What is the best way to keep my vagina clean and fresh?

And if you are concerned that you have left a tampon or menstrual cup in for too long, it’s important to visit your doctor, particularly if you have other symptoms like fever and pain.

So with that in mind, here are some tips to keep things healthy, safe, and clean ‒ how to maintain a good-smelling vagina:

You may notice a clear or milky discharge at various times of the month that can have a faint odor—usually something in the style of slightly musky.

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If you notice a strong smell coming from your vagina, often described as fishy or spoiled milk, it may mean that something else is up.

Switch to a gentle detergent: Some detergents are strongly scented or powerful, which can disrupt your vaginal pH and cause irritation and a vaginal odor.

Or your clothing around your crotch is too tight ‒ yup, that can cause irritation, which can cause your vagina to produce more discharge, which can sometimes smell a bit funky.

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Here’s how to make your vagina smell good. (Hint. Maybe it already does.)

And because we don’t talk much about this topic, it’s hard to know if there are others out there in the same boat.

Then there are urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can cause a pungent smell in your urine.

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Almost all vaginas smell a bit (and this is natural, nothing to feel awkward about) ‒ but women can usually a bit musty or earthy or sometimes a little sour, almost like damp.

For gonorrhea and PID? Likely a course of antibiotics. For STIs, your partner must receive treatment, too, to avoid reinfection.

First, even a quick wipe with a clean damp cloth can make a huge difference, particularly if your funk is from exercise or feeling hot.

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Or maybe the chemicals in your tampons or pads are tipping the scales—after all, period products aren’t all created equal (if you’re after period products that are body-safe and designed to prevent vaginal fiber shedding, try Daye, they’re our faves).

When it comes to cleaning your vagina, it’s advised not to wash or clean inside your vaginal canal ‒ stick to the outside (your vulva and labia).

First, think about what you mean by “smell.”

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In a survey of 1000 millennial women, over two-thirds reported feeling insecure about the scent of their vaginas.

Well, there are some products that you can use, although it’s advisable to steer away from beauty products that are heavily scented/perfumed, as they can irritate and throw off your vaginal floral causing more harm than good.

But here’s the thing, your vagina is supposed to smell and taste like a vagina (louder for the people at the back), and attempts to get in the way of this can be dangerous.

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Some people describe their normal vaginal odor as a little sour, so if your discharge smells sour, that might be totally natural for your vaginal pH.

In fact, douching is linked to serious health conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease.

Every vagina has a distinctive scent.

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When we are healthy, those organisms live in perfect harmony.

So what should you do if you notice a strong smell?

Leaving a tampon or menstrual cup in too long can also disrupt the balance.

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For trichomoniasis? Oral medication.

Be aware of what you eat: Yep, your diet can impact your vaginal odor and taste ‒ we’re all different, so keep track of what you’re eating and when your vaginal odor appears to see what may be triggering it.

Wash sex toys and store them in a clean, dry place to avoid the wrong bacteria creeping in.

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For bacterial vaginosis (BV), you will probably be given an antibiotic. They come as an oral pill or an intra-vaginal cream.

It is hard to say exactly what a normal vagina smell like because we all have a unique smell.

Stay hydrated, keep your vaginal area clean (taking care not to clean inside your vaginal canal and to avoid soapy or scented products), use a gentle detergent, wear comfortable underwear, and keep an eye on it.

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If you practice good hygiene but still find that you have a distinct vaginal odor, there are some things you can try:

“I shower everyday and still smell down there, what should I do?”

Pee after sex. This can help wash out any harmful bacteria waiting in the wings.

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Some common infections include bacterial vaginosis (BV) and STIs like gonorrhea and trichomoniasis.

There is a risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome, which can cause a serious infection that requires hospitalization.

But if you’re in discomfort or you notice a strong smell or change in your discharge, speak with your doctor.

The sooner you get treatment, the better.

It’s normal and nothing to feel self-conscious about.

If it persists or gets worse, pay a visit to your doctor to check it out.

While there are some cases where strong smells may be clues to certain medical conditions, milder smells may just be, well, the way your vagina smells.

It’s nothing to be embarrassed about ‒ this is their job, and it’s better to get it checked out, just in case.

Bacterial and fungal infections can both lead to a noticeable scent.

In most cases, an unusual vaginal odor will go away by itself within a few days.

So before we dive in, let’s dispel some myths about vaginas and their smell.

Ever since I got pregnant I feel like my vagina has a weird smell. A stronger smell. It's not fishy, so I know there's no infection but I've never had my vagina smell like this before. My husband doesnt exactly like it either. Tell me I'm not the only one.

But even products that are tailored specifically to make your vagina smell good can be harmful and disrupt your vagina’s pH balance, which can cause discomfort.

First, remember that you may not have to.

Want to know how to make your vagina smell better quick?

Get the right underwear: Making sure your underwear isn’t too tight or too loose can make a big difference. Also checking the material of your underwear can help ‒ generally, cotton is best.

I’m being serious. I shower often but after sex my husband has to either shower or put on baby powder because it smells. I know it’s not an infection or anything it’s like a musky smell. Are there any good clean soaps I could use?

There is also some evidence to suggest that it is associated with ectopic pregnancies among Black women – though it isn’t very strong.

As we said, perfectly healthy vaginas still have a slight odor to them.

Or you may just be using a new detergent that you’re vagina isn’t keen on.

But if it’s recently changed, then it may be a sign of infection.

First, remember vaginas have a natural scent which already does smell good.

Keep hydrated to help stave off infections.

Usually, your vagina has its own way of sorting itself out if this is the case (it is usually self-sustaining) ‒ you may notice that your vaginal discharge is more watery than usual, for example.

These can all lead to an infection traveling up the reproductive system leading to pelvic inflammatory disease.

Why does my vagina smell?

While not the vagina exactly, it can leave you feeling less than fresh in the general area.

You are the only person who knows what your normal is.

Feeling confident when you have sex is so important—and if you’re concerned about the smell or taste of your vagina, it may put a dampener on things.

First, know that you’re not alone.

If your vagina smells fishy, sour, or sweeter than usual, it could be a sign that something’s off.

But sometimes, if something disrupts the balance, there can be trouble in paradise.

How do I get rid of the odor down there?

Practices like vaginal douching—washing out the inside of the vagina with a liquid solution—can do way more harm than good because they disrupt the vagina’s bacterial ecosystem.

Let's talk vagina smells!

Do all vaginas smell?!

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But sometimes, a funkier smell might crop up.

Why do I have a strong odor down there?

That being said, if you notice a strong smell that you’re worried about, it’s important to get in touch with your doctor as it may signal an infection or illness.

Vaginal odor treatment depends on what’s causing the smell. Here are some possibilities:

Changing your underwear can also help ‒ comfy breatheable cotton underwear that fits your body shape without being too loose or too tight should also help to keep your vagina happy and smelling as it should.

Use unscented period products. You’d be surprised how many period products, like tampons and pads, are packed with chemicals that can disrupt your vaginal pH balance. Try Daye for period products that prevent vaginal fiber shedding, sanitized to remove the pathogens that can cause TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome) and other infections.

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So it’s best to stick with just plain water to wipe over your vulva and change your underwear for a quick fix to make your vagina smell good and you feel better.

Use a damp, clean cloth after going to the bathroom: For some people, rough toilet paper can cause irritations, so making sure you’re clean by wiping yourself with a damp, clean cloth may help.

Drink more water: It’s generally good advice, but drinking more water can keep infections at bay and help you pee more, which can “flush” out your vulval area more often.

That’s because we all have our own unique microbiome, a community of tiny organisms that live together inside our vaginas, protecting it—the most common of which is good bacteria called lactobacilli.

Now for how to get rid of vaginal odor.

Wipe from front to back to avoid UTIs.

They can also be accompanied by a discharge that is thicker and more colored than usual.

What does vagina smell like?

How to make your vagina smell and taste good

For a UTI? Antibiotics. And cranberry juice shows some promise, even if it is more for preventative measures.

Practice good hygiene. Wash the outside (your vulva) with gentle soap and water. You don’t need to worry about the inside–your vagina is pretty good at taking care of that itself. Breathable cotton underwear can also help.