Why Does It Smell Down There? 5 Common Causes Of Vaginal Odor, Itchiness & Discharge + 7 Expert Tips To Restore Balance!

During hot summer months, vaginal odor can be a frustrating and embarrassing issue for many women—especially when others might notice a strong smell in public. You might wonder, “I already clean properly—why does it still smell fishy or unpleasant when I go to the bathroom?” The truth is, there are many reasons for vaginal odor, and not all of them are cause for alarm.

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1. Common Causes of Vaginal Odor

Every woman wants to smell fresh and clean, but the reality is many will experience occasional fishy or unpleasant odors. To address the issue, you first need to understand the root causes:

1. Overactive Sweat Glands

Sweat glands are present throughout the body—including the labia, groin, and surrounding skin. Women who sweat heavily may produce excess moisture in the vaginal area. When this sweat mixes with pubic hair and is broken down by bacteria, it can cause body odor or even a strong armpit-like smell.

2. Residual Urine on Underwear

Due to anatomical differences, urine may remain on underwear if the area isn’t wiped thoroughly after urination, causing a strong, unpleasant urine odor.

3. Menstrual Cycle

Menstrual blood can emit a strong, metallic or fishy odor—especially if pads aren't changed frequently enough. This is particularly noticeable during menstruation.

4. Gynecological Infections

Healthy vaginal discharge is clear and odorless. If your discharge is gray-white, yellow-green, or has a strong fishy smell, this may be a sign of a gynecological issue like bacterial vaginosis or vaginitis. It’s best to consult a gynecologist.

5. Over-washing the Vagina

Some women believe odor results from poor hygiene and scrub aggressively or douche frequently. But the vagina has a natural self-cleaning mechanism and beneficial bacteria that maintain pH balance. Over-washing can disrupt this, leading to odor and infection.

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2. How to Eliminate Vaginal Odor – 7 Expert Tips to Get Back to Normal

1. Maintain Proper Hygiene

In most cases, the vagina doesn’t need special cleansers. Simply rinse the vulva with water—avoid using soaps or feminine washes internally to protect the natural protective barrier.

2. Wear Loose Clothing

Tight pants and shapewear trap heat and moisture, increasing odor risk. Opt for loose skirts or breathable trousers to promote airflow and reduce sweating in the groin area.

3. Trim Pubic Hair Regularly

While pubic hair doesn't cause odor itself, excessive hair can trap bacteria and discharge. Regular grooming can help reduce infection risk and maintain cleanliness.

4. Cut Down on Sugary Foods

Sweet and spicy foods can change vaginal pH, making it easier for harmful bacteria to grow. This can lead to odor. Stick to a light, balanced diet and reduce seafood intake, as seafood is believed to worsen internal “dampness” in traditional Chinese medicine.

5. Avoid Hot Baths

Very hot water can strip skin of moisture and upset vaginal pH, killing good bacteria and allowing bad bacteria to thrive. Use lukewarm water when washing.

6. Wipe Properly After Using the Toilet

Gently pat the vaginal area with tissue to remove residual urine. Avoid rubbing hard to prevent irritation or leaving tissue bits behind. Keeping the area dry is key to avoiding odor.

7. Get Enough Sleep

Sleep helps restore the body and maintain immunity. Go to bed before 11 p.m. and avoid staying up late. Good sleep supports overall health and reduces the chance of infections that lead to odor.

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3. Surprising Foods That Can Cause Vaginal Odor

Even with excellent hygiene, certain foods can cause unusual vaginal smells:

1. Onions

Onions have strong antibacterial properties but also a pungent smell that may linger in vaginal secretions after consumption.

2. Coffee

Too much coffee can alter body odor and increase the risk of yeast infections, especially for women with weaker digestion.

3. Fish

Some oily, alkaline fish like salmon or sardines can disrupt vaginal pH, producing a fishy odor.

4. Alcohol

Excessive alcohol intake affects the skin, body odor, and vaginal moisture levels—often resulting in odor and dryness.

5. Sweets

Sugar is a favorite food for yeast. Eating lots of sweets while having a warm, moist vaginal environment can increase the risk of infection and odor.

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4. What to Eat to Prevent Vaginal Odor – 4 Effective Foods

1. Cranberries

Rich in type-A proanthocyanidins, cranberries prevent bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract, reducing UTIs. Choose raw, unsweetened cranberries instead of sugary cranberry juice.

2. Unsweetened Yogurt

Yogurt contains probiotics that help balance vaginal flora, maintain pH, and lower the risk of yeast infections and odors.

3. Water

Drinking enough water helps flush toxins, improve metabolism, and reduce body odor. Women should aim for at least 1,500–2,000ml per day, and even more during hot weather or after intimate activity.

4. Pineapple

Pineapple contains enzymes that reduce inflammation and discomfort from UTIs. It also provides vitamin C, boosting immunity and potentially improving vaginal scent.

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5. What Does Traditional Chinese Medicine Say About Vaginal Odor?

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), vaginal odor is often related to "liver heat" or "dampness." When liver Qi is stagnant, it disrupts spleen function and causes damp heat to accumulate—creating a breeding ground for bacteria and parasites in the vaginal area.

TCM practitioners recommend avoiding spicy, greasy, and sweet foods, as well as seafood. Instead, eat ingredients that remove internal dampness such as winter melon, red beans, mung beans, and coix seeds (Job’s tears). Gentle exercise and massaging the Yinbai acupoint (located near the big toe) may also help relieve liver fire and reduce odor naturally.

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6. Tried Everything and Still No Improvement? Try Perfect Medical’s Fotona Vaginal Laser Treatment

Persistent vaginal odor can be socially awkward and hard to manage—even with proper diet and hygiene. If nothing seems to help, you may want to consider the Perfect Medical Fotona Vaginal Tightening Machine.

This Fotona treatment uses a patented fractional laser in a 360-degree emission format to rejuvenate the vaginal wall. It stimulates collagen regeneration, thickens the vaginal lining, improves elasticity, enhances hydration, and helps prevent odor by improving overall vaginal health.*

Just click the link below to register and try it out!