Why does my vagina smell?

A healthy vagina can smell in many ways – sweet, tangy, musky or earthy – and each woman’s vaginal scent is unique. A light vaginal odor is usually completely normal and nothing to worry about. It may be caused by changes to your diet, hormone levels, menstrual cycle or vaginal bacteria. Having sex and sweating a lot can also affect the way your vagina smells. But if you’re noticing a strong odor, reminiscent of rotten fish, it’s likely a sign of infection. The fishy smell is a common symptom of bacterial vaginosis, a condition caused by an imbalance in the vaginal flora. Bacterial vaginosis, or BV, causes harmful bacteria to grow out of control and wipe out the beneficial bacteria that regulate the pH level in the vagina. In addition to causing a smelly vagina, bacterial vaginosis can change the color and texture of your vaginal discharge, making it grayish-white and thinner than normal. Having said that, a smelly vagina is often the only noticeable symptom of bacterial vaginosis. Although foul vaginal odor can be annoying and even negatively affect your quality of life, it can be easily treated.

How to get rid of vaginal odor

Bacterial vaginosis is typically treated with antibiotics, but a natural, over-the-counter product like Multi-Gyn ActiGel is both effective and gentler on the body. While antibiotics indiscriminately kill all bacteria in the vagina, Multi-Gyn ActiGel only blocks the harmful microorganisms while supporting the beneficial bacteria. To treat bacterial vaginosis and reduce unpleasant vaginal odor, use the gel at least twice a day for a period of at least five days. If you’re not sure if the fishy smell is due to bacterial vaginosis, or the treatment isn’t helping, contact a doctor. It’s possible that there’s another reason for the odor, like a sexually transmitted disease or a tampon that has been forgotten and left in the vagina for days, or even weeks. Yes, it happens and it may be more common than you think!

How to get rid of smelly discharge

Just like vaginal odor, foul-smelling discharge can be treated with Multi-Gyn ActiGel. Use it at least twice a day for five days straight to treat an ongoing BV infection and reduce discharge.

Can I prevent a smelly vagina?

Good hygiene can help prevent vaginal odor, but don’t overdo it! The inside of the vagina cleans itself by producing discharge and excessive hygiene practices can cause dryness and irritation. Just wash the outside of the vagina (the vulva) with plain, warm water, or use a gentle, unscented soap like Multi-Gyn FemiWash, and dry thoroughly with a clean towel. Multi-Gyn FemiWash is a mild and pH-balanced mousse that can safely be used to cleanse and refresh your intimate area, unlike perfumed soaps which can negatively affect the pH level and delicate bacterial balance in the vagina. Washing once a day is usually enough, except for when you’re on your period; then you may want to wash a little more often to avoid vaginal odor. Don’t forget to clean the perineum (the area between the vaginal opening and the anus) as well. You can buy both Multi-Gyn ActiGel and Multi-Gyn FemiWash here.

More tips for keeping your vagina healthy and free of unpleasant odor:

• Only wear white, 100 percent cotton underwear that lets your vagina breathe
• Wash your underwear using a mild soap and rinse thoroughly
• Avoid using fabric softeners
• Avoid using feminine hygiene products like sanitary pads, bath oils, scented oils, talc, perfumed wipes and vaginal deodorants
• Use a condom during sex to protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases