Vaginal odor is natural, normal, and nothing to be ashamed about. However, if a woman notices that her vaginal odor has changed, it could indicate a health concern. Unusual or unfamiliar odors shouldn’t be brushed aside. Instead, it’s an indicator that it’s time to consult a doctor to find out what’s going on.
What Is Normal Vaginal Odor?
Every woman has a unique vaginal odor. But if you’ve never really noticed vaginal odor before, you may not be sure what to compare any abnormal odors against.
Generally, a healthy vagina will have a scent that might be described as fleshy or musky. During a woman’s menstrual cycle, that scent may be a bit more metallic due to the presence of blood, which contains iron. Some women also experience a temporary change in their vaginal odor after sex, especially if their vagina comes into contact with semen, which may affect the vagina’s pH balance. Heavy sweating can also cause a woman’s natural vaginal odor to be more intense temporarily.
What Is Abnormal Vaginal Odor?
There are a number of different types of unusual vaginal odors that may be cause for concern. Furthermore, each condition is associated with a different type of abnormal vaginal scent. Here are some of the most common examples:
• Bacterial vaginosis: Fishy odor that intensifies after sexual intercourse. This is the most common vaginal infection for women ages 15 through 44.
• Trichomoniasis: Fishy odor that is more recognizable. This is a sexually transmitted infection that usually causes yellow-green vaginal discharge as well.
• Yeast infection: Slightly sweet odor that may smell like beer, flour, or bread. In some cases, the smell may be sour.
• Vaginal or cervical cancer: Strong, foul-smelling odor. This is a less common cause of vaginal odor than the other examples listed above.
Tips for Minimizing Vaginal Odor
Your vagina keeps itself clean and healthy naturally. If left alone, it can naturally maintain a healthy pH level and create a balance of good bacteria.
In addition, there are some habits you can take to avoid vaginal health concerns and help to eliminate unusual vaginal odors, including:
Use gentle products
When bathing, a soft washcloth, warm water and gentle soap are all you need to clean the area between your legs. Don’t use soap inside the labia, which can irritate it and alter your vaginal pH. Instead, simply let water run over the area. Avoid using perfumed soaps, powders, deodorant sprays, or douching products.
Wear different underwear
Fabrics like satin, silk, or polyester panties can trap excess moisture near the skin and increase the risk of infection. If you’re having issues with vaginal odor, try wearing 100% cotton underwear instead. This breathable material helps wick away sweat and fluids.
Take vaginal probiotics
Vaginal probiotics like Pro-Fem have been formulated to help maintain a healthy vaginal pH. Healthy probiotic strains like L. rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 support vaginal and urinary health and are specifically optimized for vaginal health. When taken daily, these vaginal probiotic supplements can help prevent some of the common causes of vaginal odor, such as yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis.
Use boric acid suppositories
Boric acid can help to treat yeast infections. When used in approved formulas, this naturally occurring compound containing oxygen, boron, and hydrogen is safe and recommended for recurrent yeast infections or yeast infections which have been found to be resistant to other treatments. The boric acid is put in a gel cap suppository and is inserted directly into in the vagina. Be sure to talk to your doctor before you start taking boric acid suppositories, such as physician formulated Fem-Rx.
Soak in a vinegar bath
Frequent hot baths and hot showers may throw off your natural vaginal pH levels. For a refreshing reset, try a vinegar bath to naturally reduce harmful bacteria. Simply pour 1 to 2 cups of apple cider vinegar into a warm bath and soak for about 20 minutes.
Ask about prescription treatments
In some cases, you may need a prescription to address the underlying causes of your vaginal odor. If other remedies aren’t successful, consult your doctor about prescription treatment options.
Abnormal or strong odors, unusual vaginal discharge, itching, and irritation are all signs that there may be a health concern that needs to be addressed. When you experience a noticeable difference in vaginal odor, it’s time to see a doctor.
Sources:
1. Should You Be Worried About Your Vaginal pH?: Banner Health, 2022.
2. Bacterial Vaginosis – CDC Fact Sheet: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022.
3. Vaginal Odor: Cleveland Clinic, 2018.
4. Vaginal Odor: What’s Normal and What’s Not: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Health Center, 2022.
