Unsurprisingly, it can be embarrassing to talk about vaginal odor. Even so, a lot of women suffer from vaginal odor at some point in their life.
Often it can be because of an infection and the smell occurs due to an imbalance of the pH levels within the vagina.
While you will need to see a professional doctor if you suspect something like BV (bacterial vaginosis) or a sexually transmitted infection (STI), sometimes you can treat vaginal odor at home.
In this article we shall be taking a look at six natural remedies for vaginal odor that you can try within the comfort of your own home.
What Are The Reasons For Vaginal Odor?
There are many reasons for vaginal odor, though fortunately it does not necessarily mean that you are suffering from something serious.
Vaginal odor can happen due to unprotected sex, hormones, menopause, sweat, and even the menstrual cycle.
The pH balance in the vagina is sensitive and can be disturbed by many things. It is slightly acidic, and this helps to keep both yeast and bad bacteria at bay.
However, once the pH level changes, this can cause a growth in both the yeast and bacteria levels.
Once this happens an infection can arise. This then causes the vaginal odor.
Sometimes the smell is very fishy, and often itching and even burning may accompany it. This indicates that you have BV, but you will need to see a doctor to get official results.
Can You Treat Vaginal Odor At Home?
If you find that you have vaginal odor that is not linked to itching or burning, then you can treat it at home using natural remedies.
You may even find that these remedies can even prevent you from suffering with certain infections like BV, and other common reasons a woman may experience vaginal odor.
This means that it is a good idea to keep up with a good intimate hygiene routine to make sure that you stay odor free.
However, do keep in mind that all vaginas have a natural odor – it just should not smell terrible.
When Should You See A Doctor About Vaginal Odor?
The majority of the time vaginal odor does not mean anything. It can suggest that the pH levels within the vagina have changed.
When this happens you are susceptible to infections, and this is the reason the foul odor occurs.
However, you may want to see if there are any other symptoms too. If you find that the discharge is unusual and different to normal, then this could mean that you have an infection.
This is also the same if you experience any itching around the vagina, or a burning sensation when you pee.
If you do have these symptoms then you will want to see a professional doctor who specializes in this area.
If you find that you have something such as BV, then you can follow the six natural remedies below to avoid having recurring bacterial vaginosis.
This often happens when there is an imbalance with the vagina’s pH levels. It is also something that is very common.
Antibiotics are usually described for a case of BV to remove the bad bacteria, however it also removes the good bacteria too.
6 Natural Remedies For Vaginal Odor
Here are six natural remedies for vaginal odor that you can do at home to keep your vagina healthy:
1. Boric Acid
Boric acid is a natural antiseptic that is used for a number of things around the home, as well as in particular industries.
It has both antimicrobial and antifungal properties which is great for keeping infections at bay.
Rather than placing boric acid powder directly onto your sensitive area, you will want to buy suppositories. It is an easier and safer way to keep bad bacteria to a minimum.
You may find that over time you have a really healthy pH level and a good odor too.
2. Probiotics
Probiotics is a great way to get good bacteria into the digestive system, but it can also help with women’s health too.
Probiotic food and drink is full of good bacteria that is similar to what we already have in the body. You may find that this kind of bacteria can help with restoring the natural pH balance of the vagina.
Studies have shown that those who regularly take probiotics either orally or via the vagina have a higher success rate of preventing recurring bacterial vaginosis.
If you are looking to orally take probiotics, then you can do so by consuming kimchi, kombucha, sauerkraut and yogurt. There are also drinks and supplements that include a daily dose of probiotics too.
3. General Hygiene
Never douche your vagina or use scented soaps in this area. Doing so can bring on BV or vaginal odor. This is because it changes the natural pH level within the vagina.
All you need to do is rinse the vagina and vulva with warm water. It naturally cleans itself, so there isn’t anything special that you need to do.
4. Feminine Hygiene
If you use pads during your period, always remember to change them regularly. This also goes for tampons too, as both hold onto odor.
Leaving in menstrual products for too long between changes can play havoc with your pH levels. This is why some people suffer from BV straight after their period.
5. Underwear Choices
Cotton is the best material that you can wear when it comes to your panties. This is because it is both breathable and naturally absorbent.
It will keep the sensitive area fresh and the bad bacteria at bay.
When you exercise, always remember to change your underwear after. The sweat can cause your pH level to change.
You may also want to go without wearing underwear at night too. This allows everything to breathe.
If you are going through a patch of vaginal odor, avoid wearing anything tight like pantyhose or yoga pants. You will need to let the area breathe as much as possible.
6. Using A Condom
Semen can change the pH levels of the vagina, so unprotected sex can cause something like BV and vaginal odor.
If you notice this is something that happens after unprotected sex, then you may need to have your partner wear a condom.
Doing so will protect your vaginal pH levels, and reduce the chance of infection. Do remember to have a wee after sex, as this will flush out any bad bacteria.
Never douche after sex, as this can cause you to also have BV and vaginal odor.
Final Thoughts
While bad vaginal odor happens to the majority of women at some point in their lives, it is still embarrassing to talk about.
Fortunately, you can treat vaginal odor naturally at home.
Natural remedies can help to keep vaginal odor at bay. However, do remember that a vagina does have a natural smell – it just should not have a foul scent.
If you find that the vaginal odor is linked with burning, itching and unusual discharge, then you should seek professional advice from a doctor to get rid of it.
