Table of contents:
- What is a normal vaginal odor like?
- The cause of the vagina smells bad
- How to make your vagina smell good naturally?
- 1. Keep the vagina dry
- 2. Maintain a healthy and balanced diet
- 3. Wash the vagina the right way
- 4. Avoid the following things that can actually make your vagina smell fishy
Every woman certainly wants to keep her intimate area so fragrant and naturally fresh. However, you should not carelessly use products or methods that have not been clinically tested. The reason is, several ways to keep the vagina fragrant and fresh are actually dangerous. Then how do you keep the vagina fragrant and fresh? Check out the answer below!
What is a normal vaginal odor like?
You may often see ads for vaginal care products that promise your intimate organs will smell more like fresh flowers. In fact, the human vagina doesn't smell good because it doesn't have to.
A natural vagina has a distinctive aroma and is different for each woman. Even in one menstrual cycle, your vagina has a different smell. This is because the smell of the vagina is influenced by various things. For example, bacterial levels, vaginal acidity, sweat, and cleanliness in your intimate area.
However, basically a normal vagina smells a little sour. This is because the pH (acidity) level in the vaginal area is quite high. An acidic environment is needed to kill various bacteria and bad organisms that can cause vaginal infections.
The cause of the vagina smells bad
Even though the vagina is supposed to have a distinctive odor, it doesn't mean that a strong, unpleasant odor is normal. The vagina shouldn't smell foul, fishy, or rancid. If you smell a scent like this, there is something wrong with your vagina. Here are some of the possibilities.
- Vaginal bacterial infection
- Not changing pads or pantyliner in quite a long time
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Not clean when washing the vagina
How to make your vagina smell good naturally?
In order for the vagina to smell good and fresh, there are a number of things you need to pay attention to.
1. Keep the vagina dry
An environment that is too humid will become a hotbed for various types of disease-causing bacteria. Also, be careful when you wash your vagina after urinating. Flush with water from front to back, not vice versa. This direction is able to prevent bad bacteria from moving into the vagina and causing bad odors.
Make sure you also regularly change pads or pantyliner, at least every four hours.
2. Maintain a healthy and balanced diet
Expand to eat fruits, green vegetables, and probiotic products such as yogurt. These foods can prevent the growth of bad bacteria and can make the vagina smell good and fresh naturally. Conversely, foods with a strong odor like garlic can make your vagina smell bad.
3. Wash the vagina the right way
To wash the vagina properly. You only need warm (lukewarm) water. You can also use a feminine cleanser that contains povidone-iodine. Clean only the outside of the vagina. After that, dry it by gently patting the vaginal area, don't rub it.
Don't forget to wear underwear that is cool and breathable. Change immediately if your underwear is too damp due to excessive sweating or vaginal discharge.
4. Avoid the following things that can actually make your vagina smell fishy
Remember, normal vaginal smells are distinctive, which is a little sour. You don't need to use a variety of products so that your vagina smells like flowers or fruits. The reason is, your vagina is a sensitive area that cannot stand foreign chemicals.
The methods below are highly discouraged and can cause bacterial, fungal, or yeast infections that can make the vagina smell foul or rancid.
- Washing the inside of the vagina (vaginal douching, hundred, or vaginal gushing)
- Spray perfume to the groin area or vagina
- Sprinkling powder around the vagina
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