6
Soak in vinegar
Frequent hot baths and hot showers can upset your natural pH, but one type of bath may be useful. Pour a cup or two of apple cider vinegar into a warm bath and soak for 20 minutes. Vinegar may naturally reduce bacteria.
7
Prescription treatments
Prescription treatments can help eliminate underlying causes that are contributing to the odour. If your home or OTC treatments aren’t successful, it may be time to seek treatment from your doctor.
When to see a doctor
If this odour is accompanied by unusual symptoms, you should skip the home treatment and consult your doctor. For example, if your vaginal odour is stronger than normal and seems to be getting stronger, you may need an appointment. Likewise, a “Fishy” smell is a reason to seek out an appointment. These odours could be signs of a problem that is
not improving. You may need a medication or prescription treatment from your doctor. Some discharge is normal. If you notice an increase in discharge or if the fluids are no longer white or translucent, you may have an infection . Occasional itching is also normal, but if you develop a frequent itch or one that is painfully irritating, you may be experiencing signs of a bigger problem.
Tips for preventing future odour
Once you eliminate the unusual vaginal odour, keep these tips in mind for preventing another problem later:
Consider probiotics. Probiotics, which are good- for-you bacteria , can help maintain the pH balance in your vagina. Probiotic-rich foods include yogurt , kombucha , and unpasteurized sauerkraut.
Maintain a healthy diet. Aim to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. A balanced diet makes for a healthy body, and that includes your vagina.
Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water is good for more than just your skin. It can help your vagina’s overall health , too, by encouraging healthy sweating and fluid release.
Avoid douches and scrubs. You might think they’ll help eliminate bad bacteria, but they also eliminate the good bacteria. Let your body work out the bacteria ratios, and skip these unnatural washes.
Wash your vagina before and after intercourse. Sex introduces bacteria, as well as foreign substances like lubrication and spermicide from condoms. Wash before and after sex to help maintain natural bacteria levels.
Cut out tight clothes. Clothes that are too tight don’t let your vagina and groin area breathe. Getting plenty of oxygen is vital to good vaginal health.
Wear cotton panties. Cotton panties wick away excess moisture from sweating or discharge. Synthetic fabrics are not as good at this.
Conclusion
Home treatments usually help reduce unusual vaginal odour in about a week. If the odour isn’t gone, or if it becomes stronger, you should see a doctor. A strong vaginal odour can be a sign of a larger problem, one that you may be unable to treat on your own. It’s better to see a doctor early, before the problem grows worse.
Photo courtesy: JeNeevaLove
By Ijeoma Esther.
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