Feminine Odor: Treat it Naturally

A woman’s self-esteem and body image can get adversely affected due to foul body odor. Instances of embarrassment are bound to occur especially when in public. The regular feminine odor is normal and can be checked upon by observing personal hygiene, using appropriate toiletries and sanitary products, ensuring a healthy diet and choosing the right clothing.

The most common feminine odor is the vaginal odor. It is natural for the vagina to have some odor. This is because of the bacteria residing in there. A healthy vagina naturally maintains a healthy pH level which in turn keeps a check on the bad bacteria. Just like the gut bacteria, the vaginal bacterial mix is very individual. Thus, each woman’s vaginal odor is different.

It is normal for the vagina to have a mild, musky smell. This odor changes with hormonal shifts during pregnancy, menopause, and the menstrual cycle. However, an unusual aroma accompanied by itching or out of the norm discharge may indicate an infection, thereby calling for further investigation.

Let us look at the types of vaginal odors which can be indicative of a larger infection and the possible remedies.

Fishy odor

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection occurring amongst women of reproductive age group. While a fishy vaginal odor is its most common symptom, some women may also experience itching or burning. It is the result of the pH level getting imbalanced causing an overgrowth of the bad bacteria. A pH gel can be used to treat the problem. However, if the smell persists, prescription antibiotics will be required to clear up the infection.

Sweet or beer-like odor

Though the yeast infections are not smelly, but the thick cottage cheese-like discharge along with itchiness can have a sweet smell like that of honey or cookies. There may be redness or burning around the vagina or pain after passing urine. Diabetic women may witness these symptoms. This is because they have more glucose in their vaginal secretions and yeast feeds on sugar. OTC medicines can treat these infections.

Trapped sweat in the vaginal area can make the vaginal odor musky. A tampon left over in the vagina for days together can make the odor rotten. Likewise, the menstrual blood can change the pH of the vagina, making it smell metallic.

Certain basic measures can be adopted to reduce or prevent vaginal odor. It can also prevent further complications or infections.

1. Practicing good hygiene

Certain basic vaginal hygiene practices can help in reducing the vaginal odor.

• Wiping from front to back so as to prevent any fecal matter from entering the vagina.
• Urinating right after a sexual intercourse.
• Using a gentle, fragrance-free soap only on the vulva. Inserting soap into the vagina alters its pH levels, causing foul odor and increasing susceptibility to infections.
• Using a washcloth to wipe the vulva in between showers.
• Using clean underwears and washing them in unscented detergent. They should be changed on a daily basis or even more frequently if found soiled or damp.
• Also, the underwears should be of 100 percent cotton fabric. This will keep the vaginal area breathable.
• Shower after sweating or exercising so as to wash away the trapped sweat. Synthetic fabric should be avoided.

2. Using the right menstrual products

Menstrual blood makes the vagina smell metallic. Certain menstrual products trap this odor, compounding the effect. Sanitary pads and reusable cloth pads create moisture in the vaginal area, increasing the risk of infection. Thus, internal products such as menstrual cups should be used. They should be changed frequently.

3. Safe sexual intercourse

During a sexual intercourse, the contact between semen and vaginal fluids can change the vaginal pH levels, causing overgrowth of bad bacteria, leading to vaginal odor. An unscented condom should be used to prevent the semen from coming in direct contact with the vaginal fluids. The vulva and vagina should be washed thoroughly after an intercourse. Scented lubricants should not be used as they alter the pH levels.

4. Healthy diet high on probiotics and fluids

Including probiotic in one’s diet can help maintain a healthy pH level in the vagina. This helps prevent vaginal odor and any infections. A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables will also help here. The diet should also include ample water and fluid intake. This curtails bacterial growth and prevents overall body odor.

5. Right clothing

Tight-fitting clothing made of synthetic fabric traps sweat, dead skin, and discharge. Thus, for women who have complaint of foul odor, loose-fitting cotton clothing will be the best choice.

6. No douches and scrubs

While douches and scrubs eliminate bad bacteria, they also wash off the good bacteria, exposing the vagina to infections. Hence, these should not be used.

Public embarrassment associated with foul vaginal odor as well as the odor  from intestinal gas and flatulence can be avoided using deodorizer products. Flat-D Flatulence Deodorizer Pads can be used. They are thin and comfortable to wear.

The Flat-D Ostomy Deodorizing Vent Plug is an ostomy supply device to control to odor and ballooning of the ostomy pouch. An activated charcoal cloth is used as a flatulence deodorizer. Ostomy Pouch Cover is also available. It is washable and can be reused over a long period of time.

Adopting the above measures will surely curtail feminine odor and the possibility of any infections. However, if the odor worsens and other symptoms appear, a doctor should be consulted to check for any possible infections.

 

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