Is your vag smelling fishy? While it’s perfectly normal for your vagina to have a certain kind of odour, if it smells particularly pungent, you need to take notice. Many factors can lead to a change in your vaginal health. It can range from poor hygiene to a bacterial infection. Here’s how to get rid of vaginal odour and keep yourself healthy down there.

1. APPLY YOGHURT

Works for: Yeast infection. If you notice a thick, white discharge accompanied by an itching and burning sensation, you may have a yeast infection.

Why it helps: Your vagina has naturally occurring bacteria that help maintain a healthy pH level.  Yoghurt contains similar bacteria which help restore your normal levels. Dab some yoghurt on your vulva and vaginal region 3-4 times a day for quick relief.

2. BAKING SODA BATH

Works for: Poor hygiene. This is the most common cause of a strange smelling vagina. Lingering sweat and other bodily discharges, if not cleaned properly can create a foul odour.

Why it helps: Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that will dissipate all strange smells from your body and leave it feeling fresh. Mix half a cup of baking soda in your bath water and soak for about 15 minutes. Thoroughly dry yourself after the shower and make sure no moisture remains on your skin, especially under the folds of your skin and the groin area.

3. DAB TEA TREE OIL

Works for: Fungal infection. There are naturally occurring fungi in your vag. When there is an overgrowth of fungi, it can cause an infection along with itching and burning.

Why It Helps: Tea tree oil is a strong antifungal and antiseptic treatment. Soak a cotton ball in water, dab 2-3 drops of tea tree oil on it and apply it to the affected area no more than twice a day. Don’t apply the oil directly as it can cause irritation to the skin.

4. WEAR COTTON PANTIES

Works for: Smells caused by wearing tight clothes

Why it helps: Even if you’re not very active, wearing very tight, synthetic underwear can cause your vagina to sweat and causes a stink. Wear breathable, cotton panties and wipe yourself using a tissue whenever you use the washroom to keep your vagina dry.

5. CHANGE PADS OFTEN

Works for: Smells caused by menstruation

Why it helps: You may feel a metallic smell coming from your vagina on the first 1-2 days of your period. That’s caused by the blood discharge accumulating on your pad. It’s important to change pads frequently not only to prevent infection but also keep unpleasant odours at bay.

6. DRINK LOTS OF WATER

Works for: Just about any kind of smell

Why it helps: Give your body a chance to flush out toxins that cause bad odour, naturally. Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day to get rid of that fishy smell.

7. INSERT A CLOVE OF GARLIC

Works for: Smells caused by sexual intercourse

Why it works: Strange as it may sound, the pungent odour of garlic is one of the best treatments to get rid of that overpowering vaginal odour. It has been used since ancient times to treat infections and various studies have proved its antibacterial properties. Wrap a garlic clove in cheesecloth and attach a string to it. Insert it into your vagina before going to bed and leave it overnight. When you wake up in the morning, the smell and the itching sensation will be gone. If inserting a garlic clove in your vagina doesn’t seem up your alley, then consume 2-3 raw garlic cloves in your diet.