Body odor in women can occur for a variety of reasons. While poor hygiene is a common cause of body odor, it is not the only cause. Diet, medications and medical conditions can also cause unpleasant odors. While medical conditions that cause body odor require help from a doctor, lifestyle changes and the use of feminine hygiene products, deodorants and antibacterial soaps can help alleviate feminine odors that are not medically related.
Step 1
Wash your body daily, using an antibacterial soap, which kills excess amounts of bacteria on your body. These anaerobic bacteria mix with sweat to cause odor, according to Health911.com. Pay special attention to your genital area, anus, underarms, breast area and feet.
Step 2
Apply an antiperspirant/deodorant under your arms after your daily shower or bath. An antiperspirant enters the pores and controls sweating, while deodorant helps to mask odors with a pleasant fragrance.
Step 3
Shave your underarms with a disposable or electric razor to control body odor. Hair traps odor-causing bacteria, so removal can help solve your body odor problems. Shaving in the pubic area can also reduce body odor from the genitals. In the MotherNature.com article "Underarms," Dr. Richard Dobson, a dermatology professor from the Medical University of South Carolina at Charleston, or MUSC, recommends shaving at night and applying an antiperspirant/deodorant in the morning to avoid rashes.
Step 4
Wear clean clothing that breathes. Clean clothing made of cotton or other natural fabrics will allow your body to breathe and help control sweating, according to 34 menopause Symptoms. Cotton underwear and bras can reduce odors caused by sweat in the genital area and under the breasts.
Step 5
Change your sanitary pad or tampon several times throughout the day. Blood accumulation and bodily fluids on these items can cause a foul odor to occur. Wipe your genitals with a baby wipe to freshen-up in between changes.
Step 6
Try using a feminine hygiene spray for persistent vaginal odor. Feminine hygiene sprays come in a variety of delicate scents to help mask unpleasant vaginal odors.
Tips and Warnings
- Brush your teeth and see your dentist regularly. Sometimes what you may think is body odor is actually coming from your mouth. An annual dental visit can help keep your breath smelling sweet. A foul odor exuding from your mouth can be a sign of poor dental hygiene, cavities or gingivitis.
- Visit your doctor if despite your best effort, your body odor is not getting any better. Body odor can be a sign of a serious underlying health condition that requires medical intervention.
Things You'll Need
- Antibacterial soap<br /><br />Antiperspirant/deodorant<br /><br />Disposable or electric razor<br /><br />Clean, breathable clothing<br /><br />Baby wipes<br /><br />Feminine hygiene spray
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