To keep your genital area clean and minimize natural odors, the focus should be on proper hygiene of the vulva (the external parts) and maintaining the natural balance of your self-cleaning vagina (the internal canal).
To get rid of odor "down there," maintain good hygiene with just water (avoid perfumed products), wear breathable cotton underwear, stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet, and consider probiotics; however, if the odor persists, changes significantly (like a fishy or strong smell), or is accompanied by itching or unusual discharge, see a doctor, as it could be an infection requiring antibiotics or other treatment, says Healthline and Cleveland Clinic https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-get-rid-of-vaginal-odor,.
Here are some tips to avoid issues down there:
I've had good luck using unscented Summer's Eve intimate wash. Not inside, but on the outer areas and folds. It's basically just a gentle body wash but it's ph balanced. I switched to one of their scented ones and I ended up irritated by it pretty quickly so switched back to the unscented and have been fine since.
Mix one part white vinegar with two parts water in a spray bottle, and lightly spritz the affected areas of your clothing. Allow it to air dry, and the vinegar smell will dissipate, taking the unwanted odors with it. This method works well for removing musty smells and is safe for most fabrics.
Body odor is caused by a mix of bacteria and sweat on your skin. Your body odor can change due to hormones, the food you eat, infection, medications or underlying conditions like diabetes. Prescription-strength antiperspirants or medications may help.
'The vagina has a natural bacterial flora that's there to keep a good balance,' explains Dr Rosén. It's because of this natural bacteria that the cervical mucus in the vagina always has a smell. You may also experience changes throughout your menstrual cycle as the pH balance in your vagina changes.
Washing
Keep your intimate area fresh and protected from undesirable feminine odor with Betadine™ Feminine Wash Foam Daily Use Odour Control Witch Hazel. Exclusively designed for effective odor control, it contains naturally extracted Witch Hazel from the Hamamelis Virginiana plant that has deodorizing properties.
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.
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.
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.
You can put healthy habits in place to keep your vulva clean and protect your vagina from infection.
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.
Tangy, fermented, or sour.
These are perfectly healthy adjectives to describe the vaginal odor created by your normal bacterial flora. Good bacteria help keep your vagina healthy by producing lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and other substances to keep harmful bacteria at bay.
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.
A healthy vagina does makes a discharge—slippery and clear or whitish when moist, may turn yellowish when dried, and has little odor. This healthy discharge may also be thicker during some times of the month. Unhealthy discharge is different.
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.
Sometimes, despite regular showers and deodorant, body odor sticks around. This could be due to diet (like eating spicy foods, garlic, or onions), stress sweat that mixes with bacteria, hormonal changes during puberty or menopause, or even medical conditions like diabetes or hyperhidrosis.
Clean only the outer vaginal area gently with mild, unscented soap and avoid douching or scented products. Wearing breathable cotton underwear and avoiding tight clothes reduces moisture and odor. Eating healthy and using probiotics may also support a fresh, healthy vaginal environment.
Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and pineapples are your natural allies when it comes to reducing body odor. Their acids help flush out toxins, leaving your skin smelling fresh and clean.
Is vaginal odor normal? In a word, yes! Even after a shower, a very faint, not-unpleasant, odor will be present if vaginal secretions are smelled up close. Some have likened this normal odor to that of lightly soured milk or yogurt.
After you've been sweating, give your shirt, socks, or any other garment a sniff, especially in areas prone to odor like your underarms, feet, and groin. If your clothes smell bad after a short time, it's a good indicator that you have body odor.