How to Get Rid of Smelly Vaginal Discharge: Dos and Don'ts

If you are amongst those who want to know how to get rid of smelly discharge, it's important to understand whether it's normal. The simple fact is that vaginas have a natural odour or smell, what some would call musky or fleshy even, and every woman has a different vaginal odour.

• Home remedies for smelly discharge
• Smelly Discharge Treatments: What to avoid

What should alarm, or rather alert you, is when you notice a strong or persistent vaginal odour that is other than your usual smell. A vagina is a self-cleansing organ and is capable of keeping unwanted bacteria at bay and maintaining the required pH level by itself. So, if you notice any unusual vaginal odour, it is probably due to external factors that can change your vaginal odour temporarily. They are:

• Being engaged in any kind of sexual activity
• Menstruation can leave a metallic vaginal odour
• Normal sweating

Although, if the odour does not subside, it could possibly be a sign of an infection that you ought to get checked. Vaginal infections are quite normal and common and shouldn't bog you down. But the unpleasant vaginal odour can dampen your spirit and confidence. If you want to know how to get rid of smelly discharge, here are a few vaginal odour treatments that can help:

Washing yourself with warm water is the best home remedy for smelly discharge. Only if you think you need it, you may use a mildly scented soap to keep your vagina clean every day. Don't go overboard and wash too abrasively or too many times as it can thwart your pH balance. You also don't need to use scented products.

If you feel you have a vaginal odour due to smelly discharge, try using panty liners that help absorb fluid. The Always Extra Protect panty liners are formulated with an absorbent core and a special odour neutralising technology that offers you dryness and comfort and helps you keep vaginal odour at bay.

Infections and thereby foul smells arise in moist environments, hence consider towel drying after a wash, keeping your vaginal area as dry as you can, and not sitting in wet underwear or swimwear for too long.

Many women resort to unhealthy ways in their bid to get rid of smelly discharge naturally. Above, we saw the practices that you must follow to clean and maintain vaginal hygiene. Here are the things you must avoid doing as it can aggravate an already existing vaginal odour situation.

Douching is a method of washing and flushing out the vagina using water and other fluids. Most doctors don't suggest it as it can further cause vaginal infections.

Avoid using any kind of scented or flavoured products around your vagina. It can affect sensitive skin and disrupt the pH balance.

Wearing tight underwear and underpants can increase vaginal odour as it can trap fluids such as discharge, sweat, etc. Instead, opt for loose, cotton undergarments. For bed, consider not wearing any underwear or no tight ones in the least.

Vaginal odour is completely normal and you mustn't let it affect your confidence. With simple cleanliness and hygiene practices, you can have a healthy and natural smelling vagina. If you however feel conscious of your vaginal odour or notice anything peculiar, you must consult your gynaecologist who will provide further guidance.

Here's a complete step by step guide on how to use a tampon to maintain intimate hygiene.

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