Best Products and Tips to Get Rid of Vaginal Odor

It's completely normal to have a mild vaginal odor, but many of us believe we need to use feminine hygiene products to try to make it smell better. 

When it comes to managing vaginal odor, it’s important to focus on maintaining a healthy vaginal environment rather than masking odors with products. A lot of the products out there can actually mess with the natural balance of bacteria and vaginal pH, causing more problems. 

Below, we look at the best products for vaginal odor, how to prevent it, and what not to use.

What causes vaginal odor?

The vagina naturally has a mild scent due to the presence of beneficial bacteria that help maintain its acidic environment. When you pair that with the presence of vaginal discharge, sweat, and traces of urine, it makes sense that the vagina and vulva aren't totally odorless.

A healthy vagina can smell tangy or sour, to earthy or musky. That said, each vagina has a unique smell — just like no two vaginas look alike, no two vaginas smell alike, either.

Factors like poor hygiene habits, sexual activity, your menstrual cycle, and even the state of your vaginal microbiome can influence vaginal odor. The vagina is a very dynamic environment, and that's often reflected in the way you smell.

A mild, slightly musky smell is usually normal. However, if the odor becomes stronger than normal for you, unpleasant, or fishy, it could indicate an underlying issue. Additional symptoms like itching, a burning sensation, unusual discharge, or irritation often accompany abnormal vaginal odor in cases of an infection. 

The most common causes of abnormal vaginal odor include bacterial vaginosis (BV), aerobic vaginitis (AV), and some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like trichomoniasis and chlamydia.

How to get rid of vaginal odor at home

While a mild odor is completely normal, maintaining healthy habits can help support a balanced vaginal environment and reduce the chances of unwanted smells caused by infections or imbalances.

First and foremost, good hygiene goes a long way — but that doesn’t mean doing more. Less is more when it comes to vaginal care. Gently washing the vulva (not the inside of the vagina) with warm water and a mild, unscented soap is enough. Avoid douching or using scented products, which can disrupt your natural pH and microbiome.

Wearing breathable cotton underwear and avoiding tight, synthetic fabrics can also help prevent excess moisture and irritation, which create conditions where odor-causing bacteria thrive. After workouts or swimming, it’s a good idea to change out of damp clothes quickly.

While no habit can eliminate vaginal odor overnight, small lifestyle choices can support a healthy microbiome, reduce the risk of infections, and help you feel fresh and balanced.

Test your vaginal microbiome

If you’re dealing with persistent or unexplained vaginal odor, understanding what’s going on in your vaginal microbiome is often the first step. The vaginal microbiome is a delicate ecosystem of bacteria and fungi that plays a huge role in your overall vaginal health (including how you smell). When that balance gets disrupted, it can lead to odor, irritation, and even infections like bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections.

That’s where at-home testing can help. Evvy’s at-home Vaginal Microbiome Test offers a convenient way to get a complete picture of the microbes living in your vagina, including species that are often missed by traditional testing done at clinics. With just a quick self-swab, you can learn if beneficial bacteria like Lactobacilli dominate your microbiome, or if you have elevated levels of harmful bacteria or fungi that could be contributing to vaginal odor. 

If your results show the presence of disruptive or harmful bacteria, eligible users can access personalized, prescription treatment through Evvy’s Clinical Care program, so you’re not left wondering what to do next.

Home hygiene practices that help

• Wash the vulva with warm water: Gently cleanse the vulva with warm water daily. 
• Wipe front to back: Always wipe from front to back after using the bathroom to prevent transferring bacteria from the anus to the vaginal area.
• Wear breathable underwear: Choose cotton underwear and avoid tight, synthetic fabrics that trap heat and moisture.
• Have good menstrual hygiene: Whether you use tampons, pads, cups, or period underwear, make sure to change menstrual products regularly to stay dry and reduce odor-causing bacteria.
• Practice safe sex: Use barrier methods like condoms and dental dams when you have sex, and always wash your sex toys before and after each use if you’re using them during partnered sex.
• Get regular STI tests: Unusual vaginal odor is often a symptom of an sexually transmitted infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all sexually active adults (yes, even ones in monogamous relationships) get tested for STIs at least once a year — more often if you have multiple sexual partners. Evvy’s Extended PCR Panel tests for four of the most common STIs. 

Lifestyle habits to avoid worsening odor 

• Avoid douching: Douching can upset your natural pH balance and flush out beneficial bacteria, increasing the risk of odor, irritation, and infection.
• Don’t use scented feminine hygiene products: Steer clear of scented soaps, sprays, wipes, powders, and perfumed tampons or pads. These can irritate sensitive tissue and disrupt your natural balance.
• Don’t wear damp clothing for too long: Staying in sweaty workout gear or wet swimsuits can lead to bacterial overgrowth and unpleasant odor. Change into clean, dry clothes as soon as possible.
• Don’t ignore persistent odor: Ongoing or strong odor may be a sign of a vaginal infection or imbalance — don’t mask it with products. Instead, consult a healthcare provider to get to the root of the issue.

Skip the home remedies: Inserting things like garlic, tea tree oil, or vinegar can be irritating and potentially harmful. Stick to evidence-based care recommended by professionals.

Best gynecologist-approved products for vaginal odor

There’s a fine line between wanting to stay on top of your personal hygiene and falling for the myth that vaginas need to smell like roses. Many women grew up believing that vaginas and vulvas were dirty, and needed to be cleaned with special feminine hygiene products. That couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s normal for your genitals to have a mild smell, and you don’t need to get rid of it. However, if you’re looking for a way to stay on top of your vaginal health, below are a few product recommendations for unwanted odor. 

Vaginal pH-balancing gel

Vaginal pH-balancing gels are designed to help restore the vagina’s natural acidic environment, which can help reduce vaginal odor.

Some studies have shown that these gels can support the growth of healthy Lactobacillus bacteria while discouraging odor-causing microbes. One study found that a gel with glucono-delta-lactone and sodium gluconate helped reset pH levels and even disrupted the biofilm that makes BV harder to treat. Another study showed similar results for gels used to manage aerobic vaginitis. 

But here’s the catch: while these gels may offer temporary relief, they’re not a cure if you have an actual infection. They don’t treat the root cause (like bacteria or yeast) and shouldn’t take the place of antibiotics or antifungal medications when those are needed. Using them on their own could mask symptoms and delay proper treatment.

Even though you can buy pH-balancing gels without a prescription, it’s a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider first. As with most things, they work best when used the right way, for the right reasons.

Boric acid suppositories

Boric acid is a naturally occurring compound with antifungal and antibacterial properties, and it's sometimes recommended as a treatment for persistent or recurring vaginal odor, especially when caused by conditions like bacterial vaginosis. 

Unlike common over-the-counter products that mask odor or disrupt the vaginal environment, boric acid works by helping restore the vagina's natural pH balance and creating an inhospitable environment for harmful bacteria and fungi.

However, boric acid suppositories aren’t a first-line treatment, and aren’t appropriate for most people experiencing vaginal odor for the first time. Studies show that boric acid is only effective under very specific circumstances — typically as maintenance therapy for people with recurrent infections, or in cases involving treatment-resistant strains that don’t respond to standard antifungals or antibiotics.

While boric acid is available over the counter, that doesn’t mean it should be used without medical guidance. You should only use boric acid if it’s recommended by your healthcare provider, who can determine whether it’s appropriate based on your medical history and symptoms.

Water wipes

If they’re gentle enough for a baby’s behind, they’re gentle enough for your vulva. We know wipes aren’t the most eco-friendly option out there, but they’re convenient for when you’re on the go, sleeping over at a date’s house, or on your period and want to freshen up during the work day. 

Mild soap

Don’t be fooled by clever marketing! There’s no need for fancy, overpriced “feminine hygiene” detergents that promise to keep you fresh and clean. A delicate, hypoallergenic, unscented, pH-balanced soap is the best product to wash your vulva when warm water alone won’t cut it. 

What not to use for vaginal odor

There’s a whole range of products on the market marketed specifically for vaginal odor — but rarely do they help, and many can make things worse. Feminine hygiene products like etergents, sprays, vaginal deodorants, and douches are useless at best and harmful at worst. The same goes for scented tampons, liners, or pads. These products often contain harsh chemicals and fragrances that can disrupt the vagina’s natural balance.

Douching, in particular, is one of the most harmful habits because it flushes out the healthy bacteria that make up the vaginal microbiome. Disrupting this balance can lead to irritation, increased discharge, or infections like bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections, all of which may worsen vaginal odor rather than eliminate it.

Harsh soaps, scented washes, and perfumed sprays may seem like a quick fix to reduce vaginal odor, but they can strip the sensitive skin of essential moisture and upset the pH levels that keep harmful bacteria in check. This not only increases the risk of infection but can also cause redness, itching, burning, or allergic reactions.

Unless you have a vaginal infection, you don’t need to get rid of vaginal odor — some odor is entirely normal. And if you do suspect an infection, the safest and most effective step is to see a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

On a similar note, there’s no scientific evidence that at-home “remedies” like garlic, tea tree oil, or fermented foods can change the way you smell. In some cases, these DIY methods can even cause harm when used inside or around the vagina.

Bottom line: Your vagina is self-cleaning. Avoid products that promise a "better" scent or feel — they're more likely to disrupt your natural balance and cause the very issues you're trying to prevent.

How to treat abnormal vaginal odor

Treating abnormal vaginal odor involves addressing the underlying cause. Your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose you and prescribe the appropriate treatment based on what’s causing the unusual vaginal odor. Here are some common causes and how they can be treated:

• Bacterial vaginosis is one of the most common causes of abnormal vaginal odor, often leading to a fishy smell. It occurs when harmful bacteria overgrow and disrupt the natural balance of vaginal bacteria. BV is typically treated with antibiotics, such as metronidazole or clindamycin, which can be taken orally or applied topically.
• Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite, can also result in a strong, unpleasant odor, often accompanied by a greenish or yellow discharge. This condition is treated with oral antibiotics like metronidazole or tinidazole, and both partners need to receive treatment to avoid reinfection.
• Chlamydia is another STI that may cause abnormal vaginal discharge and odor. Though many individuals experience no symptoms, the infection can lead to discomfort and is typically treated with antibiotics like azithromycin or doxycycline. 
• Aerobic vaginitis occurs when there’s an overgrowth of harmful aerobic bacteria in the vagina. It can cause a fishy odor, irritation, and discomfort. Treatment usually involves antibiotics like clindamycin or sometimes hydrogen peroxide to help restore the natural balance of vaginal bacteria.
• In some cases, foreign objects like forgotten tampons can cause a strong vaginal odor due to bacterial growth. Removal of the object is the first step, and antibiotics may be required if an infection has occurred.

If you notice persistent or worsening vaginal odor, discomfort, abnormal discharge, or any other symptoms, it's important to consult a healthcare provider. 

FAQ

Why does my discharge smell strong but not fishy?

It's normal to notice a stronger scent sometimes, and it could be due to various reasons like hormonal changes, diet, or even tight clothing. However, if you're experiencing an unusual discharge along with itching, burning, or a change in color or texture, it's important to get it checked out by a healthcare provider. A strong vaginal odor without a fishy smell could be a sign of aerobic vaginitis, trichomoniasis, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). So, if you're concerned about any changes, it's best to talk to a healthcare provider to rule out any infections or health issues that may need attention. 

Why can I still notice vaginal odor even after showering?

The most likely cause is that the vaginal area is naturally home to a balance of bacteria and fungi, some of which produce odors as part of their normal activity. Even after a shower, your body continues to produce sweat and secretions, which can interact with these microorganisms, sometimes leading to odor. Another factor could be the pH level of your vagina. If the natural acidic environment is disrupted, it can create an environment that encourages odor-causing bacteria to thrive, even after cleaning. Additionally, lifestyle habits such as wearing tight clothing, synthetic fabrics, or damp underwear can trap moisture and warmth, which makes it harder to fully eliminate odor. If the odor is persistent or has an unusual, fishy, or rotten smell, it could indicate an underlying issue, like bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, or another condition that requires medical treatment. It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider if you’re concerned about persistent vaginal odor, as they can help determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatments.