An abnormal vaginal odour is usually associated with other vaginal signs and symptoms such as itching, burning, irritation or discharge.
Vaginal odour may vary throughout your menstrual cycle and may be especially noticeable right after having sex. Normal sweating also can cause a vaginal odour. Though it may be tempting to douche or use a vaginal deodorant to decrease vaginal odour, these products may actually increase irritation and other vaginal symptoms.
Bacterial vaginosis — an overgrowth of normally occurring vaginal bacteria — is the most common vaginal infection that causes a vaginal odour. Trichomoniasis — a sexually transmitted infection — also can lead to vaginal odour. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea infections usually don't cause vaginal odours. Neither do yeast infections.
Generally, if you have vaginal odour without other vaginal symptoms, it's unlikely that your vaginal odour is abnormal.
Common causes of abnormal vaginal odour include:
Bacterial vaginosis
Poor hygiene
Retained or forgotten a tampon
Trichomoniasis
Less commonly, the abnormal vaginal odour may result from:
Rectovaginal fistula (an abnormal opening between the rectum and vagina that allows faeces to leak into the vagina)
Cervical cancer
Vaginal cancer
If you're concerned about an abnormal or persistent vaginal odour, see your doctor — especially if you have other signs and symptoms such as itching, burning, irritation or discharge.
In the meantime, to minimize vaginal odour:
Wash your external genital area. During regular baths or showers, use a very small amount of mild, unscented soap and lots of water.
Avoid douching. All healthy vaginas contain bacteria and yeast. The normal acidity of your vagina keeps bacteria and yeast in check. But douching can actually upset this delicate balance.
Here are the top 10 natural ways to get rid of vaginal odour:
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Due to its antibacterial and antiseptic properties, apple cider vinegar can be used to fight vaginal odour. In fact, taking a bath with apple cider vinegar is one of the simplest ways to get rid of the bad odour. This will help fight off the toxins and bacteria that cause vaginal odour. It will also help restore the acidic quality of the vaginal flora.
Mix two cups of apple cider vinegar in warm bath water. Soak in it for about 20 minutes. Follow this remedy several times a week to get quick results.
You can also drink a glass of water mixed with one or two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar daily.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda is another ingredient that can be used to balance the pH level in your body. When the pH level is in balance, the problem of vaginal odour will dissipate.
Add one-half cup of baking soda to your bathwater.
Soak your lower body in it for about 20 minutes.
Dry yourself thoroughly with a clean towel. This remedy will help fight a yeast infection and can help get rid of odour quickly.
3. Yoghurt
Another good ingredient that can be used to treat vaginal odour is yoghurt. Yoghurt is rich in lactobacillus bacteria, which help fight candida infection (one of the most common causes of vaginal odour) and restore the normal vaginal pH level. Once the pH level is balanced, the vaginal odour will be gone.
Eat two cups of unsweetened, plain yoghurt daily. You can also take probiotic supplements.
Another option is to soak a tampon in plain yoghurt and insert it into your body. Leave it in for a few hours, and rinse the area thoroughly after removing the tampon.
4. White Vinegar
White vinegar has the power to neutralize odours by breaking down odour proteins. A white vinegar rinse will help eliminate vaginal odour. It will also help restore pH levels in the vagina.
Mix one-half cup each of white vinegar and salt in lukewarm bath water.
Soak in it for a few minutes.
Follow this remedy several times a week.
5. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil contains strong antifungal as well as antiseptic properties, and thus it can be used to get rid of unpleasant vaginal odour. It will help get rid of bacteria that are contributing to the problem.
Add three drops of tea tree oil to a cup of water. Use this solution to rinse the affected area daily or several times a week.
Alternatively, dip a tampon in olive oil and then put a little tea tree oil on it. Insert the tampon and leave it in for at least one hour. Do this several times a week.
6. Garlic
Garlic is a natural antibiotic that can be great for dealing with vaginal infections as well as vaginal odour. The antifungal properties present in garlic will help fight a yeast infection and help your body get rid of bad bacteria.
Eat garlic in the raw or cooked form on a daily basis. You can eat one or two raw garlic cloves on an empty stomach with a glass of warm water. You can also add garlic cloves or its paste to your dishes and salads.
Another option is to put a piece of garlic in the vagina for an hour or two. Do this daily or a few times a week until you get rid of the problem.
7. Fenugreek
Fenugreek is highly beneficial for women. When consumed on a regular basis, it helps balance the hormones and promotes regular menstrual cycles.
Soak one or two teaspoons of fenugreek seeds in one cup of water before going to bed. The next morning, strain out the seeds and drink the water on an empty stomach.
You can also use fenugreek seeds to make herbal tea. To prepare this tea, boil one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in a cup of water. Strain and drink it two times a day.
8. Indian Gooseberry
Indian gooseberry, also known as amla, can be used to get rid of unpleasant vaginal odour. It is a kind of natural blood purifier and organic cleanser, hence it can control the infection that causes vaginal odour.
At the same time, this natural ingredient can also be used to control problematic leucorrhoea (thick vaginal discharge).
Simply eat Indian gooseberry daily, either raw or in other forms like pickles, amla powder, juice and so on.
9. Neem
Due to its antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties, neem or Indian lilac can also be used to fight vaginal infections and get rid of vaginal odours.
Boil a handful of neem leaves in a pan of water.
Strain and allow it to cool.
Use this solution to rinse the vaginal area daily for a few days or a week.
10. Citrus Fruits
Citrus foods can also help your body fight infections more effectively and prevent vaginal odour. Citrus foods are rich in vitamin C, an immune booster, and they can also help remove harmful toxins present in the body.
A strong immune system will allow your body to fight off the harmful bacteria that cause vaginal odour. These fruits will also help fight urinary tract infections.
Simply eat fruits such as grapes, oranges, sweet lime, lemons, cranberries, grapefruits, pineapples and so on.
Additional Tips
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to flush out toxins and harmful bacteria from the body. It will also help ward off a variety of health issues.
Avoid refined carbohydrates, caffeine and sugary drinks; sugar stimulates yeast production.
Check for possible signs of infection that could be causing this problem.
Maintain proper personal hygiene using products such as Everteen Intimate hygiene wash.
Wear 100 percent cotton panties that allow air circulation and help keep the vulva ventilated, thus avoiding excessive perspiration.
Change pads, tampons, and panty-liners frequently.
Avoid using scented products down there as they may contribute to unbalanced vaginal pH. Use intimate powder instead daily use.
If the problem mostly occurs after intercourse then simply wash the vagina with mild soap and water after sex.
Practice safe sex.
At times, women simply do not like the normal vaginal odour caused by vaginal secretions. However, there is nothing bad about it, you just need to respect your body and embrace your natural odour.
If the problem is severe or does not get better with the home remedies then it is suggested to consult a doctor.