7. Certain Products Can Irritate the Vulva

Sometimes the problem isn't the vagina at all.

It's the products being used around it.

Scented soaps, sprays, deodorants, wipes, powders, bubble baths, and other fragranced products can irritate the sensitive skin of the vulva.

Some women then respond by washing more frequently or using stronger products because they believe they're trying to “get rid of the odor.”

Unfortunately, this can create a cycle:

odor → more washing → irritation → disrupted environment → more discomfort

The vagina is self-cleaning.

That means you generally don't need to use special products inside it to make it smell like perfume.

Avoid Douching

Douching means washing or flushing the inside of the vagina with water or other solutions.

It may seem like a way to eliminate odor, but it can disrupt the natural vaginal environment.

It can also make it more difficult to determine whether an underlying condition is causing the odor.

For routine hygiene, focus on the external vulva, not the inside of the vagina.

Gentle cleansing is usually enough.

Certain sexually transmitted infections can cause changes in discharge, odor, or genital symptoms.

For example, trichomoniasis can cause an unusual vaginal discharge and odor, sometimes accompanied by itching or irritation.

Other STIs can cause:

However, many STIs can cause few or no symptoms.

That's why symptoms alone cannot determine whether someone has an STI.