Vaginal Odour Treatment and Good Hygiene: Causes, Care & Prevention

Understanding Vaginal Odour: What's Normal and What's Not

Every person with a vagina will notice that vaginal scent can vary from day to day. This is entirely normal and influenced by a range of factors including hormonal fluctuations, physical activity, diet, and where you are in your menstrual cycle. The vagina is a self-cleaning organ that maintains its own healthy balance of bacteria, which naturally produces a mild scent.

However, it's important to understand the difference between normal vaginal discharge and odour that may indicate something requiring attention. A healthy vagina typically has a subtle, musky scent that varies throughout the month. During menstruation, after exercise, or following sexual activity, this scent may temporarily become more noticeable – this is usually nothing to worry about.

When Vaginal Odour May Indicate a Concern

While mild changes in vaginal scent are normal, certain odours may warrant further investigation. A persistent, strong, or unusual smell – particularly a fishy odour – can sometimes indicate an underlying imbalance or infection.

Key signs that vaginal odour may need assessment include:

• A strong fishy smell that persists or worsens after sex
• Unusual discharge that is grey, green, yellow, or cottage cheese-like in texture
• Accompanying symptoms such as itching, burning, redness, or pain
• Odour that doesn't improve with normal hygiene practices
• New or different smell that appears suddenly

If you notice any of these changes, it may be worth speaking with a healthcare professional or considering appropriate testing.

Common Causes of Vaginal Odour

Understanding the potential causes of vaginal odour can help you determine whether further assessment is appropriate.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

Bacterial vaginosis is one of the most common causes of abnormal vaginal odour in women of reproductive age. It occurs when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted, allowing certain bacteria to overgrow. The hallmark symptom is a distinctive fishy smell, particularly noticeable after intercourse.

If you recognise bacterial vaginosis symptoms, such as thin greyish-white discharge accompanied by a fishy odour, seeking assessment is advisable. BV is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection, though sexual activity can influence its development.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasitic organism called Trichomonas vaginalis. A trichomoniasis infection can cause a frothy, yellow-green discharge with a strong, unpleasant odour. Other symptoms may include genital itching, burning during urination, and discomfort during intercourse.

This infection is easily transmitted through sexual contact and can often go undetected, as many people experience no symptoms. Testing is the only reliable way to confirm diagnosis.

Thrush (Candida)

Vaginal thrush, caused by an overgrowth of the Candida fungus, typically produces a thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge. While thrush doesn't usually cause a strong odour, it can create a slightly yeasty or bread-like smell. The most common symptoms are intense itching and irritation rather than odour.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Several STIs can affect vaginal odour, though this is often accompanied by other symptoms. Chlamydia-related discharge changes, for example, may include increased vaginal discharge that differs from your normal pattern. Gonorrhoea can also cause similar changes.

When considering sexually transmitted infections and vaginal odour, it's worth noting that many STIs are asymptomatic. A change in vaginal scent alone may not indicate an STI, but comprehensive testing can rule out or identify any infections present.

Poor Hygiene or Overwashing

Ironically, both insufficient and excessive washing can contribute to vaginal odour. The vagina requires a delicate pH balance to remain healthy. Using harsh soaps, douches, or scented products inside or around the vagina can disrupt this balance, potentially leading to irritation and odour.

Other Factors

Additional factors that may influence vaginal odour include:

• Forgotten tampon or retained foreign object – can cause a very strong, unpleasant odour and requires immediate removal
• Hormonal changes – pregnancy, menopause, and contraceptive changes can all affect vaginal scent
• Diet – certain foods like garlic, onions, and strong spices may temporarily affect body odours, including vaginal scent
• Sweating – particularly during warm weather or exercise, can create a stronger odour

How Vaginal Odour Concerns Are Assessed

If you're concerned about vaginal odour, various assessment options are available. A healthcare professional may:

• Take a detailed history of your symptoms and any changes you've noticed
• Perform a physical examination if appropriate
• Take swab samples to test for infections
• Check the vaginal pH level

For those experiencing persistent concerns, STI testing can be a valuable first step. Testing provides clarity and helps identify or rule out infections that may be contributing to symptoms.

Management of Bacterial Vaginosis

The management of bacterial vaginosis typically involves antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare professional. It's important to complete any prescribed course of treatment, even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished. Recurrence is common with BV, and some people may need repeated or longer courses of treatment.

It's worth noting that current evidence doesn't support the use of probiotics, yoghurt, or home remedies as effective treatments for BV, though maintaining good vaginal health practices may help reduce recurrence.

Hygiene Practices for Vaginal Health

Maintaining good vaginal hygiene practices is about supporting your body's natural balance rather than aggressive cleaning. Here are evidence-based recommendations:

What to Do

• Wash the external genital area (vulva) daily with warm water
• Use plain, unperfumed soap on the external area only if desired
• Wear breathable, cotton underwear to allow air circulation
• Change underwear daily and after exercise
• Wipe from front to back after using the toilet
• Change sanitary products regularly during menstruation
• Allow the area to dry properly after bathing or swimming

What to Avoid

• Douching – this disrupts the natural bacterial balance and can push bacteria further into the reproductive tract
• Scented products inside or around the vagina, including scented tampons, pads, and wipes
• Harsh soaps or shower gels in the vaginal area
• Tight, synthetic underwear that traps moisture and heat
• Wearing damp clothing for extended periods after swimming or exercise

Prevention Strategies for Recurrent Vaginal Infections

Preventing recurrent vaginal infections involves a combination of lifestyle factors and awareness. While some factors are outside your control, the following strategies may help reduce the risk:

Sexual Health Practices

• Use barrier methods of contraception (such as condoms) with new or casual partners
• Ensure adequate lubrication during sexual activity to prevent irritation
• Urinate soon after sexual intercourse
• Consider testing for both partners if recurrent infections occur
• Communicate openly with partners about sexual health

Lifestyle Considerations

• Choose breathable fabrics, particularly for underwear and workout clothing
• Avoid sitting in wet swimwear for prolonged periods
• Manage underlying health conditions that may affect vaginal health, such as diabetes
• Be aware that antibiotics can disrupt vaginal flora, potentially leading to thrush
• Reduce stress where possible, as this can affect immune function and bacterial balance

Awareness and Monitoring

• Know what's normal for your body so you can recognise changes
• Keep track of any patterns in symptoms (such as relation to menstrual cycle or sexual activity)
• Seek assessment promptly if symptoms persist or recur frequently

When to Seek Medical Assessment

While this guide provides educational information, it's important to recognise when professional assessment is appropriate. Consider seeking medical advice if:

• Vaginal odour is persistent, strong, or unusual
• You experience accompanying symptoms such as unusual discharge, itching, burning, or pain
• Symptoms don't resolve with improved hygiene practices
• You've had potential exposure to sexually transmitted infections
• You're pregnant and notice changes in vaginal discharge or odour
• Home or over-the-counter treatments haven't helped

A healthcare professional can provide proper assessment, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate management tailored to your individual circumstances.

The Role of Testing

If you're concerned about vaginal odour, particularly if it's accompanied by changes in discharge or other symptoms, testing can provide valuable information. STI testing is confidential and can identify or rule out infections that may be contributing to symptoms.

For those in London seeking clarity about their symptoms, a same day STI test in London offers convenient access to confidential testing when vaginal odour is persistent or unexplained. Understanding what's happening in your body is the first step toward appropriate care.

Summary

Vaginal odour is a normal aspect of vaginal health that can vary based on numerous factors. While mild changes are usually nothing to worry about, persistent, strong, or fishy odours may indicate an underlying condition that could benefit from assessment.

The key points to remember:

• The vagina naturally has a mild scent that varies throughout the month
• A strong fishy odour, unusual discharge, or accompanying symptoms warrant attention
• Common causes include bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, thrush, and STIs
• Good hygiene means gentle, supportive care – not aggressive cleaning
• Testing provides clarity and helps guide appropriate next steps
• Prevention involves sensible practices around hygiene, sexual health, and lifestyle

By understanding what's normal for your body and recognising when changes occur, you can take proactive steps to maintain your vaginal health and seek appropriate support when needed.

*This article provides general information about vaginal odour and hygiene. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare provider.*