How to Get Rid of Vaginal Odor Naturally

A mild vaginal scent can be normal, but a new or strong odor may need assessment rather than natural treatment alone. Wash the vulva, which is the external skin, gently with lukewarm water and keep the area dry. Do not douche or place vinegar, baking soda, essential oils, soap, deodorant, or other homemade products inside the vagina. These can disturb the vagina's normal balance and irritate delicate tissue. Odor with unusual discharge, itching, burning, pain, or discomfort during urination can be linked to an infection that needs specific treatment.

Vaginal odor can change around menstruation, after sweating, or after sex. A fishy odor, particularly when it comes with thin or changed discharge, may occur with bacterial vaginosis. A strong odor with irritation or discharge can also occur with another vaginal infection or a sexually transmitted infection. Odor by itself cannot identify the cause, and normal vaginal bacteria can be disrupted by internal cleansing. A retained tampon or another object can also cause a sudden, unpleasant smell and requires prompt removal and medical advice if it cannot be removed easily.

Rinse the external genital area with lukewarm water, then pat it dry rather than scrubbing. Change out of sweaty or wet clothing, choose breathable underwear, and change underwear when it becomes damp. During your period, change menstrual products regularly and follow the product instructions. Avoid scented pads, liners, wipes, sprays, and bubble baths if they irritate you. Do not use leftover antibiotics or an over-the-counter product chosen only because the odor is unpleasant; the wrong treatment can delay the right diagnosis. If the odor continues after these measures, arrange a clinical assessment.

Arrange a medical visit for a new, persistent, or recurrent odor, especially if you have unusual discharge, itching, soreness, burning, pain during sex, or pain when passing urine. Seek urgent care for severe pelvic or lower abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, feeling faint, or heavy or unexpected bleeding. If you are pregnant and notice a new odor, changed discharge, bleeding, pain, or fluid leakage, contact your maternity or medical team promptly. A clinician may examine the area and test a sample to choose treatment; antibiotics may be needed when a bacterial infection is diagnosed.

You can ask what causes are being considered, whether an examination or swab is needed, and which products or activities could be irritating the area. Tell the clinician when the odor began, whether your discharge or period has changed, whether you could have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection, and whether you may have left a tampon in place. This information helps guide testing and treatment.