5 Ways to get rid of annoying vaginal odors

Every woman has a vaginal odor that is unique and different from other women. However, basically the vagina is said to be normal and healthy if it smells a little sour like vinegar but doesn't sting. So, how do you get rid of unpleasant vaginal odors?

How to get rid of vaginal odor

Here are various ways you can try to get rid of unpleasant vaginal odors:

1. Maintain vaginal cleanliness

Maintaining vaginal hygiene is key to reducing bad odors. Especially if you have just been on an activity that makes your body sweat.

However, do not carelessly clean it. Rinse the vagina with warm water and wipe from front to back. This aims to prevent dirt and bacteria from around the anus from moving to the vaginal area.

Cleaning the vagina actually does not need to use fragrant betel soap or douching tools. These two cleansers are not a good way to get rid of vaginal odors.

Using harsh soaps will actually change the pH balance and good bacteria in the vagina. When there are more bad bacteria, the vagina can give off a bad odor.

If desired, use mild, unscented, and dye-based soaps only for the outer skin of the vagina.

After washing, dry your vagina with an unscented tissue or clean washcloth. Do not leave the vagina still wet or damp when wearing underwear.

2. Routinely change your underwear

Routinely changing your underwear at least twice a day is a way to get rid of pungent vaginal odors.

The reason is, dirty and damp underwear can make the vagina smell bad. The odor comes from a mixture of sweat, dead skin cells, or urine and vaginal discharge stuck to the underwear.

So, don't wear the same underwear for a whole day without changing them. This habit can also increase the risk of infection, which makes the vagina smell worse.

It is also important to pay attention to the fabric of your underwear. Always use cotton underwear that easily absorbs sweat and other fluids.

Avoid pants made from satin, silk, or polyester which have difficulty absorbing fluids, which can keep the vaginal area moist.

3. Routinely change pads

The vagina tends to smell more pungent during menstruation. To get rid of or at least reduce the smell, it is imperative that you change the sanitary napkin frequently.

Change to new pads every 3-4 hours, especially in the first days of menstruation when there is a lot of blood.

Another way to get rid of vaginal odor is to use menstrual cups as an alternative to sanitary napkins. The reason is, the dressing will continue to absorb blood, which makes the vagina feel moist so it is prone to smell.

4. Consuming probiotics

Probiotics are good bacteria that help maintain the digestive system and boost the immune system.

Eating foods that contain probiotics also keep the vagina healthy from infection, especially bacterial and yeast infections. Yogurt, kefir, and tempeh are among the foods rich in probiotics that you can make choices.

The good bacteria from probiotic foods will help restore the vaginal pH balance, thereby eliminating vaginal odors.

5. Using drugs

A pungent vaginal odor is usually a sign of infection.

Reporting from the Mayo Clinic, abnormal vaginal odor usually comes from vaginal inflammation, which is caused by infection with vaginitis or trichomoniasis. So, how to get rid of vaginal odor like this, of course, must be with medicine.

Even so, the choice of medicine will depend on the root cause.

If the smell is caused by a fungal infection, then the remedy is an antifungal in the form of oral medications, creams or ointments, or suppositories. This medication is used to stop the growth of fungi that cause infection.

The antifungal drugs to get rid of odors due to vaginal infections include:

Clotrimazole

Clotrimazole comes as a cream that can be applied directly to the vagina and the surrounding skin area. The cream is usually applied once a day before bed.

Even though there are those that are sold freely, you should first consult your doctor before buying this drug.

Miconazole

Miconazole is another antifungal cream that is also applied to the skin area around the vagina. This medication is used to reduce itching, discomfort, and reduce odor. Usually miconazole cream is able to work effectively after 3 days of use.

Fluconazole

Fluconazole is an oral anti-fungal medication that kills the fungus that causes infection while preventing it from recurring. However, only cases of severe infection will be prescribed this antifungal medication.

However, if the cause is bacteria, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics as a way to get rid of the infection as well as the problem with vaginal odor. Commonly prescribed antibiotic options include:

Metronidazole (Flagyl)

Metronidazole is the most effective antibiotic for treating bacterial infections in the vagina. Metronidazole is available in a gel form which is generally used once a day. Apply the gel according to the directions listed on the package so that the drug is guaranteed to work effectively.

Tinidazole (Tindamax)

Tinidazole is a drinking antibiotic to treat vaginal bacterial infections (bacterial vaginosis) and trichomoniasis. This drug works to stop the growth of certain bacteria and parasites.

Tinidazole usually needs to be taken once a day. Although effective, this drug can cause various side effects such as:

• A bitter or metallic taste in the mouth
• Stomach ache
• Dizzy
• Nausea
• Darker urine

But take it easy, these side effects will go away by themselves when you stop treatment.

Usually medicine is the last way to get rid of odor in the vagina. So, first try doing the various home remedies above to help get rid of vaginal odor.

If the smell does not disappear or if it gets even more stinging, consult a doctor to get the right medicine.

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