The vagina has a natural smell. We know how it feels and smells when things are normal. However, when you begin to notice an unusual smell, it is a sign that you need to take better care of your body—especially down there.
In this article, we will take a look at what bad vaginal odour is and ways you can get rid of it easily.
What is vaginal odour?
In simple terms, vaginal odour is the smell that comes from the vagina. The usual odour is one that occurs as a result of vaginal secretion. However, when the odour is bad and unpleasant, it is caused by an infection. No matter what you have been told, you need to understand that the vagina does not smell like roses or wild flowers. It has an odour, and will always have one. However, there is cause for concern when it has a bad smell.
Causes of bad vaginal odour
Bad vaginal odour does not just occur overnight. According to online portal WebMD, vaginal odour can change from day to day during the menstrual cycle. An odour might be especially noticeable right after having sex; while sweating also can cause vaginal odour.
WebMD adds that bacterial vaginosis is an overgrowth of bacteria typically present in the vagina, and that it is a common vaginal condition that can cause vaginal odor.
Again, trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection, can lead to vaginal odour; though a yeast infection usually doesn’t cause vaginal odour, according to another online source, Mayo Clinic.
Physicians at the Cleveland Clinic also note that temporary vaginal odor is common and often resolves on its own. They note that odours may be related to hormonal changes or even diet. For example, foods with a strong odour, like garlic or fish, can cause odour changes in the vagina.
“However, an unpleasant odour that doesn’t go away may be a sign of an underlying condition that requires medical attention,” the experts warn.
Possible causes of unusual vaginal odour include: bacterial vaginosis [a type of vaginal inflammation caused by the overgrowth of bacteria naturally found in the vagina, which upsets the natural balance]; poor hygiene, a forgotten tampon, and trichomoniasis [a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite].
According to Cleveland Clinic, less commonly, unusual vaginal odour may result from cervical cancer, rectovaginal fistula (an opening between the rectum and vagina that allows gas or stool to leak into the vagina) and vaginal cancer.
These are some of the causes of bad vaginal odour. There are other possible causes, but these are the most likely of them.
Home remedies for bad vaginal odour
If you feel as if the smell of your vagina is a little stronger than it should be, without any health symptoms or complications, here are some of the best home remedies to treat the bad odour:
Take your bath regularly: From a simple perspective, a bad vaginal odour could be your body’s way of telling you to take your bath a lot more often. With our daily activities, the vagina experiences a lot of sweat, the accumulation of dead cells, and of course dirt. When you do not take your bath often, the smell of your vagina can really be affected. So, shower at least twice a day, and you will start to see good results.
Drink a lot of water: Drinking a lot of water is one of the best ways to ensure that your vagina smells nice and is not offensive. 
This is because drinking a healthy amount of water allows you to sweat better and release a lot of fluid from your vagina. This means that the body uses the water to remove anything that could cause the vagina to smell badly.
Stop douching:
Douching or washing the vagina is not only wrong, it is dangerous. According to a Mayo Clinic article, washing inside the vagina can lead to bacterial vaginosis, which is an upset of the pH balance of the vaginal bacteria. When the vaginal bacteria is not balanced, it can greatly affect the odour of the vagina in a bad way.
Eat nutritional diet:
Instead of eating processed foods, eat nutritional diet. When you have a healthy diet, you have a healthy body, which can help the pH balance of your vagina. Fruits and vegetables keep the body healthy, and this helps to remove any unwanted smell that might have occurred.
Bottom line
Having a bad vaginal smell is not the end of the world. It can be worrisome and affect your self-confidence. But, with the tips highlighted here, you can resolve any bad vaginal smell issues. If after doing all of this your vagina does not smell any better, you need to visit your doctor.
