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What Causes Bad Vaginal Odor?
Hi doctor, For the last few years I have noticed that my vagina does not smell as fresh as it use to. It doesn t smell bad but it use to smell really fresh. I shower morning and night using dove soap as I always have. I get yearly check ups and I have not been sexually active for over 9 years now. I did ask the doctor and he says as we age the acid changes in our body. I want to smell really fresh down there like I use to. I am 56 years old.
posted on
Wed, 31 Aug 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 17 Jun 2019
Answered on
Tue, 18 Jun 2019
Last reviewed on
Hi,
In most people, there will be a slight smell from the vagina or groin but this should not be overpowering.
During or just before menopause, hormone fluctuation can cause vaginal secretions to increase or reduce. This varies from person to person.
Some infections can also cause a foul smell. One of the most common infections is bacterial vaginosis.
There is increased bacterial growth because of the change in the vaginal pH which can cause some foul smell.
This smell is usually described as a fishy smelling odor. In case an infection is suspected, it would be a good idea to talk to a Gynecologist and use antibiotics to help the infection.
Most people also find maintaining good hygiene also useful. This includes keeping the groin hair trimmed, wearing loose cotton clothing, avoiding using any scented products, and avoiding vaginal douching.
These usually keep the vaginal area clean and hygienic.
In case the smell persists, taking a shower more than once a day but not using soap over the area would help. Rarely, a vaginal wash may be used with advice from the Gynecologist.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Vignan Rachabattuni, General & Family Physician
In most people, there will be a slight smell from the vagina or groin but this should not be overpowering.
During or just before menopause, hormone fluctuation can cause vaginal secretions to increase or reduce. This varies from person to person.
Some infections can also cause a foul smell. One of the most common infections is bacterial vaginosis.
There is increased bacterial growth because of the change in the vaginal pH which can cause some foul smell.
This smell is usually described as a fishy smelling odor. In case an infection is suspected, it would be a good idea to talk to a Gynecologist and use antibiotics to help the infection.
Most people also find maintaining good hygiene also useful. This includes keeping the groin hair trimmed, wearing loose cotton clothing, avoiding using any scented products, and avoiding vaginal douching.
These usually keep the vaginal area clean and hygienic.
In case the smell persists, taking a shower more than once a day but not using soap over the area would help. Rarely, a vaginal wash may be used with advice from the Gynecologist.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Vignan Rachabattuni, General & Family Physician
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