It's common for women of child-bearing age to have a normal amount of vaginal discharge. This mucous-like secretion is necessary to keep your vagina moist, clean and free of bacteria that can cause infection.
Your natural scent--what you may refer to as "feminine odor"--shouldn't be considered embarrassing or unhealthy, unless you notice pronounced changes in the amount of vaginal discharge as well as an unusual texture, change in color and a strong, unpleasant scent.
Contact your doctor if you notice these symptoms and others, such as vaginal itching, burning and irritation or spotting/bleeding, advises MayoClinic.Com. If vaginal discharge falls within the realm of normal, you can stop feminine odor using some simple tips.
Step 1
Keep your vagina clean and dry. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, or ACOG, suggests washing your vulva with plain water. Using harsh soaps and cleansers can disrupt the balance of flora in your vagina.
Step 2
Avoid "masking" your natural scent with perfumed feminine hygiene products or douches. Douching might make you feel cleaner, especially after your have sex or after your period ends, notes the National Institutes of Health. However, douching can make vaginal discharge worse by reducing the amount of helpful bacteria in the vagina.
Step 3
Use condoms whenever you have sex, advises the ACOG. Condoms protect you against sexually transmitted diseases that can cause infection and malodorous discharge. If you use a diaphragm or cervical cap, clean it well every time you use it.
Step 4
Wear loose-fitting cotton underwear. The NIH urges you to avoid undergarments made of silk or nylon; these fabrics don't wick away moisture like cotton and they restrict the flow of air to your genitals. Increased sweating means more pronounced feminine odor. Similarly, avoid wearing tight-fitting pants and shorts.
Step 5
Don't self-treat potential infections. According to MayoClinic.Com, the hazard of treating what you think is a yeast infection with over-the-counter medications is that you might not have a yeast infection at all. Unless you've had a yeast infection before and are extremely familiar with how its symptoms affect you, consult your doctor.
Tips and Warnings
- The consistency, color and smell of your vaginal discharge may vary throughout the month, as this is regulated by your hormones, explains the NIH. Discharge may increase during ovulation, when you're sexually aroused, during stressful periods or during pregnancy. If you wear pantyhose, choose a style with a cotton crotch, advises the NIH.
- Pronounced feminine odor may be the least of your worries if changes in vaginal discharge are related to infection. According to the Cleveland Clinic, some sexually transmitted diseases may spread, causing a serious infection called pelvic inflammatory disease.
Things You'll Need
- Loose cotton underwear
