Vaginal odors

 causes and treatment

what are the causes and treatment of Vaginal odors?

 The smell of the vagina causes shyness for some women, but it is normal for the vagina to have a slight smell, in fact the vagina has a special smell, but sometimes the smell may change due to some infections, diseases, type of food, or health condition.

Many products may give you a good smell, but they are not safe and are not a solution to the problem. Here are some causes of unpleasant odor and strategies to reduce them:
Types of vaginal odors

Usually vaginal odor changes due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause or during the menstrual cycle, and in these cases the smell is light and does not cause concern, but other types of vaginal odors require a visit to the doctor:
Fishy vaginal odor

Certain factors affect the chemistry of the vagina, and lead to an increase in harmful bacteria that produce a fish-smelling odor, such as bacterial vaginosis, which is a common vaginal infection among females between the ages of 15-44, and the smell may be accompanied by some itching or burning.

Taking antibiotics - as directed by your doctor - may help treat this condition, while adhering to habits that reduce the likelihood of getting sick again:

  •      Avoid douching, as it affects the natural balance of the vaginal pH.
  •      Avoid using perfumed products and flavorings, as perfumes and scented products affect the vagina, causing bacterial infection.
  •      Avoid having multiple sexual partners and adhere to safe practices. Bacterial infections are not a sexual infection, but having multiple sexual partners may cause an imbalance of vaginal bacteria, which leads to inflammation.

Nice, beer-like vaginal scent

Overgrowth of yeast causes a sweet odor like honey, crackers, flour, bread, or beer.

Some females develop a yeast infection with symptoms such as severe burning, itching, or vaginal dryness, and the symptoms worsen over time, and some women may notice a cheese-like discharge.

Taking antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor will help you recover, but if you have not previously had a yeast infection, you should see a doctor.

Vaginal odor: causes and treatment - hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause or during the menstrual cycle - increased harmful bacteria

To prevent bacterial infection, follow these steps:

  1.      Avoid aromatic products and douches, as they help overgrow the yeast.
  2.      Do not use antibiotics except according to the doctor's prescription, as they may kill the beneficial bacteria in the vagina.
  3.      Refrain from having oral sex with someone who has oral thrush, as it is transmitted through oral contact with the genitals.
  4.      Always try to keep the vaginal area relatively dry, as a moist environment stimulates the growth of vaginal yeast, so it is important to dry the area after washing and after bathing, and not to wear damp underwear.
Here are some tips for avoiding the unwanted smell:

1- Paying attention to personal hygiene

  1.      Urinate right after sex.
  2.      Use fragrance-free soap.
  3.      Change your underwear daily or when it is wet, sweaty or dirty.
  4.      Washing underwear with fragrance-free products.
  5.      Shower if the vaginal area is sweating.
  6.     Wash the vulva with water if there is an unpleasant odor.
  7.      Use a soft towel to dry the area after showering.

2- Use of tampons

Hormonal imbalance during menstruation causes a strange vaginal odor that smells like iron or ammonia, and using sanitary pads and reusable cloth pads makes the smell worse, so it is best to use tampons.

3- Paying attention to vaginal hygiene after sexual intercourse

Sometimes the male fluid interacts with the female fluid, causing some odors in the vagina, and lubricants affect the vaginal pH, causing an odor as well. If a bacterial infection is present, a fishy odor may be noticed after the practice.

To reduce unwanted odors, follow these steps:

  •      Use a condom to prevent the female fluid from interacting with the male fluid.
  •      Rinse the vulva with water, but avoid douching.
  •      Avoid using vaginal flavorings, fresheners, and lubricants.

4- Eat probiotics

Probiotics support beneficial bacteria in all parts of the body, including the vagina, as they prevent some infections, especially yeast infections.

5- Avoid wearing tight clothes

Underwear, especially tight ones, retains fluids and materials around the vagina, such as sweat, dead skin, or some semen after intercourse, which may cause many problems.

Cotton underwear is the best choice for those who suffer from vaginal odor, as it reduces the accumulation of bacteria that cause bad odors.

6- Avoid sugars

So far, there are no adequate studies on the foods responsible for changing vaginal odor, but eating foods containing sugar may stimulate the overproduction of yeast.

7- Moisturizing

Moistening the vagina helps prevent bacterial growth, so water should be drunk in abundance.