How To Deal With Vaginal Odor?

Mild vaginal odor is normal. It is often varying during a woman’s menstrual cycle. The strongest amount of secretion that can be smelled is usually in the middle of the cycle. The odor from the vagina may vary during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause. Women usually smell more after intercourse or strenuous exercise. However, a strong unpleasant odor, especially when it persists for several days and smells like fish, can be a sign of a health problem. Abnormal vaginal odor is often accompanied by other symptoms, including grayish-white discharge, burning, and itching.

Signs and Symptoms

Temporary vaginal odor is common and often goes away on its own. It is considered normal if there are no other symptoms. However, if the odor is persistent and is accompanied by a burning, itching, discharge, or burning sensation, the person should see a doctor for a vaginal examination.

Types

A gentle, musky scent is normal for a healthy vagina. Negative feelings about vaginal odor can lead to problems with self-esteem and body image.

Fishy

When certain factors affect the complex chemistry of the vagina, harmful bacteria can grow out of control and produce a fishy odor. This is the most common vaginal infection among women aged 15 to 44 years. Some women with bacterial vaginosis may experience other symptoms, such as itching or burning. This may look like a fungal infection. However, for many women, the smell of fish is the only sign.

Prescription antibiotics can help treat this infection, and adopting some healthy habits can reduce the risk of re-experiencing it. This includes:

• Avoiding douches
• Not using scented or flavored products in or around the vagina
• Limiting sexual partners and practicing safe sex

Yeasty

Most yeast infections do not have a strong odor, but they come with a thick, cheesy discharge and smell like fermentation and beer. There may be a yeast infection if itching around the vagina, redness, or pain after urination. Yeast infections are more common in women with diabetes than others. Because the fungus feeds on sugar, there is more glucose in their secretions. To prevent yeast infections, consider the following strategies:

• Only taking antibiotics when necessary
• Not engaging in oral sex with people who have thrush in their mouth
• Keeping the vaginal area relatively dry

Musky

Physical activity and sweating may cause a musky odor. Wearing nylon clothing causes the smell of sweat to get stuck in the vagina. Therefore, the use of inappropriate clothing causes an unpleasant odor. Be sure to shower after exercise and wash your body with mild detergents.

Rotten

Overgrowth of bacteria in a closed environment is one of the causes of vaginal odor. The growth of pathogenic bacteria causes a foul odor in the vagina. The smell of rot is one of the reasons for concern in women, and it has an adverse effect on their self-esteem and mental image. Prolonged stay of the tampon in the vagina causes a foul odor. Change underwear immediately and try to use cotton clothing.

Metallic

Sometimes the vagina may smell like metal. During menstruation, changes in vaginal acidity and odor occur due to bleeding. These changes may produce coppery or tinny-like odor. To get rid of this odor should wash the vagina with plenty of water.

Bleachy

Sometimes it smells like a chemical smell of bleach or ammonia from the vagina. This odor may be due to the smell of urine in the vagina. Low water intake and dehydration can also cause this odor. This odor may also occur after sex. The use of lubricants and spermicides during sexual intercourse also causes an unpleasant smell in the genital area. After experiencing such an odor, wait a few days and see an ob-gyn if it does not improve.

Sweet

Diet and what women eat are effective in changing the smell of the vagina. If women feel streaks of sweet odor in the genital area, it is best to modify her diet. Consumption of citrus fruits like oranges causes a sweet smell in the vagina.

Consumption of asparagus, garlic, and spicy foods also causes changes in vaginal odor. Yeast infections can also cause a sweet odor in the vagina.

Causes and risk factors

Some reasons for vaginal odor may include the following:

• Bacterial vaginosis (BV): This infection is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. Symptoms may include a strong fishy odor and a thin, gray discharge.
• Trichomoniasis: Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause vaginal odor. Other sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, are usually not accompanied by a strong odor.
• A forgotten or stuck tampon: If a person forgets to take the tampon out or gets stuck inside, a very strong vaginal odor may develop. If you cannot remove the tampon yourself, the doctor can remove it and check for possible infection.
• Douching: Douching is a way to wash inside the vagina using water. Doctors do not recommend a vaginal douche because it can increase the risk of many health problems, including sexually transmitted diseases, and even interfere with pregnancy. Vaginal douching kills the healthy bacteria the vagina needs to maintain balance and can actually worsen the problem in the long run. In addition, Douching can cause the overgrowth of harmful bacteria, leading to yeast or BV infections.
• Poor hygiene: Not taking regular baths can lead to inflammation of the vaginal area, which can cause it to bad smell.
• Sweating: The skin in the groin area is prone to sweating, which can cause a bad odor.
• Diet: What you eat and drink affects the smell of your urine, and there is evidence that what you eat can affect the smell of your vagina.
• Menstrual cycle: Vaginal odor changes at different stages of the menstrual cycle.
• Pregnancy: Pregnant women are at greater risk for vaginal odor changes due to hormonal changes and increased vaginal discharge.
• Rectovaginal fistula: A rectovaginal fistula is a rare abnormal gap between the vagina and the rectum that allows stool to leak into the vagina, which can cause vaginal odor. Other symptoms include recurrent infections of the vagina or urinary tract, pain during sex, or defecation in the vagina.
• Cervical or vaginal cancer: In rare cases, abnormal vaginal odor can sometimes be a sign of cervical or vaginal cancer.

Diagnosis

Vaginal odor caused by a medical condition is usually accompanied by other signs and symptoms such as itching, burning, or increased discharge. The doctor can help assess these symptoms through a vaginal exam and diagnostic tests. Urine tests can check for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. A urine test can also check for a urinary tract infection. If infections are not treated, they can be very dangerous and cause permanent damage.

Although rare, rectovaginal fistulas can be diagnosed by vaginal examination and rectal examination. If the fistula is not detectable, imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may be done. If the doctor suspects cancer, he or she may have a Pap test to screen for cervical or vaginal cells for cancer. The doctor can also help a person to determine if medications, sweat, hormones, health, or other lifestyle factors may cause an abnormal vaginal odor.

Complications

In about a third of cases, the unusual vaginal odor goes away on its own. But if the odor is a sign of an underlying disease that needs to be treated, it may have side effects. Odor is often the result of an infection that requires antibiotics.

Dealing with vaginal odor

There are techniques to eliminate or reduce unusual vaginal odors naturally.

Practice good hygiene

Bathe the area between legs. A gentle washcloth helps to wash away dead, sweaty, and dirty skin. Gentle soap can be used to wash the outside. Inside the labia, the area is much more sensitive, and the soap often burns and irritates. Applying water to that area is usually enough to keep the labia around the vagina clean. Avoid loofahs as they may cause small tears and expose the area to possible infection. Do not use scented soaps or body washes. Odor and chemicals may disrupt the normal pH of the vagina. Other tips for maintaining vaginal hygiene include:

• Urinating immediately after sex
• Changing underwear daily, or when the underwear is sweaty or soiled
• Taking a shower after sweating, as trapped sweat can increase vaginal odor

Use only exterior deodorizing products

Use perfume or spray only on the outside of the labia, not near the vagina.

Change underwear

Do not use satin, silk or polyester pants, change it to 100% cotton. Cotton is breathable and removes sweat and fluids from the body. Excessive moisture can disrupt the level of natural bacteria and lead to infection.

Consider a pH product

Over-the-counter (OTC) products may help restore vaginal pH.

Soak in vinegar

Hot baths and frequent hot showers can upset the natural pH, but one type of bath may be helpful. Pour one or two cups of apple cider vinegar into a warm bath and soak for 20 minutes. Vinegar may naturally kill bacteria.

Care for the vagina after sex

Some people notice a strong fishy odor immediately after sex, which is a sign of bacterial vaginosis. Occasionally, semen interferes with vaginal fluid, increasing vaginal odor. Some lubricants can also affect the pH of the vagina, which can affect the scent. The following tips may help:

• Use a condom to prevent contact between semen and vaginal fluids
• Rinse the vulva with water
• Avoid using scented or flavored lubricants

Consume probiotics

Probiotics support healthy bacteria throughout the human body, including the vagina. They may also help prevent some vaginal infections, especially yeast infections. Probiotics can reduce the risk of vaginal odor because they help restore the vagina to its normal pH.

Cut sugar and boost hydration

Eating sugary foods can cause the yeast to overgrow, which can boost vaginal odor. Women should also try to drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated prevents bacteria from growing too much. It can also avoid the irregular smell of sweat and, therefore fewer odors.

When to see a doctor

Often, vaginal odor, which requires a visit to the doctor, is accompanied by other vaginal symptoms. If the odor is associated with the following conditions, the person should see a doctor:

• Itching
• Burning
• Discharge
• Irritation or pain

The bottom line

Slight changes in vaginal odor are normal, and any factor that changes the acidity and pH of the vagina can cause a bad odor. Various factors are involved in changing the pH of the vagina. Vaginal sex is one of the factors that change the smell of the vagina. During menopause, due to a decrease in estrogen, mucus secretions and the number of beneficial bacteria in the vagina decrease and increase the risk of infection.

Try to get enough information about the vaginal environment and its smell. The more familiar you are with the vaginal environment, the better you can identify possible or abnormal changes. By following personal and sexual hygiene and following a healthy eating pattern, infections and vaginal odor can be prevented. Home remedies usually help reduce unusual odor for about a week. If the odor does not go away or gets worse, you should see a doctor.

A strong vaginal odor can be a sign of a bigger problem, a problem you may not be able to cure on your own. It is best to see a doctor early to prevent the problem from getting worse. Dr. Arjang Naim, MD is one of the best OB/GYN in Los Angeles, which can help you in this regard.

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