A woman’s vagina has natural flora that protects other microorganisms from growing in the vaginal area and cause an infection that would subsequently cause it to smell. When a woman’s natural flora or even the vagina’s normal pH is disturbed, infection can set it and cause an unpleasant odor.
Vaginal Smell
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Vaginal odor is a good indicator of vaginal health.
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There is no “one” normal vaginal odor because this can vary from one woman to another depending on genes, diet, and other similar factors.
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Normal vaginal odor may be having no odor at all or having a slight odor but one that is not offensive.
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When the vagina starts to give off an unpleasant or offensive smell, with or without a discharge, the woman may be suffering from a vaginal infection.
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The vagina can also emit an unpleasant odor through non-medical causes such as poor vaginal hygiene, douching, or using scented soaps or washes.
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The most common mild infections that the vagina can suffer from are yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis.
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A yeast infection can give the woman a pungent vaginal odor.
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Bacterial vaginosis can give the woman a fishy vaginal odor.
Fishy Vaginal Smell Treatment
A fishy vaginal smell often results from conditions known as bacterial vaginosis and yeast infection.
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Treat the underlying medical condition.
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Take medications as prescribed only by a doctor depending on laboratory result from swabs if any were taken.
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Avoid douching. This only causes more harm than good.
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Avoid excessive washing. Excessive washing can disturb the vagina’s normal pH and flora which can help to fight off infection.
Strong Vaginal Smell Treatment
A strong vaginal odor can be remedied naturally.
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Avoid washing the vagina with scented soaps or washes. Use only plain, unscented or mild soaps or washes.
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Wear loose cotton underwear. Tight underwear restricts airflow to the vagina. Proper ventilation can help eliminate odor.
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Remove tampons regularly. Never allow tampons to remain inside the vagina unchanged for long periods of time.
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Eat yogurt. Yogurt increases healthy bacteria in the gut and vaginal area which can help fight off yeast infection.
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Drink plenty of cranberry juice. This helps improve vaginal health and smell.
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Apply diluted tea tree oil to warm water and use this for cleansing the vagina. Tea tree oil contains natural antiseptic properties.
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Eat a healthy diet. Diet can affect the smell of the vagina.
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Urinate after intercourse. Helps dispel any bacteria that may have lodged inside the urethra or vaginal canal.
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Wash before and after intercourse. To help avoid infections that can cause a strong vaginal odor.