Doctors Say Vaginal Odor Is Normal—Here’s When It’s Healthy (and How to Treat It at Home)
Plus, why trying to get rid of vaginal odor entirely can backfire
When you catch a whiff of vaginal odor, it’s only natural to worry if something’s wrong—especially when we’re bombarded with pitches for products that promise to leave our vaginas smelling like sun-dried laundry or fresh flowers. But experts point out that a certain degree of odor is actually a healthy sign. And in more reassuring news, common causes of vaginal odor upticks are typically easy to address.
What causes vaginal odor?
“It’s important to understand that vaginal odor is completely normal and that a healthy vagina isn’t odorless,” notes Brynna Connor, MD, Healthcare Ambassador at NorthWestPharmacy.com. “This is because the vagina is self-cleaning and has its own unique microbiome that produces secretions, which may have a slight musky or fleshy scent. It can also be described as earthy, metallic, or even slightly sweet or tangy.”
Vaginal odor naturally shifts throughout the menstrual cycle, she adds: “It can have a more metallic scent during menstruation due to iron in the blood.” Plus, it may be more pronounced during ovulation and after sex. Other common causes of an uptick in odor, according to Erica Montes, MD, board-certified OB/GYN and pH-D Feminine Health Advisor: Sweating, diet and personal hygiene practices.
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How to address vaginal odor at home
Odor on its own isn’t always a cause for concern. “However, you should talk to your doctor if you experience additional symptoms such as itching, burning, and/or irritation, unusual discharge (this can be a different color, like gray, green, or yellow, or a different consistency such as frothy or curdled), pain during urination or intercourse, bleeding that’s not related to menstruation, and/or pain the lower abdomen.” These can indicate problems such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, sexually-transmitted infections and urinary tract infections.
But if odor is your only symptom, there are easy ways to minimize it. And while you can’t totally eliminate vaginal odor (nor do you want to!) the same at-home freshening strategies can also help fend off odor-causing infections. Here’s what experts advise:
Ditch these ‘deodorizers’
“Scented soaps, panty liners, wipes, pads and/or douches all often do more harm than good as they can disrupt the vaginal microbiome, leading to irritation and/or infections like bacterial vaginosis,” Dr. Connor warns. “Douches are particularly problematic and aren’t recommended because they flush out healthy bacteria and alter vaginal pH.”
As for strategies such as adding baking soda or vinegar to your bathwater, Dr. Connor advises against them. “Although there might be some anecdotal evidence that home remedies like baking soda or vinegar baths can neutralize odor, they’re not recommended because they can be harsh on delicate tissue, and they can disrupt the vaginal microbiome.”
Her advice: Clean the external vulva area with warm water only or add a mild, unscented soap. “And let the vagina clean itself internally —it’s designed to!”
Opt for breathable clothing
“The type of clothing you wear can trap heat and moisture, creating a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause odor, explains Dr. Montes. She advises avoiding tight clothing and synthetic materials like nylon, spandex, and polyester, which can increase sweating and up risks of bacterial or yeast overgrowth. “Fabrics to prefer are things like cotton,” she suggests. “Cotton absorbs moisture and allows air to circulate, helping to keep the area dry and cool.” Or choose a blend of cotton and bamboo: In a Chinese study, folks who wore underwear made of the combo felt cooler and drier during sweat-producing workouts than those wearing synthetic blends.
Also smart, according to Jennifer Smith, DO, a family medicine physician at Solace Health: Showering and changing out of wet clothing promptly, particularly following a workout or in hot weather, which helps to minimize odor caused by trapped moisture.
Consider cutting back on sugar
“Consuming a diet that’s high in refined sugar can negatively affect the vaginal microbiome by promoting the growth of certain microbes that thrive in higher-sugar environments,” says Dr. Connor.
That’s a special concern when it comes to vaginal yeast infections, which produce odor and clumpy white discharge. “While excess sugar itself doesn’t directly cause a yeast infection, high amounts of refined sugar in your diet can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina, particularly by reducing populations of Lactobacillus, the beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy, acidic vaginal pH,” she explains. “It’s this shift in microbial balance that can make the vagina more susceptible to infections.”
One final note: If the steps above don’t reduce your vaginal odor to a satisfactory degree, don’t hesitate to discuss your concerns with your doctor. “It’s very common for women to have concerns about vaginal odor,” Dr. Connor stresses. “It’s a topic that needs to be normalized and not stigmatized, as women should be comfortable talking about their own health.”
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