Vaginal odor is an embarrassing part of life that many women are forced to deal with at some point. While most vaginal odors only cause embarrassment in an intimate setting, some are more obvious. Luckily, most of the common vaginal odor cures are inexpensive and fairly simple.
Cleansing
When a woman first notices that she has vaginal odor, she'll usually take a bath or shower to wash the area. Cleansing may get rid of the smell for a little while but the smell will return before the end of the day if improper cleansing techniques are used. If you are using a traditional scented soap, switching to a mild, unscented soap may help, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Hair Removal
Excessive pubic hair traps grime, discharge, sweat and bacteria that can lead to an unpleasant smell. Consider either trimming the pubic hairs short or removing the hair altogether to aid in eliminating the smell. Trimming or removing pubic hair prevents the likelihood of trapping foul odors and makes proper cleansing easier.
Tampons
If you notice that your vaginal odor is more prominent while you are menstruating, switch from pads to tampons. Pads allow the odors to be transferred to the skin, while tampons trap the smells associated with menstruation. If you already use tampons, change the tampon every two hours. Frequently changing tampons helps reduce or eliminate odors.
Sexual Hygiene
An overgrowth of organisms is the cause of most vaginal odors. The organisms explode after sexual intercourse, causing the secretions to be left to linger. Because of the secretions, bathing after sex can be effective in curing vaginal odor. Urinating immediately after sex can also aid in washing away secretions, which helps to cleanse the area. According to the Centers for Disease Control, several sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia, can cause vaginal odor. These STDs can be treated with a round of antibiotics. Once treated, extra care should be taken to prevent future infections.
