How Can I Get Rid of Vaginal Odor?

Have you ever been caught off guard by an unexpected smell from your vagina? This is completely normal but there are so many ways to get rid of vaginal odor.

We’ve all had those moments when a surprising vaginal fishy smell comes out of left field. The self-conscious feeling can be quite bothersome. Whether it’s during a work meeting, on a first date, or fetching your kids from school – it can distract you from the task at hand to worrying about what others might think! This is a common concern that can make those moments of joy and connection feel more challenging.

Below, we are sharing some easy and effective ways to prevent vaginal smell to help you feel confident.

Types of Vaginal Scents

Getting to know the causes of vaginal odor can help you conquer them! Every scent can tell you what’s happening in your body. Let’s take a closer look:

Tangy Whiff

A tangy scent is the most surprising, but it’s often nothing to stress about. This zesty smell could remind you of a ripe lemon or even a hint of vinegar. It’s usually a sign that your vaginal pH might be off balance. A simple change in your diet or even hormonal fluctuations may cause this. If it’s just a rare thing, there’s no need to panic! But if it’s happening regularly, call or visit your healthcare provider to make sure everything is on track.

Sweet Aroma

This smell might be like honey, vanilla, or something lightly sweet. It usually means that your vaginal area is in top shape and your body is maintaining a great balance. You might notice this scent around ovulation with a shift and fluctuation in your hormones.

Rusty Metallic

A metallic scent is often associated with menstrual blood. This is because period blood contains iron. If you’re on your period, that copperish scent is usually just from the iron in your blood. But if you notice this scent at other times, or if it’s paired with other symptoms, it’s a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider. While this smell can have a simple explanation, it’s worth keeping an eye out if it changes or sticks around.

Fishy Smell

A vaginal fishy smell is one of the more noticeable and concerning odors often linked to bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis.

This happens when the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina gets disrupted, causing certain bacteria to overgrow. This can lead to a strong fishy smell, noticeable after sex. This strong odor may be accompanied by white discharge and/or itching.

On the other hand, trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection, which comes with a strong vaginal smell. Here, you might notice greenish-yellow discharge and discomfort during urination or intercourse.

Both conditions are common and treatable, but you’ll need to see a doctor for the right diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Rotten and Pungent

A rotten smell can be unpleasant, often reminiscent of spoiled food. The cause of this vaginal odor could be something quite distressing, like an infection. If you notice this, it is advisable to immediately see your doctor.

Incontinence Can Lead to Vaginal Odor

Have you ever had a moment where you laughed so hard you peed your pants? It’s those awkward, unexpected moments – like when a funny meme makes you giggle a bit too hard or if you are experiencing incontinence from menopause.

If you’re dealing with bladder leaks, you might have noticed that sometimes it can lead to a strong vaginal smell. When urine leaks, it creates moisture that mixes with vaginal fluid, potentially causing a bad odor that’s hard to ignore. That can further lead to skin irritation and other infections.

How to Prevent Vaginal Smell

Vaginal odor can make you feel uncomfortable and self-conscious. With the right steps, you can easily manage and effectively reduce it. Here are some practical tips to help you feel fresh and confident everyday:

Practice Proper Feminine Hygiene

The secret to reducing vaginal odor starts with good hygiene. No need for a fancy routine – just some simple, consistent care! Start by washing your genital area daily with warm water and some mild soap. No need to scrub hard; gentle cleaning does the trick! Make sure to change your underwear daily and choose breathable fabrics like cotton to reduce moisture buildup. After working out, change out of your damp gym wear to keep things dry and comfy.

A woman’s vagina is a self-cleaning powerhouse, so there really isn’t a need for internal cleaning products such as douches. They can mess with your natural bacteria balance and possibly lead to infections.

Avoid Scented Vaginal Products

It might be tempting to reach for scented products to mask odors. However, scented soaps, sprays, and powders can irritate your sensitive vulva skin and mess with your overall vaginal pH, leading to imbalances and infections. Instead, stick to natural products that are gentle on your skin. These products will respect your body’s natural chemistry and avoid allergic reactions.

Prioritize Sex Aftercare

Have you noticed a fishy smell after sex? Intercourse can potentially introduce bacteria and disrupt the natural balance in your vagina. This could lead to painful urination after sex. However, a gentle wash with warm water after sex can also help clear away any lingering fluids or bacteria. Skip the harsh soaps and go for a simple rinse! Also, it is always important to stay hydrated which can keep your vaginal system in check.

Foods That Help Prevent Vaginal Odor

1. Probiotic-Rich Foods:

Get ready to boost your freshness with fermented foods! These goodies are packed with beneficial bacteria to help balance your vaginal flora. Think yogurt, kefir, and kimchi! Kick off your day with a bowl of yogurt or adding sauerkraut as a side dish to your lunch can be an effective way to get some good bacteria in as you keep the bad ones out.

Oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and tangerines – oh my! Not only is the juicy goodness refreshing, but they are packed with vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant to help support healthy vaginal pH. Add a fresh squeeze of lemon into your daily water flask or mix in some grapefruit with probiotic yogurt to reap and double the benefits!

Nutrient-dense veggies like kale, Swiss chard, or spinach are fantastic choices. These are high in chlorophyll, which acts as a natural deodorizer. Whip up a green smoothie or toss together a fresh salad with your meals to keep those odors away.

Incredibly, garlic acts as an antimicrobial agent, which may reduce bad bacteria in vaginal environment. A simple addition of a few cloves to your stews, mashed potatoes, or salads can work wonders.

This is your secret weapon! Staying well-hydrated is extremely important to help keep things fresh by helping your body flush out toxins that may cause odors. Aim for at least eight glasses a day. Add in some lemon, lime, or cucumber slices to boost the flavor – naturally!

When to See a Doctor About Vaginal Odor

Dealing with strong vaginal smells is completely normal. However, there might be times when you need to seek medical guidance. It’s all about understanding when things might need a little extra attention to keep you feeling your best. Let’s take a closer look at when you might need to visit your doctor to get to the bottom of the causes of your vaginal odor:

Stay Confident with Poise®

If you’re dealing with incontinence, you might be worried about more than just leaks. It almost always trickles down into vaginal odor, too! Odor can be caused by urine build-up if built up in the underwear. Urine is a byproduct of urea, which can give off an ammonia-like smell. Poise® has you covered with a range of bladder leakage pads and liners designed to keep you fresh and confident.

Poise® has a variety of products with various absorbency levels, so you can choose the right pads and liners for your specific needs. For light leaks, Poise® Liners offers discreet protection. If you need more heavy-duty protection, check out the Poise® Overnight Pads for Bladder Leaks.

Do you need help in finding the right pad or liner? Take this quiz to find the best product for your needs.

“This content should not substitute medical advice from your personal healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider for diagnosis or treatment.”