Vaginal odor is any odor that originates from the vagina. It's normal for your vagina to have a slight odor. But, a strong vaginal odor for instance, a "fishy" smell might be abnormal and could indicate a problem.
An abnormal vaginal odor is usually
associated with other vaginal signs and symptoms such as itching, burning,
irritation or discharge.
Causes
Vaginal odor may vary throughout your
menstrual cycle and may be especially noticeable right after having sex. Normal
sweating also can cause a vaginal odor. Though it may be tempting to douche or
use a vaginal deodorant to decrease vaginal odor, these products may actually
increase irritation and other vaginal symptoms.
Bacterial vaginosis — an overgrowth of
normally occurring vaginal bacteria — is the most common vaginal infection that
causes a vaginal odor. Trichomoniasis — a sexually transmitted infection — also
can lead to vaginal odor. Chlamydia and gonorrhea infections usually don't
cause vaginal odors. Neither do yeast infections.
Generally, if you have vaginal odor without
other vaginal symptoms, it's unlikely that your vaginal odor is abnormal.
Common causes of abnormal vaginal odor
include:
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Poor hygiene
- Retained or forgotten tampon
- Trichomoniasis
Less commonly, abnormal vaginal odor may
result from:
- Rectovaginal fistula (an abnormal opening between the rectum
and vagina that allows feces to leak into the vagina)
- Cervical cancer
- Vaginal cancer
Remedies
for Vaginal Odor
1. Water
Drink plenty
of water as it is one of the best remedies to treat vaginal odor. Drink at
least 8-10 glasses of water every day as this aids in eliminating out the
toxins and other harmful bacteria from the body. Water also helps to remove the
excess sugar content from the body, which is one of the main reasons behind vaginal
odor.
2.
Yoghurt
Eat at least
2 cups of plain yoghurt every day as it helps in keeping the vagina free from vaginal
odor. Yoghurt contains lactobacillus, which are helpful in maintaining the
normal pH level of the vagina. You can also soak a tampon in plain yoghurt and
insert it in your vagina. Let it remain for some time, and then, wash the area.
3. Garlic
Garlic is an
excellent natural antibiotic, which helps to remove any type of bacteria,
thereby reducing vaginal odor. Insert a garlic clove into the vagina and keep
it for a few hours to chuck out vaginal odor. You can also eat raw garlic
cloves along with a glass of water on an empty stomach.
4. White
Vinegar
Soak your
vagina in warm water mixed with ½ a cup of white vinegar. Repeat this remedy
continuously for a week or so. White vinegar helps the pH level of the vagina
to regain its normal level while eliminating vaginal odor.
5.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is
one of the best natural remedies for vaginal odor. It is beneficial for women
in a lot ways as it naturally balances the hormones and regulates the menstrual
cycles. You need to soak a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in a glass of water for
a night, and then, drink it up the next morning on an empty stomach.
6. Apple
Cider Vinegar
Mix some
apple cider vinegar in a bathtub, and soak your lower body into it for at least
30 minutes. Repeat the remedy at least 4-5 times a week. Apple cider vinegar
has properties to inhibit bacterial growth and will therefore, stop vaginal odor.
7. Tea
Tree Oil
Tea tree oil
is a reliable herbal remedy to control vaginal odor. Just add 4-5 drops of tea
tree oil in water and wash your vagina with this solution. Tea tree oil is a
superb anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agent, which helps in the removal of vaginal
odor from the vagina.
8. Baking
Soda
Add a
tablespoon of baking soda in lukewarm water, and soak your vagina in it. Baking
soda helps to fight against bacterial or yeast infections, which can be a cause
of vaginal odor.
9. Amla
or Indian Gooseberry
If the Vaginal
odor is caused due to leucorrhoea, a condition of excessive discharge from the
vagina, then amIa is the cure. Eat Amla as it helps in getting rid of
leucorrhoea. Eventually, it will give you relief from the problem of vaginal odor.
REMEMBER
If you're
concerned about an abnormal or persistent vaginal odor, see your doctor —
especially if you have other signs and symptoms such as itching, burning,
irritation or discharge.
In the
meantime, to minimize vaginal odor:
- Avoid douching. All healthy vaginas contain bacteria and yeast. The normal acidity of your vagina keeps bacteria and yeast in check. But douching can actually upset this delicate balance.