Home Remedies for Vaginal Odor

If you’re noticing a smell “down there,” it’s understandable to feel self-conscious. It’s equally reasonable to assume the scented feminine hygiene products at your local drug store are the best way to freshen up.

Not so, says Ob/Gyn Oluwatosin Goje, MD.

Dr. Goje shares safe ways to address groin and vaginal odor at home — and when it’s time to bring your concerns to a healthcare provider.

At-home solutions for vaginal odor

There are many ways to address vaginal odor at home, but it’s equally important to remember that vaginas are supposed to have a scent to them.

“It can be a big concern for some, but it’s actually normal to have some vaginal odor,” Dr. Goje explains. “It’s also normal to have the smell change in nature and intensity throughout your menstrual cycle.”

You can’t get rid of vaginal smell completely. But taking these steps may help dial the aroma down a bit.

Rinse off

You don’t have to run a marathon to get a bit swampy down there.

“Washing your groin and vulva with warm water and a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser is the best way to banish the smell of sweat, residual pee or menstrual blood,” Dr. Goje says.

Use a bidet or peri bottle

If you’re struggling to wipe effectively because of dexterity issues, postpartum sensitivity or anything else, Dr. Goje suggests following up with:

• A bidet: This toilet attachment sprays a gentle stream of water around your vulva, helping wash off urine, menstrual blood, sweat and more.
• A squeeze bottle (or peri bottle) filled with fresh, warm water: If you don’t have a bidet, you can use a squeeze bottle or peri bottle to get the same effect. (Just remember: The peri bottle is for external use. Don’t insert it in your vagina.)

These techniques are usually more effective than toilet paper alone for removing the source of unwanted odors.

Make some underwear adjustments

Silk, nylon, spandex and other synthetic fabrics can trap moisture and smells. Dr. Goje advises wearing moisture-wicking cotton underwear instead.

And remember: You can always change into a fresh pair if you notice your underwear’s getting a little “ripe.”

Replace pads, pantyliners and other hygiene products more often

A good pad or pantyliner is supposed to be absorbent. But the more menstrual blood or pee they collect, the more they’re going to smell.

Changing pads and pantyliners frequently during the day can help reduce the potency and keep you feeling fresh. Ditto if you use period underwear or incontinence underwear.

Look at your diet

You may notice an increase or change in your vaginal odor if you modify your eating habits — like eating more garlic, going heavy on the asparagus or upping your daily dose of coffee by a few cups. Some vitamins and dietary supplements can change the way you smell, too.

If the food you’re eating is behind the smell, it should go away quickly when you limit or avoid them.

One other thing: Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water. The more diluted your pee is, the less it’ll smell.

Review your medications

If you recently started a new medication, it could be causing a shift in how (and how much) you smell, especially if you aren’t drinking enough water. Talk to your provider or pharmacist about everything you’re taking and the possibility of:

• Reducing the dosage
• Switching medications
• Stopping treatment

“It can be dangerous to stop or change medications, so your first step needs to be talking to your provider,” Dr. Goje advises.

Home remedies to avoid

As a rule, home remedies that promise to mask or get rid of vaginal odor aren’t the best way to address your situation. That’s because:

• All vaginas smell — and they should.
• If these products do get rid of your vaginal smell, they could hide an underlying health problem.
• Using these products can cause serious complications and side effects, like infections or irritation.

Here are some common remedies for vaginal odor that you can safely ignore.

Whole-body deodorants

Whole-body deodorants are marketed for use around your groin, but Dr. Goje advises against them. These products can cause:

• Allergic reactions
• Burning or stinging
• Dryness and skin damage

That irritation can also lead to secondary infections.

One more thing: “Whole body” is kind of a misleading term. Never use a whole-body deodorant on your vulva or inside your vagina. They aren’t made for the sensitive skin around your genitals, much less for internal use.

Douches

“I don’t recommend douching because the vagina is a self-cleaning organ,” Dr. Goje explains. “These products are both unnecessary and potentially harmful to your vaginal microbiome — the delicate balance of good bacteria you need to stay healthy.”

Douching flushes out normal, healthy microbes and temporarily changes your vaginal pH, making it easier for infections to develop. It can also cause:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Vaginal irritation
• Allergic reactions

Scented feminine hygiene products

Steer clear of scented pads and tampons. Ditto for products infused with herbs or essential oils. They may sound nice in theory, but like douching and whole-body deodorants, they can cause a whole host of issues, like itching, irritation, allergies and more.

When it may signal a problem

Even strong groin and vaginal odor isn’t necessarily cause for concern. But if you notice a sudden, significant change in the way you smell — or how much you smell — it might be worth a conversation with a medical professional.

Also, get help for:

• Changes in the scent, color or consistency of your vaginal discharge
• Changes in the scent, color or consistency of your pee
• Pain when you pee or have sex
• Irregular or unusually heavy periods
• Pain or discomfort in your pelvic area
• A red, swollen, itchy or burning vagina

Another reason to reach out: You have questions you don’t want to ask anyone else.

“Don’t hesitate to see your Ob/Gyn between annual visits if you have concerns,” Dr. Goje advises. “You deserve to understand what’s happening in your body.”