It's a popular and unfortunate misconception that the vagina is dirty, fishy or otherwise unclean. The vagina is a self-cleaning organ that needs little care and maintenance to keep itself healthy. Feminine odor does happen, but can usually be attributed to a bacterial overgrowth or yeast infection, according to the Mayo Clinic. In order to combat feminine odor, you must first understand what is causing it. Feminine hygiene powders, wipes, douches and sprays only cover up the symptoms without treating the cause. If you have feminine odor, it may seem like overkill to see your doctor, but it's essential to diagnose a potentially dangerous infection.
Hygiene and Clothing
While infections are usually the cause of feminine odor, poor hygiene can also contribute to the problem. Changing and washing undergarments and clothing on a regular basis will help cure odors caused by secretions trapped in your fabrics. Regular bathing can also remove bacteria and secretions that get trapped in warm, moist folds of your body. These types of areas are prime breeding grounds for odor-causing bacteria. You may find that experimenting with and adjusting your hygiene schedule helps with feminine odor. To help vaginal secretions evaporate, its helpful to wear breathable cotton fabrics and to avoid synthetic fabrics that don't allow air circulation.
Menstrual Care
Menstrual blood has an odor when it's exposed to air. If your feminine odor occurs during your menses, it could be that your sanitary products are in contact with the air for too long. Changing your pad or tampon more frequently can solve this odor problem. Rarely, feminine odor is caused by tampons forgotten in the vagina for extended periods of time. If this happens, your doctor might need to remove the tampon and prescribe antibiotics or rinses to help flush out the bacteria and debris.
Antibiotics and Antifungals
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a fishy vaginal odor is usually caused by an infection called bacterial vaginosis. It can also be caused by other vaginal and reproductive infections, like yeast infections, bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pelvic inflammatory disease. These conditions are treated with either antibiotics or anti-fungal medications. Regular gynecological visits and STI testing can detect these conditions, even if you're not having symptoms.
