Why am I dry and smelly down there?

1. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) Bacterial vaginosis is one of the most common causes of a smelly vagina, affecting 15% to 50% of women of reproductive age. 'It's a condition where there's an imbalance in the vaginal flora,' Dr Rosén explains.

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How do I get rid of the odor down there?

Following certain hygiene practices and avoiding behaviors that disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina can help reduce vaginal odors.
  1. But First, Healthy vs. Unhealthy Odors. ...
  2. Learn Proper Vulva Hygiene. ...
  3. Wear the Right Clothing. ...
  4. Don't Wait to Shower. ...
  5. Stay Hydrated. ...
  6. Use Tampons or Menstrual Cups. ...
  7. Try a Probiotic.

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Why do I have a strong odor down there?

Vaginal odor can change from day to day during the menstrual cycle. An odor might be especially noticeable right after having sex. Sweating also can cause a vaginal odor. Bacterial vaginosis is an overgrowth of bacteria typically present in the vagina.

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What does bacterial vaginosis smell like?

Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include: an unusual vaginal discharge that has a strong fishy smell, particularly after sex. a change to the colour and consistency of your discharge, such as becoming greyish-white and thin and watery.

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Why do I smell down there even after I shower?

A strong vaginal odor may be a sign of vaginitis, or it may be a temporary smell related to your hygiene, lifestyle or other changes. Take note of whether you have other symptoms. If the odor is related to an infection, you'll usually notice other changes, like vaginal itching, burning and discharge.

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VAGINAL ODOR: OBGYN discusses what to do (and what to AVOID) | Dr. Jennifer Lincoln

35 related questions found

Why can I smell myself even after a shower?

Hair is another place where bacteria like to hide. If you still smell a strong body odor after a shower, consider shaving the hair in your armpits, groin, and chest. The hair's surface is a perfect place for bacteria to call home, and it's harder to eliminate them from the hair than your bare skin.

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How do you smell healthy down there?

Healthy tips to reduce vaginal odor
  1. Avoid the use of perfumes, powders, deodorant sprays or other scented products in the vaginal area.
  2. Wash gently and do not use antibacterial soaps and scented soaps.
  3. If it is necessary to wash more than once during a day due to activity or exercise, remember to wash gently.

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Does bacterial vaginosis go away?

At times, BV will go away without treatment. However, treatment can help avoid the increased chance of some serious health risks associated with BV, including: Getting or transmitting HIV; Delivering your baby too early if you have BV while pregnant; and.

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Does shaving pubic hair reduce odor?

The research shows that body hair by itself is not a cause of bad body odor. But everyone is unique. Some guys report smelling better after their shave their armpits, body hair, or pubes. They feel that it makes them sweat less and smell better.

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Why does in between my thighs smell?

Inner thigh odor is caused by a variety of factors, including excessive sweating, fungal infections, poor hygiene, and hormonal changes.

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Why does my discharge smell weird but not fishy?

“It's a yeasty smell,” says Dr. Streicher. “It's not leave-the-room bad, but it has a characteristic scent.” The pH of your vagina doesn't actually change when you have a yeast issue—it's just that yeast has an odor. So if your discharge smells bad but not fishy, it could be a yeast infection.

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Why do I smell down there no matter what I do?

Infections are another very common cause of vaginal odor, explains Dr. King. And while bacterial vaginosis is often the main culprit, trichomoniasis is another infection that also “causes an odor that's pretty distinctive for most people.”

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What is the clear gooey stuff when I wipe?

Clear and stretchy — This is “fertile” mucous and means you're ovulating. Clear and watery — This occurs at different times of your cycle and can be particularly heavy after exercising. Yellow or green — May indicate an infection, especially if it's thick or clumpy like cottage cheese or has a foul odor.

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Why am I getting BV all the time?

Many papers have linked BV with sexual behaviour; a recent change of sexual partner,7 and multiple partners compared with one partner10 increasing the risk.

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Why do I smell fishy between my legs?

Trimethylamine has been described as smelling like rotten or decaying fish. As this compound builds up in the body, it causes affected people to give off a strong fishy odor in their sweat, urine, and breath. The intensity of the odor may vary over time.

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Why can't I smell myself but others can?

In fact, according to research published in Nature, your nose can detect about one trillion smells! But your own underarms could reek and you might not be able to tell: Humans are prone to what scientists call olfactory fatigue; our sense of smell just gets plain tired out by familiar odors and stops detecting them.

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Does Brazilian wax help with odor?

Brazilian Waxing Is Hygienic

Removing unwanted hair in and around your bikini area will keep you feeling fresh and clean. Excessive pubic hair risks trapping bacteria, which could trigger an uncomfortable odor from your pubic area or induce infection. Brazilian wax is more effective when a professional does it.

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What not to do after you wax your vag?

For at least 24 hours, you'll want to avoid saunas, tanning beds, and even the gym. Wait for Sex: Give yourself about 2 days, or 24-48 hours, to recover from the wax before engaging in any sexual activity. Keep it Loose: Avoid tight and constricting clothing for a few days after your wax.

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Why can't you take a bath after a Brazilian wax?

Directly after waxing your hair follicle is left open. This makes it susceptible hot water entering the open hair follicle during a shower or bath. This will irritate the area and create discomfort. Once your follicles close you can return to your normal bathing routine.

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Is it better to shave or wax your pubes?

Overall, the better choice of the two methods is totally up to you and your personal preference. For some, the pain of waxing is enough to put up with all the tedious parts of shaving. For others, the idea of shaving every day is much too high-maintenance. There is no better or worse process—only what's right for you.

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