Feminine odor is a part of everyday life, but may be an indicator of an underlying medical issue, such as bacterial vaginosis. Vaginal infections and sexual intercourse are the common causes of bacterial overgrowth. According to the MayoClinic.com, bacterial vaginosis causes the majority of vaginal odors. You can attempt to treat feminine odors at home, but these remedies are not a substitute for medical treatment; consult your health care provider to discuss any potential risks.
Step 1
Wash your vaginal area daily with warm water and a mild soap. After washing, use cotton underwear instead of nylon. Cotton underwear increases airflow in the vaginal area and reduces the moisture that increases bacterial growth.
Step 2
Change your sanitary pad or tampon frequently during your menstrual cycle. An increase in feminine odor while using sanitary pads is because of the discharge adhering to your skin instead of being trapped in the pad.
Step 3
Make a paste by crushing garlic and apply it to the vaginal area. In addition, you can tie a clove of garlic in a small piece of pantyhose and insert it into your vagina. Garlic contains natural antifungal properties and may help reduce vaginal odors caused by vaginal infections, according to a study done in 2003 by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Washington.
Step 4
Diluting a few drops of tea tree oil in 1 cup of water and applying it to your vaginal area might help reduce feminine odor, according to the University of Washington study. Tea tree oil contains antifungal properties to help decrease vaginal odors.
Step 5
Eat plain yogurt with live cultures daily. Yogurt contains probiotics, or active bacteria, and helps to prevent recurring yeast infections that cause feminine odors.
Step 6
Avoid feminine care products, such as sprays and deodorants that contain perfumes. These products are a temporary solution to reduce odors, but can lead to infections, irritation and allergic reactions. In addition, avoid douching because it washes away the normal bacteria and organisms that grow in your vagina that maintains the normal acidity levels, according to the MayoClinic.com.
Tips and Warnings
- It is important to take any prescription medication as prescribed for the entire duration suggested by your health care professional.
- Tea tree oil is for external use only; do not take orally.
Things You'll Need
- Mild soap
- Cotton underwear
- Sanitary pad
- Tampon
- Garlic
- Tea tree oil
- Water
- Yogurt
