How To Get Rid of Vaginal Odor: Causes and Solutions

Ladies, let’s get one thing out of the way right now: Despite what your terrible ex or the latest douching ad tells you, your lady bits are supposed to have a certain scent. 

Just like with the gut, your vagina has its own delicate microbiome filled with different bacteria and yeast -- many of which are incredibly helpful! And yep, those fun-loving bacteria are what gives your downstairs its signature scent. 

But uh, what exactly does that typically smell like? What’s considered normal, and is it possible to get rid of a less-than-favorable odor? 

If you ever find yourself asking these questions, then you came to the right place! In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the smell coming from your lady regions and how to get rid of it. 

So grab your cup of coffee and get comfy -- let’s dive in!

What Causes Vaginal Odor? 

Before we jump into all of the tips and tricks to combating vaginal odor, let’s first go over what causes it. 

Now, it’s important to keep in mind that your vagina is supposed to have a natural odor, and each woman’s normal scent is different from the next’s. Typically, a healthy vagina smells a bit musky, and at certain times during your menstrual cycle, it may even smell a little like metallic. The smell may also change temporarily after sexual intercourse.  

Usually, your vagina naturally cleans itself, and if left alone, it can maintain a healthy pH balance to control the presence of bad bacteria. However, if you detect a major difference in the smell, this may indicate that there is a problem. 

Vaginal odor can happen due to many different reasons, but some of the most common reasons include:

Bacterial Vaginosis 

The most common explanation for a less-than-flattering vaginal odor is an infection many of us ladies know as bacterial vaginosis (BV). BV is notorious for producing a strong, fishy smell. 

BV happens when the normally acidic vagina becomes overgrown with bacteria, making it become more alkaline. In addition to the fishy odor, women can also experience itching, irritation, and a creamy discharge when they have BV.