Most of us are cognizant of the theory that our vagina is self-cleansing. However, at some point, we have all wondered why our vagina has that odour. But do you know, all vaginas have an odour? The vaginal smell changes with time. Factors like menstruation, pregnancy, sex, discharge, medications among others contribute to this odour.
While most of the time, the odour is normal, there are times when the vaginal odour smells unusual and it can be a sign of an underlying health issue. That's when you should consult a doctor and follow the prescribed treatment.
Like we just shared, most vaginal odours are normal and aren't linked to any health ailment, but the smell can bother you. So, we spoke to Dr. Pooja C Thukral, Consultant - Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Faridabadand asked her to share some remedies to treat vaginal odour.
Vaginal Odour
Speaking of vaginal odour, our health expert said, "The vagina produces some amount of discharge which is good to keep it lubricated and it is also a way in which the old cells of the vagina are shed away. The quantity of the discharge changes with the different cycles a woman goes through. So for instance, in the middle of the cycle, the vagina usually becomes sticky. We are all aware of the smell of our discharge. Sometimes, when the discharge smells bad or has a very fishy odour, it hints at some kind of infection and then it is a good idea to see your doctor."
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Tips To Keep Vaginal Smell At Bay
Wear Cotton Undergarments
Once in a while going for a seamless panty or thongs is fine, but the majority of the time, the expert suggested wearing cotton undergarments. Invest in good branded cotton panties as they absorb the sweat which is produced in the perineal area and doesn’t let foul smell to form.
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Change Your Panty
Dr. Thukral further shared that it is a good idea to change your panty two-three times a day whenever you feel it has got wet. If you are on the go and it will not be possible for you to change your undergarment frequently, you can opt for panty liners.
Use Essential Oil
While taking a bath, you can add a few drops of essential oil to the bathing water. You do not need to rub the oil on in the vulva area but bathing with the water will help you with the fragrance. To clean your vulva, it is best to stick to warm water and a mild soap if required. (How to maintain vaginal hygiene)
We hope these expert tips help your vagina smell healthy. If you continue to experience an unpleasant vaginal odour, our expert suggests seeing a doctor. This could be a sign of infection which might need medical intervention.
