Table of ContentsView AllTable of Contents7 Ways to Get Rid of Noticeable Vaginal OdorsTips for Smelly DischargeRuling Out the Cause of Vaginal OdorsThe Myth About Vaginal Hygiene Products
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
7 Ways to Get Rid of Noticeable Vaginal Odors
Tips for Smelly Discharge
Ruling Out the Cause of Vaginal Odors
The Myth About Vaginal Hygiene Products
The intensity ofvaginal odormay vary during a person’s menstrual cycle, after exercise, during pregnancy, or after having sex.It’s normal to experience mild vaginal odor, but a strong, foul smell could signal an underlying problem. Different conditions, includinginfections, can cause a potent vaginal odor that gives off a “fishy” smell.
This article discusses how to get rid of vaginal odor, signs of an infection, and when to see a healthcare provider.
FreshSplash/ Getty Images
But First, Healthy vs. Unhealthy Odors
Everyvaginahas a unique scent. How a vagina smells may depend on itspH levels, which are measures of the vagina’s acidity. Different types of bacteria live in the vagina to help regulate acidity levels. Unbalanced pH levels may prompt unpleasant smells.
Changes in vaginal odor may be due to hormones or diet. Many times, these odors will go away on their own. Vaginal odor can be considered normal if you don’t have any other symptoms.
An infection could be the culprit if the vaginal odor doesn’t go away and gives off a strong scent that’s fishy, sour, or rotten. Other issues, such as itching, burning, irritation, and discharge, may accompany this persistent odor.
Learn Proper Vulva Hygiene
To maintain proper hygiene, use warm water to gently clean around the opening of the vagina (thevulva). You can also use mild or unscented soap, but it isn’t necessary. Never place soap or other products directly in the vagina.
Difference Between the Vagina and VulvaThe vulva refers to the outer portion of a woman’s genitals, including the clitoris, labia, and vaginal opening. The vagina is the internal area of a woman’s genitals that connects the vulva with the cervix and uterus.
Difference Between the Vagina and Vulva
The vulva refers to the outer portion of a woman’s genitals, including the clitoris, labia, and vaginal opening. The vagina is the internal area of a woman’s genitals that connects the vulva with the cervix and uterus.
Wear the Right Clothing
Tight-fitting clothing or undergarments can trap sweat and bacteria, which can contribute to an unpleasant odor. To prevent odors and vaginal infections, wearing loose, cotton underwear and clothing is best.
Don’t Wait to Shower
Sitting in damp undergarments can promote bacteria buildup. Shower immediately after exercising or swimming in a lake or pool.
Stay Hydrated
Vaginal odor that has a strong ammonia smell could be due todehydration. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can keep you hydrated and lessen the intensity of this smell.
Daily Recommended Water Intake for WomenWomen should consume about 11.5 cups of fluids daily from both food and beverages, including water. About 20% of the water you need comes from food, so women need to drink about 9 cups of fluid per day.
Daily Recommended Water Intake for Women
Women should consume about 11.5 cups of fluids daily from both food and beverages, including water. About 20% of the water you need comes from food, so women need to drink about 9 cups of fluid per day.
Use Tampons or Menstrual Cups
To avoid unpleasant vaginal odors, you may want to use atamponormenstrual cupduring your period. Pads and pantyliners can trap more moisture next to your skin.
Try a Probiotic
Some research suggests taking aprobioticsupplement may promote a healthy pH balance in the vagina and reduce odor.Probiotics are also found in foods such as yogurt and sauerkraut.
Change Your Diet
Try changing up your diet if you notice that certain foods are triggering unpleasant vaginal odor. You can keep a food diary to better pinpoint possible food triggers. Slight alterations to what you eat could help lessen the smell.
Foods that Trigger Vaginal OdorSome foods that may change how your vagina smells include garlic, onion, spices, broccoli, and asparagus.
Foods that Trigger Vaginal Odor
Some foods that may change how your vagina smells include garlic, onion, spices, broccoli, and asparagus.
Pay attention to your vaginal hygiene, water intake, clothing choice, and diet if you notice a smellydischarge. You may want to alter some habits to see if they produce changes.
Additionally, a tampon left in the vagina can give off a strong smell if you forget to take it out. In rare cases, vaginal odor can also be a symptom ofcervical cancer.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
You should see a healthcare provider when you have other symptoms (burning, itching, irritation, discharge) along with vaginal odor. It’s also a good idea to get checked out if the smell is foul, doesn’t go away, or bothers you.
You may have seen products that claim to decrease vaginal odors, but research shows these remedies may worsen the issue.
In one study, women who used feminine products, such as wipes, washes, sprays, creams, or powders, in or around their vaginas were three times more likely to experience some vaginal health problem, like an infection.
Douchingcan also promote an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the vagina, leading to infections or other problems. Experts recommend avoiding douching.
Summary
Vaginal odor is usually harmless. The scent may fluctuate depending on your hormones, diet, hygiene, or other factors. Sometimes, a foul-smelling odor could indicate an infection or health problem. That’s why it’s important to see your healthcare provider if the smell is intense or if you also have other symptoms. Proper hygiene, wearing the right clothing, and paying attention to your diet can help control vaginal odor. But douching or using other feminine products can make matters worse.
12 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.University of Nebraska-Lincoln Health Center.Vaginal odor: what’s normal and what’s not.Lin YP, Chen WC, Cheng CM, Shen CJ.Vaginal pH value for clinical diagnosis and treatment of common vaginitis.Diagnostics (Basel). 2021;11(11):1996. doi:10.3390/diagnostics11111996Center for Young Women’s Health.Vulvar and vaginal care and cleaning.National Library of Medicine.Anatomy, abdomen and pelvis: female external anatomy.Harvard Health Publishing.Is this normal?Stony Brook Medicine.Hydration for vaginal health.Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.How much water do you need?.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Menstrual hygiene.Kim JM, Park YJ.Probiotics in the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal vaginal infections: review article.Journal of Menopausal Medicine. 2017;23(3):139-145. doi:10.6118/jmm.2017.23.3.139Moffitt Cancer Center.Cervical cancer symptoms.Crann SE, Cunningham S, Albert A, et al.Vaginal health and hygiene practices and product use in Canada: a national cross-sectional survey.BMC Women’s Health. 2018;18(1):52.Office on Women’s Health.Douching.
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.University of Nebraska-Lincoln Health Center.Vaginal odor: what’s normal and what’s not.Lin YP, Chen WC, Cheng CM, Shen CJ.Vaginal pH value for clinical diagnosis and treatment of common vaginitis.Diagnostics (Basel). 2021;11(11):1996. doi:10.3390/diagnostics11111996Center for Young Women’s Health.Vulvar and vaginal care and cleaning.National Library of Medicine.Anatomy, abdomen and pelvis: female external anatomy.Harvard Health Publishing.Is this normal?Stony Brook Medicine.Hydration for vaginal health.Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.How much water do you need?.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Menstrual hygiene.Kim JM, Park YJ.Probiotics in the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal vaginal infections: review article.Journal of Menopausal Medicine. 2017;23(3):139-145. doi:10.6118/jmm.2017.23.3.139Moffitt Cancer Center.Cervical cancer symptoms.Crann SE, Cunningham S, Albert A, et al.Vaginal health and hygiene practices and product use in Canada: a national cross-sectional survey.BMC Women’s Health. 2018;18(1):52.Office on Women’s Health.Douching.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Health Center.Vaginal odor: what’s normal and what’s not.Lin YP, Chen WC, Cheng CM, Shen CJ.Vaginal pH value for clinical diagnosis and treatment of common vaginitis.Diagnostics (Basel). 2021;11(11):1996. doi:10.3390/diagnostics11111996Center for Young Women’s Health.Vulvar and vaginal care and cleaning.National Library of Medicine.Anatomy, abdomen and pelvis: female external anatomy.Harvard Health Publishing.Is this normal?Stony Brook Medicine.Hydration for vaginal health.Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.How much water do you need?.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Menstrual hygiene.Kim JM, Park YJ.Probiotics in the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal vaginal infections: review article.Journal of Menopausal Medicine. 2017;23(3):139-145. doi:10.6118/jmm.2017.23.3.139Moffitt Cancer Center.Cervical cancer symptoms.Crann SE, Cunningham S, Albert A, et al.Vaginal health and hygiene practices and product use in Canada: a national cross-sectional survey.BMC Women’s Health. 2018;18(1):52.Office on Women’s Health.Douching.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Health Center.Vaginal odor: what’s normal and what’s not.
Lin YP, Chen WC, Cheng CM, Shen CJ.Vaginal pH value for clinical diagnosis and treatment of common vaginitis.Diagnostics (Basel). 2021;11(11):1996. doi:10.3390/diagnostics11111996
Center for Young Women’s Health.Vulvar and vaginal care and cleaning.
National Library of Medicine.Anatomy, abdomen and pelvis: female external anatomy.
Harvard Health Publishing.Is this normal?
Stony Brook Medicine.Hydration for vaginal health.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.How much water do you need?.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Menstrual hygiene.
Kim JM, Park YJ.Probiotics in the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal vaginal infections: review article.Journal of Menopausal Medicine. 2017;23(3):139-145. doi:10.6118/jmm.2017.23.3.139
Moffitt Cancer Center.Cervical cancer symptoms.
Crann SE, Cunningham S, Albert A, et al.Vaginal health and hygiene practices and product use in Canada: a national cross-sectional survey.BMC Women’s Health. 2018;18(1):52.
Office on Women’s Health.Douching.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
