Your vagina is meant to have a smell just like any other part of your body! 

Its scent varies based on factors such as your hydration level, food intake, medication, overall health status and timing of your menstrual cycle.

Subtle changes in your vaginal odor are ok and normal. The smell of your vagina alters due to your pH levels which can be affected for a number of reasons. The majority of vaginal odors include coppery, musky, meaty or fleshy, although sex can alter your vaginal scent for a few hours, particularly if there was an exchange of bodily fluids. 

All about Vaginal Odors

We share some of the common vaginal odors as well as their causes. Generally abnormal vaginal odors are easy to recognise and if the odor becomes serious, it is most likely that other symptoms will occur alongside the smell. 

Remedies to Vaginal Odor

If your vagina has an odor that isn’t accompanied by any symptoms that could indicate infection etc. there are some ways to combat the odor on your own. We've included some tips here!

Our vagina is the most sensitive part of our body and keeping down there clean is just as important, if not more than the rest of our body. We’re here to share some of our 10 best tips and tricks on how to keep your va jay-jay clean and healthy.


1. Wear cotton underwear

Cotton is the best underwear to use as it is breathable so keeps the area cool and dry to avoid infection growth from moisture. We've put together our tips for the best underwear for a healthy vagina HERE!


2. Always wipe front to back

When going to the bathroom, always wipe front to back until there is no reside left on the paper. This will help to avoid bacteria getting into the vagina.


3. Shower/bath daily

Showering daily is extremely important in maintaining cleanliness, especially if you play sport as it will increase the amount you sweat.


4. Only wash the outside areas of your vagina

The inside of the vagina is self-cleaning – hence the production of discharge. That is why it is important to only wash the outside of your vagina, so you don’t disrupt your PH levels.


5. Don’t use products on the inside part of your vagina

As the vagina is self-cleaning, make sure to not use any deodorant or fragrances on your vagina which can disrupt the PH levels.


6. Change tampons and pads regularly

Tampons should be changed every four to eight hours and pads approximately every six. This may vary dependent on your menstrual flow, but they need to be change regularly to avoid developing rashes, vaginal yeast infections and Toxic Shock Syndrome. To read more about TSS, click here


7. Maintain a healthy diet

Maintaining a healthy diet is always important and can boost vaginal health.


8. Drink lots of water

Sugary drinks and dehydration can affect the bacterial balance of your vagina so drink lots of water to keep your vagina clean and healthy!


9. Use fresh towels

Wash and replace used towels. Bacteria can lie on the surface of your towel and put you at risk of infection if re-used without washing. The Cleaning Institute recommends washing bath towels after three to five normal uses. Towels need to be allowed to dry before they are used again.


10. Practice safe sex

The use of latex condoms can reduce the risk of contracting STD’s.


Consider these hygiene tips a personal guide for you to keep your va jay-jay clean and healthy!

Additional Resources

The best underwear for vaginal health


We've put together our tips for the best underwear for a healthy vagina!


Everything you need to know about Tampons

How often should I change my tampon? How do I know when my tampon is full? Should I change my tampon every time I pee? We answer all these questions and more!

Women's health questions answered

Did you know that women have around 480 periods in her lifetime (less if she has any pregnancies)? That's over 3,000 days, or many, many years' worth of periods! That's a whole lot of periods!

There's more to explore in our Monthly Blog!

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