Causes of Itching & Foul Smell From Vagina & How to Get Rid of It

Overview

Some vaginal odour is expected, and it is natural. Due to a healthy vaginal secretion, there will be an odour. But sometimes, the scent can be somewhat unpleasant and foul. This foul odour is similar to rotten fish and is usually accompanied by other symptoms like itching and a burning sensation while urinating.

Though common among women, vaginal itching is always uncomfortable and painful. The presence of an itchy and foul-smelling vaginal discharge is a sign that indicates bacterial or fungal infections, irritants, and changes in hormonal levels.

Causes of the itchy & foul Vaginal odour

Here are some of the most common causes of vaginal odour:

1. Bacterial Vaginosis

Due to hormonal changes, the normal vaginal flora multiplies, causing a fishy odour and other symptoms like vaginal itching, discomfort, and burning during urination.

2. Yeast infections

Every woman will get a yeast infection at some point in their life. It can cause itching and a thick white cottage cheese-like discharge.

3. Chemical Irritants

Several chemical irritants like fabric softeners, feminine sprays, douches, contraceptive jellies, or creams can cause vaginal irritation.

4. Hormone or pH Imbalances

Hormonal imbalance is expected during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause. When the body goes through these hormonal changes, the estrogen levels dip, while pH levels are also imbalanced leading to an itchy vagina and dryness.

5. Trichomoniasis

Women suffering from trichomoniasis produce a foul fishy vaginal odour and may experience a burning discomfort during urination and overall genital itching.

Remedies and Treatments

Hence, women worried about vaginal odour and itchiness must address the causes to get rid of it. Maintaining good personal hygiene will help to avoid vaginal itching and foul vaginal smell.

1. Washing Regularly

Even though regular vaginal washing is essential, don’t overdo it. The vagina is acidic and kills bacteria naturally. Please do not use soap because soap will interfere with the normal flora, causing bacterial growth and worsening the condition. Just use plain warm water or Intimate wash to clean the intimate areas.

Several Intimate Wash for Women has been available in the market for quite a while. Use Mylo care Intimate wash. An intimate wash or intimate hygiene wash is a solution prepared especially for women to cleanse their private areas. It can be used as a treatment for itchy vagina, dryness, and irritation of the vaginal regions. Moreover, it helps maintain the vaginal pH levels to prevent bacterial growth.

How To Use Intimate Wash?

Take a small quantity of the intimate wash in hand and lather it up. Use it during the toilet or the shower, apply gently, and rinse thoroughly with clean water.

2. Check for recent product swaps

Changing new detergents or body wash also can impact your vaginal flora. Switching lubricants and changing condoms lead to bacterial infection resulting in a foul smell of the vagina or itching.

3. Wash the genital area before and after sex

Wash the intimate areas before and after sex as sex aids bacterial growth. Use an intimate hygiene wash to clean the genital region. This will help to maintain the natural flora and pH of the vagina.

4. Take probiotics

There is little evidence that probiotics or yoghurt containing lactobacillus help reduce vaginal infections. These bacteria help in maintaining the pH balance of the vagina.

5. Eat a healthy diet

A balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains contributes to good vaginal health.

6. Stay hydrated

Drinking lots of water will encourage sweating and releases fluids from the body. Taking excess water aids not only healthy skin but also the general health of the vagina.

Prescription treatments for an itchy vagina and foul odour

There is no prescription for vaginal odour. But foul-smelling odours are caused due to vaginal infections or disruption in hormone levels. These conditions can be treated with prescribed medicines. Usually, antibiotics treat bacterial, urinary tract, and yeast infections.

Things to Avoid

• Douching

• Do not use sex toys if there is itching

• Wearing tight clothing

• Avoid using scented products like bubble baths or vaginal sprays

• Do not wash clothes with scented detergents

• Avoid using talcum powder in the intimate areas

When to See a doctor

If experiencing any vaginal discomfort like foul fishy vaginal odour, bacterial or yeast infections, severe itching, burning, and abnormal vaginal discharge, visit a doctor.

Takeaway

There are several treatments available for an itchy and malodourous vagina. Also, all of them may not suit; hence, some specific ones work better than others. Ideally, some methods like douching, talcum powder, or other scented products should be avoided.

If there is a change in vaginal odour and it is untreatable at home, please visit a healthcare professional for appropriate treatment. Getting consultation for any early symptoms before they worsen is always a good idea.

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