Seven causes of vagina odour and ways to tackle it

Vagina odour is not something pleasant for every lady. Naturally, due to the acidic PH level, the vagina has its own peculiar smell. There’s also the menstrual cycle and pregnancy which could change the smell of the vagina.

But such an odour becomes a problem when it is strong, consistent, and unpleasant.

Without further ado, here are seven causes of vagina odour and possible ways to treat it.

1. Diet

What we eat and drink influences the smell of the fluids excreted from our bodies.

So, it is advisable for females to avoid foods and drinks with a strong odour like garlic, onions, curry, fish, chilies, vinegar but rather take fruits like cucumber, kiwi, pineapple, and watermelon.

2. Vaginal Douching

Douching is a method of washing the inside of the vagina with water mixed with vinegar, baking soda, or iodine.

It is funny how most females believe douching helps clean the vagina. In reality, the practice causes vagina odour as it is not the best way to keep the vagina clean.

3. Vaginal Cancer

Vaginal or cervical cancer is a rare type of cancer that causes a heavy vaginal discharge. Older age and having an HPV infection are risk factors for vaginal cancer. The foul smell is caused by the growth of cancerous cells in the cervix.

4. Late Change Of Pads And Tampons:

Medically, pads should be changed every 6 hours either stained or not while tampons should be used for a maximum of eight hours. A very strong vaginal odor can occur if you forget to change these feminine products at the right time.

5. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)

The diseases transmitted during sex can be responsible for the foul smell. Such diseases include trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.

6. Poor Hygiene

Even though the vagina cleans itself through discharge, not washing your underwear often or bathing regularly after a sweaty day or activities can cause vaginal odour.

7. Bacteria Vaginosis

This is an infection that gives the vaginal a fishy smell. It occurs when the normally acidic vagina is outgrown with bacteria then making it more alkaline. The infection is prevalent among females aged 15–44 years.

While vagina odour can be frustrating, it can be easily treated through the following methods:

• Wash and change your underwear regularly. It is also advisable to always shower after a series of exercises or long and stressful activities.

•  Change pads and tampons regularly, don’t exceed the medical timing. Ensure you visit a doctor when you cannot get a tampon out.

• Watch what you eat and drink in order to maintain a healthy vagina. Consume more of fruits and vegetables.

• Don’t douche. Rather, gently clean the vulva with warm water and unscented gel or soap when necessary, not the vagina.

• Visit a gynecologist, urologist, or professional in genital health, when you notice any strange change or symptom, cheesy or white discharge, redness, itching, burning, or irritation around the vagina. Prevention is better than cure.

• It is also good to sleep naked once in a while. The vagina also needs ventilation.