The Best Products for Vaginal Odor

It's completely normal to have a mild vaginal odor, but many of us believe we need to use feminine hygiene products to try to make it smell better. 

When it comes to managing vaginal odor, it’s important to focus on maintaining a healthy vaginal environment rather than masking odors with products. A lot of the products out there can actually mess with the natural balance of bacteria and vaginal pH, causing more problems. 

Below, we look at the best products for vaginal odor, how to prevent it, and what not to use.

What causes vaginal odor?

The vagina naturally has a mild scent due to the presence of beneficial bacteria that help maintain its acidic environment. When you pair that with the presence of vaginal discharge, sweat, and traces of urine, it makes sense that the vagina and vulva aren't totally odorless.

A healthy vagina can smell tangy or sour, to earthy or musky. That said, each vagina has a unique smell — just like no two vaginas look alike, no two vaginas smell alike, either.

Factors like poor hygiene habits, sexual activity, your menstrual cycle, and even the state of your vaginal microbiome can influence vaginal odor. The vagina is a very dynamic environment, and that's often reflected in the way you smell.

A mild, slightly musky smell is usually normal. However, if the odor becomes stronger than normal for you, unpleasant, or fishy, it could indicate an underlying issue. Additional symptoms like itching, a burning sensation, unusual discharge, or irritation often accompany abnormal vaginal odor in cases of an infection. 

The most common causes of abnormal vaginal odor include bacterial vaginosis (BV), aerobic vaginitis (AV), and some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like trichomoniasis and chlamydia.

Best products for vaginal odor

There’s a fine line between wanting to stay on top of your personal hygiene and falling for the myth that vaginas need to smell like roses. Many women grew up believing that vaginas and vulvas were dirty, and needed to be cleaned with special feminine hygiene products. That couldn’t be further from the truth! 

The vagina is a self-cleaning organ, while the vulva only really needs to be cleaned with water. All that is to say that it’s normal for your genitals to have a mild smell, and you don’t need to get rid of it. 

However, if you’re looking for a way to stay on top of your vaginal health, below are a few product recommendations for unwanted odor. 

Evvy Vaginal Health Test

Evvy’s at-home vaginal microbiome test gives you a complete picture of the fungi and bacteria living in your vagina — including those missed by traditional testing. If your results show the presence of harmful bacteria, eligible users can also access personalized prescription treatment through Evvy’s Clinical Care program. 

Water wipes

If they’re gentle enough for a baby’s behind, they’re gentle enough for your vulva. We know wipes aren’t the most eco-friendly option out there, but they’re convenient for when you’re on the go, sleeping over at a date’s house, or on your period and want to freshen up during the work day. 

Mild, unscented soap

Don’t be fooled by clever marketing! There’s no need for fancy, overpriced “feminine hygiene” detergents that promise to keep you fresh and clean. A delicate, hypoallergenic, unscented, pH-balanced soap is the best product to wash your vulva when warm water alone won’t cut it. 

What not to use for vaginal odor

There’s a whole range of products on the market developed specifically for vaginal odor, but seldom do they help. Detergents, sprays, vaginal deodorants, and douches are useless at best and harmful at worst. The same goes for scented tampons, liners, or pads. 

Unless you have an infection, you really don’t need to get rid of vaginal odor. And if you do have an infection, you should see your healthcare provider for treatment. 

On a similar note, there’s no scientific evidence that at-home “remedies” like garlic, tea tree oil, or fermented foods can change the way you smell. 

How to treat abnormal vaginal odor

Treating abnormal vaginal odor involves addressing the underlying cause. In most cases, vaginal infections can be treated with antibiotics or antifungals. Your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose you and prescribe the appropriate treatment based on what’s causing the unusual vaginal odor. 

Aside from treatment, there are a few things you can do to prevent unhealthy vaginal odor and look after your vaginal health in general: 

• Don’t douche: Douches can disrupt your vaginal pH balance, and increase your risk of developing vaginal infections and contracting STIs. 
• Avoid feminine hygiene products: Intimate washes, wipes, and sprays often contain harsh chemicals, fragrances, and allergens that can irritate the vaginal tissue and make your vaginal environment more susceptible to infection. 
• Practice safe sex: Use barrier methods like condoms and dental dams when you have sex, and always wash your sex toys before and after each use if you’re using them during partnered sex.
• Get regular STI tests: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all sexually active adults (yes, even ones in monogamous relationships) get tested for STIs at least once a year — more often if you have multiple sexual partners. Evvy’s Extended PCR Panel tests for four of the most common STIs. 
• Change period products often: Change your pads and tampons within the recommended time frame to reduce your risk of infections.
• Wear breathable cotton underwear: Synthetic materials can trap moisture and cause vaginal odor to become more noticeable. It’s also recommended to change out of sweaty clothes after working out. 

FAQ

Why does my discharge smell strong but not fishy?

It's normal to notice a stronger scent sometimes, and it could be due to various reasons like hormonal changes, diet, or even tight clothing. However, if you're experiencing an unusual discharge along with itching, burning, or a change in color or texture, it's important to get it checked out by a healthcare provider. A strong odor without a fishy smell could be a sign of aerobic vaginitis, trichomoniasis, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). So, if you're concerned about any changes, it's best to talk to a healthcare provider to rule out any infections or health issues that may need attention.