Vaginal Odor: What You Need to Know

Hello, ladies, let's have a conversation about an uncomfortable issue that can arise for any one of us - vaginal odor. Maintaining good vaginal health is vital for your reproductive and overall well-being. Vaginal odor can have an impact on your self-confidence, relationships, and health. This article will dive into vaginal odor, its causes, and when it is necessary to seek medical attention.

What causes vaginal odor?

Having a mild vaginal scent is normal, but when the smell is unbearable, there may be a problem. Several things can cause odors down there. One common cause is vaginitis, which occurs in 75% of women at least once. Vaginitis is an imbalance of your vagina’s acidic environment caused by infections. Other examples include the following:

• Poor hygiene

• Yeast infections

• Hormonal changes

• Menstrual cycles

If you notice any unusual smells, please inform your healthcare provider immediately. You have treatment options available.

The vaginal pH

It’s imperative to keep your pH balance under control for a healthy vagina. A normal pH is between 4 and 4.5 in reproductive women. These ranges can change depending on premenarchal and postmenopausal women. The vagina contains healthy bacteria known as lactobacillus. Lactobacillus is a gram-positive bacteria that keeps the vagina acidic. It also prevents the growth of other bacteria in the vagina. You can do several things to keep your pH levels within range. For example, avoid the following:

• Douching

• Scented products 

• Using condoms during intercourse

Keeping your pH within range can help prevent infections that can cause odors.

Identifying normal vs abnormal discharge? 

Vaginal odor is typical, and everyone's scent is unique to them. This can depend on the smell and consistency of your discharge. A healthy vagina will have a mild scent with a discharge ranging from transparent to whitish, like egg whites. The smell of discharge can change with your menstrual cycle. It ranges from red to reddish brown, giving off a more pungent smell than usual. Odors can also come from intercourse, medications, and sweat. 

Any fishy odor or foul smell associated with burning and itching requires medical attention. Infections usually cause abnormal vaginal odors. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) accounts for 50% of vaginal infections. Symptoms of BV include the following:

• Gray, white, or green discharge

• “Fishy” odor

• Burning on urination

If you are experiencing persistent odors or itching, please seek medical help. A healthcare professional can give you the proper treatment.

Diagnosing vaginal odors

Your doctor may want to know your medical history to see if you have an infection like BV. They may also want to sample your vaginal discharge to confirm. Your doctor could view your sample under a microscope or test pH. A pH test will determine your acidity level. The normal range for vaginal pH is 4 to 4.5. Anything beyond that needs further assessment.

How to stop a smelly vagina

Treatment for vaginal odor includes medications or using preventable measures. Depending on the type of bacteria causing the odor, your doctor will order antibiotics. Some self-treatments to reduce odor include the following:

• Wear breathable underwear ( ex. cotton)

• Gently wash your lady parts with warm water

• Avoid scented products in or around your vagina

• Try to avoid tight-fitting clothing

• Take probiotics to ensure vaginal health

• Practice safe sex and use a condom 

Your vagina is a self-cleaning organ. Using scented products can affect the pH, causing more harm than good. As good as they smell, be very mindful when using them around your vulva/vaginal area.

When to seek medical attention

You see a medical provider if you have a foul odor coming from your lady parts that won’t go away. Your provider may want to do a vaginal exam and go over your medical history to figure out the cause. Depending on your findings, the doctor may prescribe treatment measures like antibiotics.

Other reasons to seek medical attention include the following:

• Recurrent vaginal infections

• Yellowish-green or gray discharge

• Burning, itchiness, or pain in the vagina

Figuring out the cause of the odor is the first step to proper treatment. Speaking with your provider can also help. 

In a nutshell

Vaginal odor can be caused by various factors such as menstruation, diet, sweating, and sexual activity. If the odor becomes unbearable, talking to a medical professional is essential. Treatment for vaginal odor involves medication or preventive measures such as avoiding unprotected sex, douching, or wearing tight clothing. By taking these measures, you can promote and maintain your health.

Thank you so much for reading my blog. If you like what you read, subscribe to get valuable information straight to your inbox. If you have business inquiries, please fill out the contact form, and I will reply!