subject: Treating Vaginal Odor Naturally - Simple Ways To Keep Fresh [print this page] If you are aware of having an unpleasant smell "down below" you may have already had various attempts at getting rid of it. Unfortunately, some of the common things which we all try can actually make the problem worse. Treating vaginal odor naturally is not difficult, but knowing exactly what can help can make all the difference between struggling with the problem for years and getting the issue cleared up in no time.
Vaginal odor can be caused due to a number of reasons. Common factors include over washing, douching, a change of sexual partner, using perfumed products and even just being under the weather. Mostly, there is no obvious cause at all. Ironically, it can be made much worse by doing all the things which we think will help, such as washing frequently and using perfumed soaps and deodorising products in an attempt to mask the odor.
Treating vaginal odor should start with looking at how often you wash. It is vital not to wash too often as this can actually strip the vagina's natural protective lubricants. Douching and using perfumed products will also cause an adverse reaction and should be avoided. The best rule to follow is to wash no more than twice daily, and use gentle unperformed soap.
Another good tip is to wear a thin panty pad when you are out and about. These can absorb a surprisingly large amount of discharge and can be changed frequently during the day-a real advantage if you are at work.
Semen is slightly alkaline in nature and a healthy vagina is slightly acidic. This means that intercourse can alter the natural balance within the vagina and this can cause bacterial growth. If you have a problem with an unpleasant smell after intercourse, one way of treating vaginal odor naturally is, quite simply, to avoid intercourse until the problem has cleared up, or at the very least, use a condom.
If your odor is particularly fishy in nature and you have a discharge which is gray or white in color and of a watery in nature, you may have the very common condition known as bacterial vaginosis. Although not harmful in its early stages, if bacterial vaginosis is left untreated it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and can even render some women infertile. Therefore, it is always a good idea to treat the condition promptly. You are particularly at risk if you get repeated attacks.
By treating BV naturally, you can quickly restore balance in the vagina and get back to normal within no time, even if you are a long term sufferer.
