As a person who menstruates, it's normal to experience a certain level of vaginal odor. The odor can be caused by a variety of factors such as poor hygiene, hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, or even infections like bacterial vaginosis. If the smell is strong or unpleasant, it can feel embarrassing and uncomfortable. If you have caught yourself wondering, “why do I have strong odor down there,” the good news is that there are several ways to get rid of vaginal odor. Let’s explore some lifestyle changes or medical treatments to help you get rid of it.

hygiene tips to prevent vaginal odor

Maintaining good hygiene habits is the key to preventing vaginal odor. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. wash your genital area daily with mild soap and warm water

2. wear breathable fabrics and avoid tight-fitting clothing

3. change your underwear daily

4. avoid using scented products in the vaginal area like sprays and perfumed soaps

5. wipe from front to back after using the bathroom

6. practice safe sexual intercourse by using products like condoms

medical treatment for vaginal odor

If those tips and changes don’t work, medical treatment may be necessary to treat vaginal odor. The treatment method used will depend on your specific underlying cause of the unpleasant odor, which is why it is important to consult a healthcare professional. Some of the common medical treatments that can help get rid of vaginal odor include:

1. antibiotics: If the unpleasant odor is caused by bacterial vaginosis or a sexually transmitted infection, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the underlying infection. These medications work by killing the bacteria responsible for the odor.

2. antifungal medication: If the abnormal vaginal odor is caused by a vaginal yeast infection, antifungal medication may be prescribed to clear up the infection and get rid of the odor.

3. prescription creams: If the odor is caused by skin irritation or inflammation, prescription strength creams may be prescribed to alleviate the symptoms.

switch to Thinx period underwear 

Strong vaginal odor can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable issue to deal with, but it’s important to remember that it's a common problem that affects many people. By taking steps to maintain good hygiene and making lifestyle changes, most cases of vaginal odor can be effectively treated. 

Thinx is made with breathable fabrics that are not only comfortable, but are also designed to help control odor, specifically while you are on your period. The gusset area of our period underwear is designed to keep you fresh and dry. If you want extra protection that looks and feels like regular underwear, try Thinx today. 

At Thinx, we strive to provide our readers with the most up-to-date, objective, and research-based information. Our content is crafted by experienced contributors who ground their work in research and data. Articles contain trusted third-party sources that are either directly linked within the text or listed at the bottom to lead readers to the original source.

sources: 

Mayo Clinic. Vaginal Odor. https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/vaginal-odor/basics/definition/sym-20050664 

National Library of Medicine. Role of Female Intimate Hygiene in Vulvovaginal Health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7789027/ 

JAAPA. Probiotics for Preventing Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis. https://journals.lww.com/jaapa/fulltext/2021/02000/probiotics_for_preventing_recurrent_bacterial.2.aspx 

Healthline. What You Need to Know if Your Vagina has a Fishy Odor. https://www.healthline.com/health/vaginal-health/what-you-need-to-know-if-your-vagina-has-a-fishy-odor

by Team Thinx