Vaginal Odor Treatment, Types and Causes

Do you smell your vagina differently? How can you know from the smell of the vagina whether it's fine or not? Every person has their unique smell and hence the body parts also have their smell. The smell is indicative of the body's health which suggests whether the body is healthy or not. Similar is the case with the vagina.

The vagina's smell indicates a lot about how it is. Hence, paying attention to your vagina’s odour is necessary. In this article, we will be talking about different types of vaginal smells, the causes of those specific smells and also the vaginal odor treatment. So, let's dive in to understand how healthy your vaginal is from its smell.

Types of Vaginal Odor

Before getting into vaginal odor treatment, it is essential to have a look at the different smelly vaginal odor which are common. These are:

1. A Fish-like Odor That's Rotten

One of the most common types of vaginal odor is the fishy odor which is experienced by many women during their reproductive period of life. It smells like a fish that has been left to rot and is very foul. It can signal infections like Bacterial Vaginosis, Trichomoniasis, growth of bacteria, and disturbance in pH levels.

Many times this is one of the reasons why women say no to sex. This smelly vaginal odor is not something that can get better only with your efforts, you need to see a doctor and take proper treatment to avoid any complexities and further infections. It can also in some rare cases suggest serious conditions.

2. The Smell Of Something Sweating

When it comes to bad vaginal odor, one of them is the sweat smell from the vagina. This smell is the result of the sweat glands present around your genitals like the groin, vulva and skin and it contains bacteria that produce sweat from the sweat glands. The amount of smell varies from person to person according to how much they sweat.

The cause of this odor can be tight clothes, improper hygiene and no ventilation around your vagina along with sweating. The remedies for vaginal odor in such cases can be to wear loose undergarments, wash down there, allow proper ventilation and use pads that are made to absorb vaginal sweats.

3. A Metallic Odor Like Blood Has Clotted

Metallic odour is also one of the types of vaginal odor that can be found in women. Usually, it is about the blood which is present in the vagina during the time of menstruation and therefore the smell. Hence it is not a reason to worry about but if it persists even days after menstruation then you must visit a doctor.

The reason for this smelly vaginal odor is usually blood because of the iron present in it which gives a metallic odour to your vagina. Since, while being on periods the blood sheds through the vagina which leads to this foul smell. If it is accompanied by other symptoms like pain during urination, and swelling then you should consider having yourself checked.

4. Bleach Smell Or Odor

Bleachy smelly vaginal odor is another category of vaginal odour that indicates problems in the genitals. It is not the normal way a vagina would smell and can refer to the fact that there is an infection caused by urination or any UTI. You must look for a doctor and get it checked if there are other symptoms as well.

It is a bad vaginal odor similar to the smell of ammonia. If your vagina smells like bleach after sex then it may be the smell of condoms or lubrication. If the smell goes away after some time or a day or two then it is completely normal and there is nothing to panic about. It can be seen in girls who are new to sexual intercourse.

5. Smells Like Fruits Or Sweet

Among other types of vaginal odor, one is the sweet fruity smell from the vagina. It can usually be sensed after you have consumed a lot of sweets or fruits. Usually, this does not signify any concerns, but still, if you witness any other symptoms you should take note of it and approach a doctor and practice hygiene measures.

It is not a usual bad vaginal odor but more like a bittersweet and fruity smell which can indicate the slight changes in pH levels but it is not something to worry about. If it persists for more than 2 weeks then you must see a doctor and get yourself checked however, it goes on its own as the body fixes the pH and hormonal levels.

Causes of Vaginal Odor

To go for vaginal odor treatment, it is necessary to have a look into the cause of vagina smell so that the exact reason can be traced and worked upon. The causes of the same are:

1. Bacterial Vaginosis

One of the most causes of vaginal odor is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) which is the result of an imbalance in the bacteria that protects the vagina from any infections. Usually, the symptom of this is a fishy-smelling vagina along with itching, and greenish or grey discharge. A lot of women suffer from this problem which causes vaginal odour.

2. Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is another cause of vagina smell which is caused by a parasite and is considered a sexually transmitted infection. It causes an unpleasant smell in the vagina along with yellowish-green discharge and pain while urinating. Usually, your vulva will feel red and itchy causing discomfort around that area.

3. Poor Hygiene Measures In The Genitals

Poor hygiene methods are other causes of vaginal odor. The reason why self-care is important for women is that not taking care of hygiene can lead to infections and a foul-smelling vagina which causes other issues as well like itching, swelling, inflammation, and pain around the area and also restricts your sexual activities.

4. Menstruation

Another cause of vagina smell can be due to menstruation. Many times due to menstruation or around the time of periods the vagina becomes smelly. It is very normal and something concerning but if it persists for weeks you must see a doctor. However, with hygiene measures, it presides automatically and thus it is okay.

5. Hormonal Changes

Due to hormonal changes in the body many times the vagina smells and this is one of the causes of vaginal odor. The hormonal changes cause the smell of the mucus of the cervical to change. It is more common after menopause and pregnancy influencing the discharge quality like getting thicker and thinner.

6. Disturbance in pH Level

Similar to that of changes in hormonal level, the disturbance in the pH level is also the cause of vagina smell. It affects the genitals and at times it can also indicate some other infections like Bacterial Vaginosis or Trichomoniasis, hence, it is essential to pay attention to it and see a doctor if there are other symptoms as well.

7. UTI And Other Infections

UTI and other infections can also be the reason for vaginal odor like a yeast infection in the vagina or any urinary tract infection that was not attended to and taken care of. It can also be the side effects of having unprotected sex as it can lead to certain infections causing vaginal infections and giving an ammonia-like vaginal smell.

Treatment For Vaginal Odor

Now, here are the vaginal odor treatment that can help you get rid of the smelly vagina and stay stress free.

1. Scheduling Doctor's Appointment

The foremost treatment of vaginal odor is to schedule a doctor's appointment. In case of a strong foul smell, itchiness, swelling, redness and any other symptoms you must immediately see a doctor. If you are hesitant to go to a male doctor you can also consult a female psychologist and get yourself treated properly.

2. Washing Properly Down There

You can also go for home remedies for vaginal odor that is washing your vulva and surrounding areas properly. It is also one of the sexual hygiene tips for newly married couple or anyone. Properly wash the vulva with water regularly and wipe it clean with a soft cloth to keep it dry as it is an important hygiene tip.

3. Taking Care Of Diet And Drinking Water

Another of the home remedies for vaginal odor is taking care of your diet and drinking enough water. Diet directly or indirectly affects your vagina and water is very beneficial for vaginal health. Drinking enough water will automatically free your vagina from many of the bacteria that can potentially cause infection.

4. Going For Antibiotics

Antibiotics are also very helpful in case of vaginal odour. It is one of the treatment of vaginal odor. Many times only through medications and antibiotics the vaginal infections can be cured but make sure that you take the medicines on time and as prescribed so that it cures properly without any further delays or issues.

5. Wearing Comfortable Underwear

There are many ways to avoid vaginal foul smell. One of the home remedies for vaginal odor is to wear loose undergarments. Have you ever considered whether is it safe to wear underwear at night? You must try to wear breathable, loose underwear to allow ventilation in your vaginal area so that there are less chances of foul smell.

6. Practicing Safe Sex Methods

Yet one more treatment of vaginal odor is practicing safe sex. Many times the reason behind the vaginal smell can be STD. Practicing safe sex not only reduces the vaginal smell but also decreases the chances of STD making your sexual life better. If you have any problems in your sex life, you can go for sex therapy as well.

Conclusion

Coming to the end, looking over your body's health is a necessity to be healthy. In this, vaginal health is also important, the vagina indicates its condition via the smell and therefore it is essential to understand how your vagina smells and go for vaginal odor treatment to treat it.

One of the awkward situations during sex is when you are all prepared for sex but then your vagina smells. To avoid such a situation you can take proper care of hygiene, drink lots of water and understand the reason for vaginal odor so that you can take the proper steps for it.

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