Vaginal Odor

It is quite natural for the human body to emit odors. Vaginal odor is no exception, and it can be expected even from a normal, healthy vagina. However, pungent, foul odors that emanate from the vagina can not only be very embarrassing, they may indicate a potentially serious health problem.

 

The most common cause of vaginal odor is bacterial vaginosis. BV is caused by an imbalance of naturally occurring bacterial flora, which may be due to the use of antibiotics or a pH imbalance. BV results in a fishy-smelling odor that may be more obvious after sexual intercourse. Other symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include vaginal itching or irritation and a grayish-white vaginal discharge. Anemia (iron deficiency) is a strong predictor of bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women. BV can also be brought on by prolonged stress. Untreated bacterial vaginosis may cause serious complications, such as increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections, an increase in the development of pelvic inflammatory disease, as well as other complications for pregnant women.

How To Prevent Vaginal Odor
1.Stop using fragrant body washes and soaps.It is best to use a mild soap with warm water. Soaps that are too harsh or have too many chemicals and fragrances can actually make your vagina produce more discharge that gives off the foul smell.
Make sure you aren't putting any soap too close to your vagina. You can use soap to clean your pubic hair, but try to keep it away from your vagina. Soap of any kind can throw off the delicate balance of your body.
 

2. Avoid using douches to clean your vaginal area. Douching can alter the balance of healthy bacteria in your vagina, causing other bacteria to grow and create a foul vaginal odor. You should douche only if asked to by a doctor or gynecologist.
 

3. Avoid foods that contain a lot of sugar and yeast. Foods such as bread and beer contain yeast, and the sugar in other foods turns into yeast. These foods can increase the amount of yeast in your vagina, causing a yeast infection.
 

4. Stop taking really hot baths or showers.This can kill your body's natural bacteria. Try taking warm baths or showers to see if it helps reduce your vaginal odor. Doing this step alone will probably not help you, however, so make sure to take a few other suggestions as well.
 

5. Avoid pads and panty liners outside of your period You want vaginal discharge to be wicked away from your body, not held close next to it by items like panty liners and pads. Use these only when you need them and absolutely do not use scented products (as these can throw off your body's natural balance).
 

6. Wear cotton underwear.Panty hose and any synthetic material will block some air flow to the area. Loose cotton garments will give the region more ventilation, which will help get rid of vaginal odor over time. Wearing silky, fancy knickers once in a while for a special occur is unlikely to harm you.