When vaginal odor is a cause of concern and 5 tips to reduce it, according to OB-GYNs

• Odor is a normal part of having a vagina, and there is no reason to be self-conscious about it.
• Causes of vaginal odor include your period, sex, sweat, and bacterial infection.
• If you wish to reduce vaginal odor, opt for cotton underwear and unscented soaps and tampons.

First off, vaginal odor? It's completely normal. Everyone with a vagina has got it and there's no reason to feel bad about it.

Your vagina is great at keeping itself clean, but sometimes, when the odor might be stronger or a bit unpleasant, it could be a sign of an underlying health condition.

Here are some causes of vaginal odor and tips for keeping it at bay.

What causes odor?

Vaginal odor will vary depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle. It may be more noticeable about mid-cycle, and take on a more metallic odor during your period, says Julie Levitt, MD, a gynecologist with The Women's Group of Northwestern.

But the odor can also have other causes - usually due to a pH imbalance in the vagina - like:

• Sweat: Sweat glands in your vaginal area can accentuate the smell of the skin and already-present bacteria. This is normal and does not have to do with a pH imbalance.
• Sex: Semen can throw off bacterial levels in the vagina thanks to it's more acidic pH, causing a stronger smell.
• Tampons: Leaving a tampon in for too long, especially one that is scented, can also cause a pH imbalance due to increased bacteria.
• Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): The most common vaginal infection, which causes a stronger and fishier smell. It may be accompanied by white, greenish, or grey discharge.
• Trichomoniasis: A sexually transmitted disease caused by a parasite that releases a foul-smelling discharge that is either yellow, green, white, or grey.

Important: If your vaginal odor includes discharge, burning, or itching, then you should seek immediate medical care as it may be an underlying condition, such as BV or a sexually transmitted disease.

How to get rid of vaginal odor

Odor is a normal part of having a vagina, and there is no reason to be ashamed of it. However, if you are looking for safe, healthy ways to lessen the smell, there are some options.

1. Practice good vaginal hygiene

While the vagina cleans itself by releasing white or clear discharge, washing the external vaginal area daily with mild, unscented soap and water helps keep odor at bay, says Christy Boraas, MD, MPH, an OB-GYN with the University of Minnesota Medical School. You can easily do this while you're in the shower.

Vaginal discharge and bacteria can build up if the area isn't washed, which can exacerbate odor over time. While on your period, you may prefer washing twice a day.

Important: Whatever you do, do not douche, or rinse internally, which can actually increase the risk of infection as it disrupts the bacterial balance in the vagina.

2. Avoid scented products

The vaginal skin is sensitive, so when you add scented products or additives to that area, it can cause irritation like itching and redness, says Boraas.

"You'll be doing more damage than good when it comes to odor, too," says Boraas. Even though you may think scented products may be helpful, "the irritation these products cause can lead to an imbalance in the bacteria and a stronger odor."

3. Wear cotton underwear

Cotton is a more breathable fabric that won't trap moisture like sweat, says Levitt. Non-cotton fibers, such as synthetic fibers, will trap heat, sweat, and discharge, which can lead to a fungal yeast infection and odor.

4. Try probiotics

Related Article Module: The difference between prebiotics and probiotics - and how to add both to your diet to boost gut health

Evidence for vaginal health probiotics is limited. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that help promote gut health, and some like the bacteria strain lactobacilli may improve bacterial health in the vaginal area.

You can buy lactobacilli supplements sold specifically for vaginal health.

Probiotics could reduce recurrent infections like BV and the accompanying odor, but Boraas says if you don't see improvement within the first few weeks, then it's probably not going to be helpful.

5. Talk to your doctor

If you believe your odor is the result of an underlying infection, a doctor can prescribe you antibiotics to reduce bacteria and restore the pH balance, says Levitt.

These medications include oral pills, a cream inserted into the vagina, or an antibiotic injection. Antibiotics for BV usually clear symptoms, such as odor, in around two to three days.

Insider's takeaway

Odor is a normal part of having a vagina and it is nothing to be ashamed of. However, a stronger, fishier smell can mean an underlying health condition, such as BV or trichomoniasis.

You can address vaginal odor in a safe, healthy way by practicing proper hygiene, wearing cotton underwear, and avoiding scented products. If you are concerned about your vaginal odor, consult your doctor, who can determine if it's due to an infection.

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