To get rid of vaginal odor, practice good hygiene (wash with water, avoid scented products), wear breathable cotton underwear, stay hydrated, and eat probiotics like yogurt; if odor persists with itching or unusual discharge, it might signal an infection (BV, yeast, STI) needing a doctor's visit for antibiotics. For general freshness, focus on lifestyle, but see a healthcare provider for persistent or worsening smells.
You can add two cups of apple cider vinegar to a warm bath and soak for about 20 minutes. The vinegar can help neutralize odors and restore the natural pH balance of your vagina. However, be cautious if you have sensitive skin, as vinegar can be irritating.
We get it — it's a common problem, but sometimes it can make you self-conscious (“wait, can other people smell that, too?!”) and affect your confidence. Inner thigh odor is caused by various factors, including excessive sweating, fungal infections, poor hygiene, and hormonal changes.
Bacterial vaginosis is an overgrowth of bacteria typically present in the vagina. It's a common vaginal condition that can cause vaginal odor. Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection, also can lead to vaginal odor. A yeast infection usually doesn't cause vaginal odor.
Healthy tips to reduce vaginal odor
Treatment for a Fishy Vagina Smell Due to a UTI
Drinking plenty of water & unsweetened cranberry juice to flush the bacteria, remembering to wipe from front to back after using the bathroom, and ensuring to wash the intimate areas after sexual intercourse are some excellent preventative methods.
It's easy to keep your vagina clean without making it smell like a flower shop. You just need to shower or wash every day with a mild soap and plenty of warm water. Some girls like to take warm baths during their periods to help relieve cramps.
To begin with, is it typical for an STD to cause a change in vaginal odour? Yes, an unpleasant and fishy vaginal odour is a common side effect of STDs.
The acidity and antioxidants in cranberries, as well as citrus fruits, can help reduce vaginal odor by discouraging bacterial growth. Always consult with your healthcare provider if you think your vaginal scent or discharge is abnormal.
Normally, the vagina produces a scent that can be described as “musky” when the body is cleaning up your system. During the menstrual cycle period, a slightly metallic scent may be produced. It is not typically normal for the vagina to produce fishy or unpleasant odors.
Sweating and body odor most often affect the underarm and groin areas, the palms, the bottom of the feet, and the head, face and scalp. It's common for some people to sweat more or less than other people. Body odor also can vary from person to person. It might smell tangy, oniony, sour or some other strong odor.
Everyone has sweat glands, but some people have overactive ones. This means you might sweat more than usual, even after a shower. More sweat equals more food for bacteria, which equals more odor.
No, eating pineapple won't change how your vagina smells or taste. There's no solid scientific evidence that any food could alter your natural scent or flavor in a meaningful way. Your vagina cleans itself and has its own unique scent. That's normal and healthy.
You can put healthy habits in place to keep your vulva clean and protect your vagina from infection.
Use antiperspirants and deodorants: Antiperspirants work by reducing the amount of sweat that is produced, while deodorants mask odor. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Drinking plenty of water can help flush out toxins and reduce body odor. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
Normal, Healthy Vaginal Odors
Here are some typical, not-to-worry vaginal odors you may encounter: Tangy, fermented, or sour. These are perfectly healthy adjectives to describe the vaginal odor created by your normal bacterial flora.
Some women and men can have gonorrhea without any signs. For women, signs include: Painful or burning urination. Increased vaginal discharge.
The researchers asked the men to describe the odors across a spectrum that would be familiar to any perfumer or sommelier. During ovulation, labeled O here, men described women's scents as more citrus, more “grassy”, and more “fragrant”, while being less “vinegary”, “musty” or “stinky”.
Treatment
Keep your skin clean by taking a daily bath or shower with antibacterial soap. Focus on the areas where you sweat the most, like your armpits and groin area. Removing some of the bacteria on your skin regularly can prevent unpleasant body odor.
Here are some tips to avoid issues down there:
Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which can help balance the pH levels in your stomach and aid digestion.
Urine that smells fishy is not typical, but many of the causes are mild or treatable. Certain supplements, medications, or foods may change how urine smells. Some infections, such as UTIs or BV, can also cause this symptom.
However, when it comes to fruit and vegetables more widely, eating more of them can lead to a more attractive scent. A 2017 study in Australia found that men who had consumed more fruit and vegetables were significantly associated with smelling better – more fruity, floral and sweet.