to use boric acid to get rid of vaginal odor.

You Will Need

• Boric Acid
• Gelatin capsules – size “00”

What You Have To Do

1. Fill the gelatin capsules with boric acid and keep them safe in an airtight container. Store it in a cool and dry place.
2. Insert one boric acid filled capsule into your vagina. Keep it in overnight.

How Often You Should Do This

Use these capsules for three consecutive nights if you have bacterial vaginosis (use an increased amount of boric acid). After that, use these capsules twice a week.

Caution: Do not swallow the boric acid capsules. Make sure you label the container properly. Also, do not try this method if you are pregnant or trying to conceive. Keep the boric acid capsule container away from children.

Note: Boric acid is safely used externally. It is a very powerful, but gentle eyewash. But it should not be taken internally.

Other home remedies that may help support vaginal health include aloe vera, calendula, coconut oil, and chamomile tea.

Why Does My Vagina Smell?

Normally, the vagina consists of the perfect combination of healthy bacteria that maintain the pH in that region. When this balance is altered due to the different reasons listed above like other bacteria and yeast, there is a change in this pH. The number of healthy bacteria goes down, and the other unhealthy bacteria and yeast grow. These organisms can cause a change in the color and consistency of vaginal secretions and also result in a foul smell in your private parts (34, 35). Proper cleaning and following vaginal and vulva care practices can get rid of this odor. Wearing loose-fitting clothing and good sleep hygiene are some of the factors that may help.

Body secretions are also a result of what you eat and drink. An unhealthy lifestyle can result in strong smelling sweat, breath, flatulence, and vaginal discharge.

Vaginal Odor After Intercourse

After intercourse, women may experience a change in their vaginal discharge accompanied by a foul smell. This is because most bacterial and fungal infections are spread through sex (36). Having vaginal, oral, or anal sex, or any sexual contact involving touching fluids of an infected person can pass on the infection. These infections can cause rashes, abnormal vaginal discharge, and that peculiar fishy smell from your vagina (37). Urinate before and after sex and also wash your vaginal area with soap and r lukewarm water before and after having sex. These measures will help prevent any unwanted bacterial growth, itching, and yeast infections. You may also encourage your partner to urinate and wash before sex as well.

Using condoms is the safest way to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

Vaginal Odor During Pregnancy

Vaginal odor due to infections can cause severe complications during pregnancy (38). If you are planning to get pregnant, it is advisable to get tested for any vaginal infections and treat them as soon as possible.

Extra care needs to be taken during the course of your pregnancy to avoid contracting any infections that result in alterations in your normal vaginal discharge and smell. Consult your doctor in case you notice any strong foul odor.

How To Make Your Vagina Smell Good Fast

It makes sense to pay attention to what you eat and strike off food that triggers the bad odor. Sweet food that contains a lot of sugar or foods rich in yeast can often cause vaginal odor. You should avoid them to reduce yeast infection, and, in turn, reduce the vaginal odor. Several vegetables like kale and celery and fruits like pineapple and cranberry are said to make your vagina smell good.

Dan Jackowiak says, “First, you should check the type of soap you are using to clean your genital area. Be sure to avoid douching or using feminine hygiene sprays or perfumes internally or externally.” He also adds, “You should also avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes and underwear made out of synthetic fabrics, such as nylon or spandex. You can introduce changes to your diets, such as eating more yogurt, greens like celery, and fruits like pineapples and apples. Remember that your doctor can also prescribe an antifungal cream or oral pill to help clear up any infection.”

Also, remember, panty liners, pads, or any other commercial lining products held in close contact with your private parts can lead to the production of yeast or bacteria, giving way to foul vaginal smell. Avoid the use or limit the use of liners and pads, unless absolutely necessary. The idea is to stay natural and play it safe by visiting your doctor if you have a vaginal discharge that doesn’t respond to the above remedies.

• Drink Enough Water Daily

Water helps to maintain the body’s temperature and cell integrity and flush out the harmful toxins. Dehydration is one of the causes of foul vaginal odor. Therefore, you need to stay hydrated by drinking water. The amount of water you need to drink will depend on your height, weight, and activity levels. You will require more water if you are highly active. Our medical advisor recommends dividing your weight in pounds by half and drinking that many ounces of water every day. You can put ¼ teaspoon of unrefined sea salt in every quart of water to help replace minerals that are being filtered from your water supply.

• Avoid Bathing In Hot Water

Hot water kills the body’s natural bacteria. The prolonged use of hot water for bathing can lead to vaginal odor. Take cold water baths or use lukewarm water to bathe. You can also add essential oils, rose petals, or camphor to your bath water.

• Avoid High Yeast And Sugar Foods

High yeast and high sugar foods can lead to vaginal odor. Avoid eating bread, cakes, pastries, sweets, alcohol, donuts, etc. Nibble on dark chocolate when you crave something sweet.

• Eat Veggies And Fruits Every Day

A healthy diet may boost your health. Fruits and veggies are loaded with nutrients that help to fight a lot of health problems, including bacterial and yeast infections, heart disease, etc. Eat at least three servings of veggies and two servings of fruits to avoid foul vaginal odor. You can also make smoothies with vegetables or fruits for breakfast. Avoid spicy food and starchy veggies.

• Stop Using Soaps And Fragrances

Soaps and fragrances contain chemicals that affect the pH balance of the vagina, which leads to bacterial growth. These chemicals also kill the natural bacteria present in the vaginal area. Therefore, to eliminate vaginal odor, try avoiding scented products in the vaginal area. Also, do not use daily water sprays or douches to wash your vaginal area. Water sprays or douches wash away the natural bacteria, leading to vaginal odor.

• Wipe The Toilet Seat

The surface of toilet seats is a good place for many pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, when away from home always wipe the toilet seat, even if it looks clean, before sitting down on it. Or use the toilet seat covers provided in most establishments. Do not flush while sitting on the seat. Be very careful while using public toilets.

• Avoid Too Much Oil Or Meat During Periods

Vaginal odor during your periods can be avoided by avoiding meat and a lot of oil in your food for the first three days of your period. Consume green leafy veggies, vegetable soup, smoothies, fresh fruits, fresh fruit juices, and fruit detox water. This will help prevent bacterial growth and any extra oil secretion through sweat glands, flush out toxins from the body, and maintain the pH balance.

• Say Yes To Soft Panty Liners

Using uncomfortable pads or panty liners can cause vaginal irritation and itching. This may kill the natural vaginal bacteria and help in the growth of harmful bacteria. Switch to a panty liner that is soft and more comfortable for you. This will prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and eliminate vaginal odor.

• Change Panty Liners Frequently

Panty liners should be changed after every three to four hours. Using a panty liner for more than four hours will aid bacterial growth, which can lead to foul odor. Also, try not to use tampons as they aid bacterial growth and cause itching and vaginal discomfort.

• Change Underwear After Exercising

Sweaty, dark, and covered areas are ideal for bacterial growth. Therefore, change your underwear after exercising. It will help prevent itching, irritation, and foul odor.

• Wash Your Underwear Regularly In Warm Water

Make sure to wash your underwear regularly in warm water. Soak your underwear in warm detergent water for 10 minutes before switching the washer on. This will help wash away any bacteria in your underwear. Also, dry your underwear properly before wearing it again.

• Shed The Thigh Fat

Extra thigh fat causes extra sweat as the thighs constantly touch each other. This leads to bacterial growth and vaginal odor. Regular exercise can help shed a few pounds from the thigh area to completely eliminate vaginal itching and odor.

• Check Your Hormones

Women who are undergoing hormonal changes or suffering from hormonal imbalance may have vaginal secretions that have a foul or fishy odor. Check with your gynecologist to know how these hormonal imbalances can be treated or the underlying reason for vaginal secretions. Use an antibacterial and antifungal powder on your inner thighs to get rid of vaginal odor temporarily.

• Play It Safe

Always have safe sex if you suffer from foul vaginal odor. Safe sex will limit bacterial growth and also keep you away from harmful diseases.

• Change Your Panties Twice A Day

One of the best ways to get rid of vaginal odor is to change panties twice a day or every 12 hours. Also, wear cotton underwear rather than silk or satin. You may wear silk or satin panties, but do not wear them for longer hours. Satin and silk entrap sweat and urine, which leads to bacterial growth, and hence the foul smell. Change to a more comfortable cotton panty before going to sleep every night. Also, buy panties of different types so that the bacteria doesn’t get a favorable condition to grow. If you change into a panty that is of the same type as the other, the bacteria will grow back in the same area as they will get the ideal conditions to proliferate.

If the problem of your vaginal odor persists, consult a doctor for the necessary treatment. Learn more about the treatments for vaginal odor in the next section.

Treatments For Vaginal Odor

Vaginal odor alone does not have any treatment. However, the treatment depends on the underlying cause. For instance, if your vaginal odor is due to vulvovaginal candidiasis, your doctor may prescribe antifungal medications to treat the issue (39). If it is caused by bacterial vaginosis, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics to inhibit the bacterial growth (40). However, using these medications for BV may result in high recurrence rates and limited colonization of the beneficial Lactobacillus (40). Therefore, consume only under your doctor’s guidance.

When To Seek Help

Visit a doctor if your vaginal odor persists even after trying these at-home treatments. You may have an underlying medical condition that requires attention.

In addition, you also must visit a doctor if you have irritation, itching, or strange vaginal discharge. These symptoms could indicate an infection or other underlying health problems. Your doctor is the right person to properly diagnose your condition and give you tailored care for your specific issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can other people smell my discharge?

No. People with whom you are not intimate generally cannot smell your discharge.

Can you smell a yeast infection?

No. Yeast infections cause a change in the appearance of vaginal discharge but usually do not cause any foul odor, except for a very mild and cheesy smell.

Does Monistat get rid of odor?

Yes. Monistat may help to get rid of a vaginal odor as it claims to balance the pH of the vagina and protect against microbial overgrowth.

Why do I smell down there even after I shower?

If you have microbial overgrowth or an underlying cause of your vaginal odor, a shower may not be enough to get rid of it. Dan Jackowiak, Holistic Health Practitioner and Nutritional Consultant, says, “ Vaginal odor can be caused by many factors such as washing with soap and water or douching, using feminine hygiene products, wearing tight clothing and underwear, taking certain medications and even stress.” He also adds, “If you have recently started taking antibiotics or birth control pills, this could also affect the way your vagina smells after bathing.”

How do you tell if your pH is off?

A strong fishy smell, gray discharge, itching, and swelling around the vagina are indicators of an imbalanced vaginal pH.

What is the normal smell of the vagina?

The vagina normally has a mild odor. It may have a tangy or sour aroma or no aroma at all.

“Watch the video below to learn how to get rid of vaginal odor and keep it smelling fresh. It also talks about simple tips on how to keep it healthy and maintain hygiene. Check it out!”

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