Literally speaking, the scent of a woman speaks volumes about her. And we’re not talking perfume here. Ever so often, every woman experiences an uncomfortable malodor down there, and it causes great worry, not to mention a drastic drop in self-esteem.
This malodor, often fishy, hinders maximum pleasure during intimate activities with a partner, since she may hold back because she is insecure, or he may not wish to go all out because he is put off by the stench.
Vaginal odor is closely associated with hygiene. However, there are instances when malodor is not necessarily caused by infection. The vaginal area is moist in itself, and women sweat down there too. Sometimes, normal secretions are not washed off immediately, causing the malodor.
When you get stuck in a situation where spreading your legs is literally impossible out of shame, here are four quick tricks to help you feel fresh and confident again without the fishy odor from between your legs.
Wash, wash, wash away. Make washing with water and mild soap a habit, each time you urinate and especially during your period. Urine and blood are excellent breeding grounds of bacteria.
This is why leaving your vagina unwashed creates that awful smell. Stay away from perfumed soaps because they weaken the vagina’s resistance against fungus and harmful microorganisms. Lukewarm water is usually enough. Make it a habit to change your pad or liner after each wash. You’ll be surprised just how fresh you will feel.
Does sweating cause your privates to stink? Try cornstarch. Whatever you do, stay away from perfumed talc powders. They smell good now, but when they react with sweat, they begin to have a less than favorable scent – one that you wouldn’t be caught dead in. A healthy, no-side effect alternative to perfumed powders is cornstarch. It’s cheap and readily available.
It absorbs sweat effectively too. The best part of it is that when it comes in contact with sweat, it simply tones down the smell, so no body odor emerges from down there.
Choose your panties’ materials well. Sure, they may look cute, but are they comfortable? As much as we love satin and silk panties, we don’t recommend them. They don’t allow for air to come in and out of the fabric, so any moisture in the feminine area stays here and well, rots.
There are a lot of cute panties that are made of cotton, which allow your skin to breathe. Choose these ones instead and make sure you wear a clean pair all the day. For days you just can’t help the odor, grab some extra liners and a clean pair to change into.
See your gynecologist. The preceding tips work great if your malodor is simply caused sweating or lack of proper intimate hygiene. However, if you notice the odor coming from a vaginal discharge, or has been consistent all throughout the month, it’s time you sought the help of a medical professional.
It may be a sign of infection, and if it is, your target should not be to get rid of the smell, but of the infection itself, before it makes its way up your reproductive tract. Don’t be afraid to see your doctor, as he or she will be the right person to tell you what you need to take the smell out. There’s no harm in trying, and you’ll be doing yourself, your partner and other people around you a great favor.