Ways to improve the odor in a woman”s intimate area
What to do if the smell in the intimate area is too strong and unpleasant? How can the situation be corrected and what precautions should be taken to prevent this problem from happening again? Experts say.
Contents of the article:
Home Remedies
If the change in odor is minor and there are no other suspicious symptoms, you can use home methods.
- Shower more often.
Maybe you just need to shower more often. Sweat, dead skin cells and dirt can accumulate in this area, reminds Dr. Ferris Gersh. The problem of unpleasant odors in the intimate area can sometimes be easily solved by following normal hygiene rules.
If you are unable to shower right now, simply wash your external genitalia with warm water.
- Don”t try to clean everything from the inside!
It is true that the vagina cleans itself. And the bacteria that live in the vaginal canal and keep it healthy and clean don’t need your help,” reminds Hirsch.
Unfortunately, some girls are seriously convinced that just cleansing the external genitalia is not enough. And as a result, all these attempts to wash everything “to shine” inside lead to disastrous results.
What happens when the natural bacterial composition of the vagina is disrupted? The risk of developing various infections, including bacterial vaginosis, increases. One of its symptoms is a sudden change in odor in the intimate area.
- Check out the shelves in your bathroom and vanity.
Perhaps they started using a different soap, shower gel or intimate hygiene products? Have you changed brands of toilet paper? According to Gersh, even this can affect the vaginal flora.
Consider if anything has changed in your self-care routine. The soap you used, the underwear you wore, how tight your everyday clothes were — all of this is very important,” says Gersh.
The culprit should also be found in a secret drawer on your dressing table. Perhaps you and your partner have already tried out a new lubricant? Other condoms? Or have you bought new eyelids for your toys? Think about it in your free time.
Regular consumption of simple clean water has a beneficial effect not only on the skin. It also helps maintain overall vaginal health and promotes healthy sweating and urinary function.
Yes, your diet can also make a difference. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein will soften odors.
“And keep in mind that eating strong-smelling foods like asparagus, garlic and onions can make your intimate area smell stronger,” warns Siradey Sachsek Educator.
Read also: Odor in the intimate area in women: the opinion of a gynecologist
Having smelled the smell in the intimate areas of women, men get scared and begin to plan visits to the urologist and where to earn money for tests. Actually, no.
When should you see a doctor?
Of course, if there are any concerns, it is better to consult a doctor,” says Gersh. According to her, it is also highly advisable to consult a gynecologist if:
- You recently got a new partner (or several new partners).
- An unpleasant and irritating odor is not the only thing that bothers you. You experience irritation, pain, burning and discomfort in your intimate areas, and the discharge changes color.
- Are you currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the near future?
Your doctor will help determine the cause of the unpleasant odor and prescribe treatment (if available).
“Remember. There are no prescription medications designed just for vaginal odor, says Gersh. However, she says abnormal vaginal odor can be a byproduct of a bacterial vaginal disease, infection or hormonal deficiency, all of which are treatable.
By the way, about infections. The appearance of an irritating odor in the intimate area may be a symptom of gonorrhea, chlamydia or trichomoniasis — these diseases are sexually transmitted. However, fortunately, they can be successfully treated with antibiotics (but only a doctor should prescribe them!).
When menopausal women experience these and other symptoms, doctors may prescribe HRT (hormone replacement therapy), which is also very effective,” adds Gersh.
How to prevent unpleasant odors?
It is always easier to prevent any problem than to solve it. Therefore, the following precautions should be taken
Personal hygiene hacks || Anetta Budapest
“Silk and satin panties are certainly very beautiful, sexy and aesthetically pleasing, and the list goes on, but it is still recommended to choose cotton underwear. “Other materials can lead to excessive moisture retention, which will disrupt the natural level of bacteria and cause an outbreak of infection.
“Excess moisture is also very popular with yeast infections and can interfere with natural flavors,” explains Gersh.
Clothing that is too tight can also lead to strong odors and irritation in your intimate areas. So stop wearing very tight jeans or leggings if you already have the problem or want to prevent it from happening,” advises Gersh.
Frequently asked questions
- Where does the smell come from?
In any case, a slight smell is always present — this is normal. It can also change depending on diet and menstrual cycle.
However, strong foul odor is often caused by hormonal changes, infection, or bacterial imbalance.
- What is bad odor?
If you notice a fishy odor or any other strong odor from your vagina, you should see a doctor,” says Dychak.
- “How can you tell if it’s vaginitis or a yeast infection?
The characteristic fishy smell is a clear symptom of bacterial vaginosis. The smell of a yeast infection also resembles that of sourdough bread.
- Is it related to sex?
Yes, because of the yeast infection smell, which can be a symptom of an infection. But these changes are temporary. This is due to the different pH of male sperm. Don”t forget about lubricants. The chemical composition of lubricants may contain substances that cause irritation and alter the natural odor.
- Does the smell disappear quickly?
It all depends on the reason that caused it. On average it takes about 2-3 days.
