Women's Issues

Every woman is susceptible to having offensive feminine odor because this is a condition brought about by several factors. There are a few common causes of feminine odor that can be easily prevented, and there are also some that are difficult to deal with.

The following are the common causes of feminine odor that you should be aware of.

1. Bacterial vaginosis

This happens when the natural balance of micro-organisms in your genital are disrupted, causing the bad bacteria to multiply. Bacterial vaginosis or BV is often associated with green-like or grayish discharge which gives off a fishy smell. This smell is actually the offensive vaginal odor that scares all women.

2. Infection and STD

Yeast infection and sexually transmitted diseases like Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and the like are also major causes of feminine odor. The odor actually comes from the substance that bacteria carry, and so when bacteria multiply the amount of this offensive odor-causing substance also increases. This turns the foul odor into a severely unpleasant vaginal odor.

3. Bad Hygiene

It is imperative that women should keep their bodies clean, fresh and fragrant because poor hygiene is a major turn off. Not to mention that it can result in bad body odor and unpleasant feminine smell. Since female’s genitalia are prone to acquiring infection due to its physical make-up, it is essential to keep them clean and dry. Otherwise, moisture and other environmental elements may intervene with the natural flow of the vaginal organisms.

4. Retained tampons and sanitary pads

When a woman has period, she is vulnerable to have a distinct kind of feminine odor. This is not because of the menstruation per se, but the accumulated blood in the tampons and sanitary pads. When you have your menstruation, make it a point to change tampons and pads as often as possible.

5. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), cancer and other chronic disease

If a woman suffers from a terminal disease like pelvic cancer or PID, she is likely to have an offensive feminine odor. This is not easy to manage because of the disease involved, although keeping your genitalia clean will eliminate the smell momentarily.

6. Multiple sex partners

Having more than one sexual partner is one of the causes of feminine odor. The condition can even get worse if you don’t practice safe sex.

7. Wearing non-cotton undergarments

Since female’s genital area is prone to infection, it needs to stay dry and clean. That is why cotton panty is highly recommended as it keeps the area free from sweat and moisture.

8. Dirty toilet seat and public swimming pools

Sitting on a dirty toilet seat or dipping in to a public swimming pool can cause bacterial invasion to a woman’s genital area. This can cause infection that will lead to bad feminine smell.

These causes of feminine odor can be treated either by medication or by natural remedies. In fact, some causes can be resolved by just observing proper hygiene. If you notice a stinky smell down there and you do not possess any of these causes, it is best to consult a gynecologist for proper medical assessment.