14 Natural Ways to Get Rid and Prevent Vaginal Odor

Just like every woman is different, every vagina is different too. Each vagina has its own unique smell.

And the smell depends on a variety of factors that revolve around vaginal bacteria, diet, the level of hygiene, sex life, secretions, and much more.

The smell of a vagina also depends on a person’s lifestyle, and it smells differently at different times of the day.

It may smell musky after a long run or a workout session, but it may remain completely odorless immediately after a shower.

A menstruating vagina and a post-coital vagina have odors of their own.

However, if you have noticed a bad odor emanating from your vagina, it is something to be worried about.

Vaginal odor can be a very bad experience for any woman if the condition worsens.

Symptoms of Vaginal Odor

Many causes can lead to a change in your vaginal discharge and result in a fishy smell down there.

Based on the smell and behavior, you will be able to take the right action to fight any bacteria building up.

Sometimes, the discharge may have a faint odor. However, the abnormal vaginal discharge has a very foul odor.

Apart from the odor, if there is any significant change in your discharge, it could be of concern.

Here are a few symptoms through which you can know if your vagina is completely healthy or not.

• Fishy vaginal smell
• Excessive white discharge
• Foul smelling discharge
• Itching or pain in vagina
• Thick colored discharge
• Pain during Intercourse

Prevent Vaginal Odor

Vaginal odor can be very unpleasant to deal with, but with a few lifestyle changes, you can keep it from getting worse.

The following techniques can help you avoid vaginal odor.

• Good Hygiene

Practicing good hygiene is mandatory for the healthy functioning of your body.

You can start by cleaning the area around your genitals regularly with a mild cleanser.

This will help prevent the accumulation of dead skin, sweat, and dirt in and around the area.

Ensure you don’t cleanse your vagina with chemical-based products or products laced with perfumes as they may disturb its natural pH and lead to bigger problems.

• Clean and Comfortable Underwear

To keep your vagina odor-free, you need to wear fresh and comfortable underwear.

Often, dirty and ill-fitting underwear cause itchiness and irritation down there.

It is recommended that you wear 100% cotton underwear as it is breathable and reduces moisture caused by sweat.

Make it a habit to change your underwear twice a day as that will attract fewer bacteria.

• Eat Healthy

Have a healthy and balanced diet that is rich in fresh fruits, leafy green vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Following a proper diet will ensure a healthy body, which also includes your vagina.

However, avoid foods containing starch, too much spice, and caffeinated beverages as they tend to build up yeast in the vagina.

• Protected Sex

Sex introduces a lot of foreign bacteria in your vagina, and hence, it is often recommended that you use a condom during intercourse.

Another way to have safe sex is by cleaning your genitals before and after sex as that can maintain the body’s natural bacteria levels.

This not only ensures that your vagina is clean but also regulates any abnormalities.

• Use Clean Toilets

Dirty and unsanitary toilets are home to many harmful bacteria.

If you are using a public washroom, always wipe the toilet seat, even if it looks clean.

There may be many germs nesting on the seat.

Hence, it is always mandatory to check before letting your guard down in a public toilet.

• Drink More Water

Water is the ultimate solution for many ailments.

Drinking more water can help improve your vagina’s overall health. It encourages healthy sweat and fluid release.

This flushes out harmful toxins and juices from the system.

Staying hydrated can also keep away urinary tract infections or any other vaginal infections.

• Menstruation Care

During your periods, your vagina may have an odor, but that is normal.

But, to avoid it from getting stronger, you should cut down on meat and oily food when you are menstruating.

This will help to maintain the pH balance and keep the skin dry, preventing extra sweat and oil secretions.

Apart from that, you should make it a habit to change your tampons/pads at least every 4-5 hours to avoid infections or itchiness in that area.

Get Rid of Vaginal Odor Naturally

Women who suffer from vaginal odor know how horrible the experience can be.

Many factors cause vaginal odor, but there are a few ways through which you can get rid of it.

All you need are some natural products that you can easily be able to find at your house.

Here are some quick and safe remedies with which you will be able to reduce and eliminate vaginal odor.

Yogurt

According to Stylecraze.com, yogurt can be helpful in diminishing vaginal odor considerably.

A strong vaginal odor indicates a yeast infection.

The bacteria present in yogurt can tackle the infection and reduce the odor as well.

You can simply dip a cotton bud or a tampon in plain, fresh yogurt and run it over your vagina before inserting it gently inside.

After that, rinse the area with cold water. This will ensure that the entire area is cleaned and the vaginal pH is also restored.

This method will help you eliminate vaginal odor overnight.

Tea Tree Oil

Are you so conscious about your vaginal odor that you often turn to vaginal deodorants or scented soaps?

Sometimes, these scented products may cause irritation and disrupt the natural pH of the vagina.

So, it’s high time you turn to something that is more effective and 100% natural.

You can opt for tea tree oil. Not only does it have a mild scent, but it also gets rid of vaginal odor.

Mix a couple of drops of tea tree oil in water and use it to rinse the area.

It is both antibacterial and antifungal, and hence, it can curb any vaginal infection. This, in turn, reduces bad odor.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek water can provide the body with necessary vitamins and minerals.

Apart from maintaining the hormonal balance, it also aids weight loss and digestion and maintains blood sugar levels.

All these factors indirectly affect the vaginal health. Drinking fenugreek water flushes out harmful toxins and gets rid of fat.

Less fat can reduce constant sweating near the vaginal area, hence stopping any odor from surfacing.

You can soak fenugreek seeds in water and drink it first thing every morning.

By doing this, you will see a gradual improvement in how your vagina smells.

Garlic

Garlic manages to tackle vaginal odor thanks to its own pungent scent.

Being a strong antibiotic, it can easily eliminate odor in the vagina without causing any harm.

It is known to be one of the fastest remedies to get rid of overpowering vaginal odor at home. It is quite simple.

Peel a fresh garlic clove. Clean it with a cheesecloth and insert it into your vagina.

After removing it, rinse it with cold water, and you will notice that the pungent vaginal odor has vanished overnight.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Bacteria and toxins in the vagina are the main causes of vaginal odor.

Thanks to its powerful antiseptic and antibacterial properties, apple cider vinegar is easily one of the best remedies to get rid of vaginal odor in no time.

It is said that bathing with apple cider vinegar is one of the simplest ways to beat vaginal odor naturally.

Even consuming apple cider vinegar restores the proper acidic balance in the vagina.

It is also known to help inhibit the growth of bacteria inside the human body, including the vaginal area.

You can also try the tampon method using apple cider vinegar if you want to see quick results.

Guava Leaves

If you have been suffering from vaginal odor, you might find this tip useful.

With guava leaves at home, you don’t need to worry about an unhealthy vagina any longer.

The juice of soaked guava leaves is antimicrobial and can be used to treat foul bodily odors.

It contains antioxidants and antibacterial properties that can prevent infection in the vaginal area.

Soak the guava leaves in water and boil until the quantity of water reduces to half.

Drink it thrice a week to see significant improvement in your overall hygiene.

Citrus Fruits

When your body has ample amounts of vitamin C sources, then it gives it the ability to fight against bacterial growth in the body.

That means it can tackle bacteria in the vaginal area too.

Hence it is suggested to add vitamin C-rich foods into your diet.

Citrus fruits such as grapes, lemons, grapefruits, and oranges can help you to get rid of vaginal odor.

Apart from eating them you can even soak the fruits in water or make juice from the fresh fruit and drink it every day.

Doing this will boost your body’s immunity and can avoid nasty vaginal odors.

Cranberry

It is a known fact that cranberries are very powerful in treating UTI (Urinary Tract Infection).

That is because they have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

This gives them the strength to fight foul vaginal odor.

Due to its positive effect against bacteria around the vagina and urinary tract, doctors recommend that cranberry juice should be consumed often.

You can simply drink the water of soaked cranberries or blend the fruits to make juice.

Gooseberry

Indian gooseberry, also known as amla, is one the most effective natural ways to get rid of vaginal odor.

This natural ingredient can easily be found and works well in cleansing the vagina.

You can dry sliced gooseberries in the sun, add salt to them, and eat them twice a week.

Another way is by juicing the gooseberries and consuming two tablespoons of this juice first thing every morning.

The juice of gooseberry contains vitamin C that cleanses the body by killing bad bacteria.

It is the most effective herbal home remedy that can get rid of that nasty vaginal odor within a couple of days.

Dry Fruits

Lack of hygiene in the vagina can cause itchiness and dryness, which leads to vaginal odor.

One way to tackle this nasty smell is by eating nuts and seeds that are rich in vitamin E.

It can help prevent vaginal dryness, bacterial growth and any bad odor from the area.

They even regulate the proper hormonal balance.

All you need to do is add soaked almonds and hazelnuts to milk and have it.

This will be a protein rich shake that can prevent your vaginal area from smelling foul.

Neem

Bacterial overgrowth in the vagina leads to vaginal odor.

This can be treated with the help of neem leaves. Neem leaves have been used for ages to heal many ailments.

All you have to do is soak the leaves in water, and use the water later to wash your vagina.

Even consuming neem leaf paste can help flush out harmful toxins from the body and, in turn, keep your vagina clean and fresh.

The antimicrobial properties of neem help prevent vaginal odor by cleaning your system from within.

Turmeric

Improper hygiene leads to vaginal odor and with no proper care, it can worsen and lead to the build-up of bacteria.

However, you can get rid of bad bacteria with the help of turmeric.

Turmeric is known to be anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial and is the best way to curb vaginal odors.

Turmeric is one of the oldest home remedies that can be used to treat infections and that even includes cleaning the vaginal area.

Peel the turmeric root and chew it every morning, or add its powder to warm milk and drink at night.

This way, you can get rid of vaginal odor.

Baking Soda

The vagina emits a foul odor when its natural pH balance is tampered with.

Baking soda can help bring your pH levels back to normal.

It can regulate the bacteria and fungi growth, treating vaginal infection and eliminating vaginal odor in the process.

Simply add it to your bath water and soak your vagina in it to tackle foul smells emanating from the genital area.

The process is simple and quick, and you will be surprised to see that it can get rid of any vaginal abnormality within no time.

Lavender Oil

Another effective way to get rid of vaginal odor overnight is by using lavender oil.

The overgrowth of bacteria can cause itchiness and irritation in the vagina.

Lavender oil is the best way to reduce any discomfort and, not to mention, it leaves behind a pleasant scent.

By simply adding the essence to your bath water and soaking your body in it, you can curb the issue of vaginal odor.

When to Consult a Doctor

Apart from basic hygiene issues and discomfort, there could be other reasons for vaginal odor like bacterial vaginosis, trichinosis, yeast infection, or fluctuating estrogen levels.

If the above tips are not working for you, then probably your condition is much worse.

You need to seek professional medical advice.

Sometimes, if the odor is very strong and is accompanied by vaginal discharge and itching, it could be a sign of an STD and immediately requires medication.

Now that you are aware of everything you need to do to tackle vaginal odor, what are you waiting for?

Try these home remedies, and you won’t worry about vaginal odor anymore.