Know Your Own Female Body

Have you noticed and unpleasant odor "down there"? Odors like this can be embarrassing and may keep you from wanting to be intimate or even spend too much time in public. There are ways to deal with almost every common cause of vaginal odors, but as you do, you'll want to adhere to these dos and don'ts.

Do: Talk to your gynecologist.

If the odor lasts more than a few days, you should definitely set up an appointment with your OBGYN. Vaginal odors can have a wide range of causes, from yeast infections to STDs, so your doctor will want to take a look and run a few tests to make sure nothing sinister is going on. Once they figure out the cause of your odor, they can recommend a treatment plan that will have you smelling fresher in no time.

Don't: Use heavily perfumed products.

You may be tempted to try and mask the scent with perfumed creams and washes, but these often do more harm than good. They can be irritating to the vagina and the surrounding vaginal tissue. If your odor is due to a yeast or bacterial infection, the products may just make it worse. A safer way to mask odors is to simply wear body spray on your wrists and chest. You may want to shower more often — maybe twice a day — and use unscented feminine wipes after using the bathroom to keep odors under control.

Do: Switch to breathable underwear.

Many vaginal odors can be traced back to an overgrowth of either fungi or bacteria. Both of these organisms like warm, moist environments. If you switch to breathable cotton panties, your vaginal region will stay a bit dryer, which will slow the growth of these organisms and help minimize odors.

Don't: Put herbal remedies in your vaginal canal.

You may see some herbal remedies recommended for the treatment of vaginal odor. They may include ingredients such as ginger, ginseng, and mint. If you use these remedies, make sure you only use them orally. Inserting them in your vaginal canal could cause irritation and ultimately make your problem with odors worse. Ask your doctor before taking any herbal remedy; some may interfere with certain prescription medications.

If you follow these guidelines when dealing with vaginal odors, you should have no trouble returning to a fresher you! Talk to your OBGYN for further advice and more cause-specific treatments.