Bacterial Vaginal Odor Treatment

There are numerous vaginal odor remedies which can be used to eliminate unpleasant fishy vaginal smell which is extremely common amongst women. Indeed, it can affect over 70% of women of reproductive age. Despite this, it is a problem which is often not spoken about as many women feel very embarrassed and unclean, as if it is a reflection on their personal hygiene-which it very rarely is.

For many women, their lack of willingness to seek help can mean that they suffer from repeated attacks of this condition and for some, it never seems to go away. However, I would say that by using the correct treatment, there are very few, if any, women who cannot be completely free of this embarrassing affliction.

If you suffer from a fishy vaginal smell, your starting point should be to try some very simple vaginal odor remedies. For some women, these can actually be sufficient to cure the condition, particularly if it is only mild and a one-off attack. Women who suffer repeatedly may need a more robust approach which can eliminate even the most severest cases of bad vaginal odor.

Simple Steps You Can Take Right Now

* You should ensure that you always wear cotton panties. Cotton fabric allows air to circulate around the vaginal area whereas synthetic fabrics will trap in moisture and act as a breeding place for germs and bacteria which can sometimes be the cause of vaginal odor.

* Avoid overwashing. Most women who know they have unpleasant vaginal odor will wash vigorously and frequently. Surprisingly, this can actually make the problem much worse-indeed overwashing can be the cause of the smell. When you wash, you are stripping the area of its natural flora. The beneficial bacteria, which helps maintain good balance in the vaginal area never really time to establish itself and so harmful bacteria can grow. It is not advisable to wash the vaginal area more than twice a day.

* As well as ensuring you do not overwash. Your choice of soap is important. You should never use perfumed products on or around the vagina as this can upset the natural balance. You should also avoid douching for the same reason.

* Tea tree oil pessaries have been found to be helpful for some women in combating a fishy vaginal smell. Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and can help eliminate bacteria within the vagina. You must, of course, ensure that the pessaries are suitable for vaginal use.

* Live, natural yogurt has also been used successful as part of many vaginal odor remedies as it contains beneficial bacteria, similar to that which is often lacking in the vagina when bad odor is present. Soaking a tampon in yogurt and then inserting it for a couple of hours can help replenish the good vaginal bacteria.

For some women, despite their best efforts, the fishy vaginal smell will not go away. The most likely cause of all persistent vaginal odor is bacterial vaginosis. This condition occurs due to an imbalance of natural ph levels within the vagina which causes abnormal growth of harmful bacteria. There is often no obvious cause, although it can commonly occur following a mild illness, where your immune system is depleted. Other likely causes include over-washing, douching or a change in sexual partner. If you have bacterial vaginosis you will notice symptoms such as itching or burning and a thin white or gray discharge which is the source of the fishy vaginal smell.

A visit to the doctor will often result in a prescription for antibiotics and in the short term, these may seem to be the answer as they will kill off the bacteria which are causing the smell. Unfortunately, what they also do is kill off any beneficial bacteria as well, as antibiotics do not distinguish between the two. This means that although the symptoms may go in a few days, they are likely to return as soon as bacteria begins to naturally repopulate the vagina.

This explains why over 70% of women who take antibiotics for bacteria vaginosis will have a repeat attack within a few weeks.

Treatment For Bacterial Vaginosis. Here you will find other useful self-help vaginal odor remedies.

bacterial vaginosis bacterial vaginosis home treatment

bacterial vaginosis treatment of bv

vaginal odor treatment