What Can You Use On Your Vagina If It Smells? The Advice Might Surprise You

If there's one thing that should be emphasized when you're teaching young girls about their bodies, it's that no vagina is going to smell like daisies. In fact, no vagina should smell like daisies. If it does, there's a good chance that whatever you've been using to make it smell like daisies is going to have an adverse effect on your lady pocket in the long run. But what can you use on your vagina if it smells? Is there anything that can help you combat vaginal odor that's healthy for your favorite gal pal?

When attempting to get rid of vaginal odor, it's important to first figure out why your vagina is smelling the way it's smelling. By diagnosing the why first, you can then figure out the best way to combat your vaginal odor without making it worse.

According to Cosmpolitan, even a healthy vagina has some sort of smell. If your vagina smells like tin, chlorine, or even sweet, you're probably in the clear. These smells often happen due to normal occurrences, according to Cosmopolitan. The foods you're eating, being on your period, or using a certain type of lube can cause your vagina to change odors. However, if your vagina has been veering out of these odors, it could be for a number of reasons. From bacterial vaginosis, to a yeast infection, to a sexually transmitted infection, if your vagina has been smelling fishy, foul, or yeasty, you'll want to see a doctor as soon as possible, according to Kids Health. The publication also recommended staying far, far away from scented wipes, sprays, and other chemical and scented items when it comes to your vagina. The natural pH of your vagina can be easily disturbed when you add these things into the mix, and can often wind up making your vagina smell worse rather than better.

The one thing you never want to do when it comes to getting rid of a vaginal odor, is douching. According to WebMD, douching is never the answer. Douching simply makes things worse by changing the pH of your vagina, and by spreading bacteria. "You do not need to insert anything inside your vagina to clean it: no douche, no essential oils, no soap," certified OB-GYN Heather Rupe told WebMD. According to Rupe, if you're concerned about your odor but are showing no other symptoms, the best thing you can do for your vagina is leave it alone. "First try increasing your water intake and cutting out any odorous foods," Rupe said. "You might also take a probiotic to help restore normal bacterial balance." Rupe urged readers to think of their vagina as a self-cleaning oven, and to let it do its job. If increasing your water intake, or changing your diet doesn't change the odor of your vagina, you may want to visit your healthcare professional to further investigate the source of the smell.