Vaginal odor, which shouldn't be confused with a vagina's regular scent, means something's wrong and the most likely culprit is a vaginal infection. You can't effectively treat a vaginal odor unless you treat the infection causing it. Once you fix the cause, a vagina's natural cleaning cycle with take over and bring things back to normal.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, according to the Mayo Clinic, which makes it suitable for treating conditions that lead to unpleasant vaginal odor. According to the Yeast Infection Home Page, a website sponsored by Michigan State University, add tea tree oil to a tampon to help battle yeast growths that lead to yeast infections, which impart a sour or bread-like scent to the vagina. Tea tree oil can irritate the skin for many people who use it, so it's best to dilute it with a carrier oil. Avoid getting the oil on your labia and external genitalia.
Garlic
Garlic is another vaginal infection treatment that can help fight symptoms of one of the most common causes of vaginal odor: bacterial vaginosis. In a study published in Obstetrical and Gynecological Survey in 2002, garlic demonstrated its ability to treat bacterial vaginosis and vaginal yeast infections. This potential remedy could prove useful for women who suffer occasional mild vaginal infection symptoms. It's important to note that untreated bacterial infections can spread through the reproductive tract and abdomen, leading to infertility and even death. Never ignore vaginal infection symptoms.
Lifestyle Changes
Some lifestyle changes can help clear up or avoid vaginal odor. Let the vagina air out by wearing breathable cotton underwear and sleeping with nothing on. A vagina is often a warm, moist place, which means bacteria and fungus love it and will seek it out if those conditions remain. Don't wear wet bathing suits or sweaty workout clothes longer than necessary. Wash with only mild soap and water and only on your external genitalia. Wipe from front to back to avoid depositing bacteria at the opening of your vagina.
Antibiotics and Anti-fungals
If your odor persists, consider seeing a doctor. Your doctor can prescribe prescription antibiotics or anti-fungal medications that will clear up the infection that's causing your odor. If you're certain your odor stems from a vaginal yeast infection, over-the-counter remedies can provide a solution. If you suspect you have a sexually transmitted infection, you'll need to see your doctor regardless of whether natural remedies ease your symptoms so you can be sure the infection doesn't worsen. Some sexually transmitted infections have no symptoms, or mild symptoms that appear to go away even though the infection remains.
Feminine Hygiene Products
Never treat vaginal odor with perfumed sprays, powders or feminine washes, according to Dr. Kathy Greaves in an article on the website The Daily Barometer. These products encourage your vagina to produce more moisture in the form of discharge and secretions as your body tries to rid itself of the chemicals and irritants in these products. While they might mask odor for a short time, the result is a worse odor problem than before you used these products. Also, avoid douching, according to the National Women's Health Information Center, because it can force bacteria into the reproductive tract and cause serious infections.
References
- The National Women's Health Information Center: Douching
- The Daily Barometer: Odor Down Under? Don't Sweat It.
- The Mayo Clinic: Vaginal Odor
- National Institutes of Health: Common Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Yeast Vaginitis and Bacterial Vaginosis--A Systematic Review
- Mayo Clinic: Tea Tree Oil
