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Article: How to Get Rid of Vaginal Odor at Home

How to Get Rid of Vaginal Odor at Home

Updated July 28, 2025

Key Takeaways

  • Every vagina has its own natural scent, and learning what’s normal for you is the first step toward feeling confident and informed.

  • Small lifestyle shifts, like wearing breathable underwear, staying hydrated, and managing stress, can make a big difference in how your body smells.

  • When healthcare isn’t accessible, pH-balanced products and boric acid suppositories offer a gentle, science-backed way to support vaginal wellness at home.

Vaginal odor is a common concern for many women, especially when it is persistent. It can be embarrassing and may cause discomfort, making it difficult to engage in everyday activities. 

While there are various reasons for vaginal odor, such as diet, wearing non-breathable, tight clothing, staying in a wet swimsuit for too long, or sweat, boric acid vaginal suppositories have been used as a holistic alternative to combat the issue, especially in situations where healthcare may not be immediately accessible.

Curious about what actually works (and what doesn’t)? We’ve got you. Keep reading to learn how to get rid of vaginal odor at home, plus smart, gentle ways to support your balance daily.

What Is Vaginal Odor?

Let’s start with this: vaginal odor is normal. Every vagina has a scent, just like every armpit, scalp, or belly button. It’s a natural byproduct of the body doing what it’s supposed to do. 

In fact, a healthy vagina maintains a slightly acidic pH and a thriving microbiome of good bacteria (primarily Lactobacillus) that work together to keep things balanced. That balance naturally creates a subtle scent that may shift throughout your cycle, during pregnancy, or with changes in hormones, hygiene, or lifestyle.

The idea that vaginas should smell like roses, candy, or literally nothing? That’s not based in science; it’s marketing. What’s more helpful is learning to recognize what’s normal for you. Most people describe their natural scent as musky, tangy, or metallic (especially around their period). These variations are totally expected and nothing to be ashamed of.

That said, there are times when a noticeable change in odor could signal an imbalance. If the scent becomes unusually strong, “fishy,” sour, or rotten, it’s a good idea to check in with a healthcare provider. But for the most part, vaginal odor is simply a sign that your body is working to keep itself clean and protected. 

At pH-D Feminine Health, we believe it’s time to shift the conversation from shame to science. Knowing what’s normal, what’s not, and what you can do at home to support your vaginal health helps you feel confident, informed, and totally in control of your body.

Common Causes of Vaginal Odor

Once you understand what’s normal for you, it’s easier to spot when something’s off. Here are some of the most common reasons your scent might change:

  • Care: Good care can help to avoid vaginal odor. This includes cleansing the vulva with a pH-balanced cleanser, wearing clean underwear made of breathable fabric, changing out of sweaty workout clothes, or removing a wet swimsuit. Improper care can lead to abnormal vaginal odor.

  • Urine: Although urine comes out of the urethra, it can also cause your vaginal area to have a lingering fishy odor. In particular, if you have urine that has an especially strong odor and/or you’re not wiping yourself properly after urinating, an unpleasant vaginal odor may develop.

  • Sweat: Lastly, sweat can also play a role in the smell of your vagina. The vagina itself cannot sweat as it does not have any sweat glands. However, the external genitalia (vulva) and the groin area can. The apocrine sweat glands in the groin area can secrete sweat into the pubic hair follicles, which may cause a vaginal smell.

What To Avoid

If you want to know how to assist with controlling vaginal scent at home, it’s essential to avoid certain products and practices. Heavily scented soaps, sprays, and perfumes can lead to vaginal irritation and typically just mask odor instead of neutralizing it. 

Instead, opt for pH-balanced products such as pH-D Feminine Health’s Body Fresh Spray. It’s also recommended to wear breathable cotton underwear and avoid tight-fitting clothes that can trap in moisture.

At Home Solutions for Vaginal Odor

While advice from a healthcare professional is always recommended, there are holistic alternatives if healthcare is not accessible. One such option is the use of boric acid vaginal suppositories. 

So, what is boric acid? Boric acid is a natural compound found in seawater and has been recommended for decades by healthcare professionals.

pH-D Feminine Health is the #1 doctor-recommended brand of boric acid vaginal suppositories. To use, insert one capsule into the vagina per day, preferably before bedtime, until odor-free. Additionally, for vaginal dryness relief and enhanced vaginal health, consider trying Vitamin E Suppositories.

When To Consult a Doctor

While holistic alternatives and home remedies can assist in controlling feminine odor, it’s essential to seek medical advice if the unpleasant odor persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as vaginal itching, burning, or vaginal discharge. It may be a symptom of harmful bacteria or vaginal infection. 

Additionally, if you have any concerns about your vaginal health, it’s imperative to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional. It’s also essential to avoid certain products and practices that can irritate the vagina. If foul vaginal odor persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice in order to maintain a healthy vagina.

pH-D Feminine Health provides a range of vaginal care products supporting vaginal health, including our best feminine wash for odor, boric acid rinse, body sprays, boric acid suppositories, and travel-sized options. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my period make vaginal odor worse?

Yes, and there’s a scientific reason behind it. Menstrual blood can temporarily raise your vaginal pH, which may disrupt your natural balance. That shift, combined with the presence of iron in blood, can lead to a stronger scent during your period. It’s totally normal and nothing to feel self-conscious about.

That said, wearing pads or tampons too long can trap moisture and bacteria near the vulva, which amplifies odor. To keep things feeling fresh, change your products every four to eight hours, wear breathable cotton underwear, and rinse with a pH-balanced wash like ours. Once your period ends, your body typically resets on its own.

Can my diet affect how I smell down there?

Absolutely. Just like what you eat can affect your breath or sweat, it can influence your vaginal scent, too. Diets high in sugar may throw off your body’s bacterial balance, while antioxidant-rich foods and probiotics can help keep your microbiome in check.

That means loading up on things like leafy greens, berries, fatty fish, yogurt, and kefir. Staying hydrated is key, too. We also recommend a Women’s Health Probiotic for daily support that benefits your gut, urinary, and vaginal health, all in one capsule.

Does stress really impact vaginal odor?

Surprisingly, yes. When you’re stressed, your body produces more cortisol, a hormone that can affect your immune function and throw off your natural balance (including in the vaginal microbiome). Stress can also lead to poor sleep, changes in hygiene habits, or increased sweating, especially around the groin area, which can contribute to odor.

If things smell a little different when life gets chaotic, don’t panic. It’s just your body’s way of waving a white flag. Prioritize rest, hydration, and regular hygiene routines to help bring things back into balance.

Taking Charge of Your Vaginal Health

Let’s be clear: having a scent is normal. Knowing what’s typical for your body (and what’s not) is one of the most empowering things you can do for your health. 

Whether you're managing occasional odor, bouncing back from your period, or just wanting to feel fresh and confident every day, there are real, science-backed ways to support your balance from the inside out.

At pH-D Feminine Health, we’re here to help you decode your body without shame or guesswork. From doctor-recommended boric acid suppositories to gentle washes and probiotics, our products are designed to support your vaginal wellness on your terms.

So if something smells off, trust your instincts, take action, and know that you've got options at home, on the go, and everywhere in between.

Sources:

Vaginal Odor: Types, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment | Cleveland Clinic

Vaginal pH Value for Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Common Vaginitis | PMC

Vaginal odor When to see a doctor | Mayo Clinic

Lactobacilli Dominance and Vaginal pH: Why Is the Human Vaginal Microbiome Unique? | PMC

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