….Can STIs cause vaginal odour?
‘STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhoea rarely change the smell of the cervical mucus but can cause other symptoms like pain when peeing,’ says Dr Rosén. ‘If you notice a smell, it might be that you’ve also got bacterial vaginosis. If in doubt, talk to a doctor for advice.’

How do I get rid of the odour down there?
So, what vaginal smell treatments are available? Lots of people who are worried about vaginal odour want to know the right washing routine or best feminine wash for odour.

‘Like any part of the body that gets sweaty, the area around the vulva can get smelly,’ says Dr Rosén. But soaps can disturb the natural balance of the vaginal bacterial flora and possibly increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis. Douching – a method of washing out or rinsing the vagina – can do the same.

Instead, the recommended way to wash down there is with nothing but water, and avoid perfumed sanitary pads or vaginal deodorants.

‘If you’re very dry as a result of breastfeeding, vaginal atrophy (the thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal walls, often caused by lower oestrogen levels) or a recent infection, you can use vaginal moisturisers – but nothing with perfume.’

When should I speak to a doctor about vaginal odour?
It’s important to recognise if the smell is abnormal for you.

Making simple lifestyle changes like using just water to wash down there and avoiding perfumed products is a good place to start. There are plenty of home remedies for vaginal odour too, like eating pineapple or drinking pineapple juice regularly, but these may not work for everyone.

But if the smell seems to be getting worse or you have other symptoms too, speak to a doctor.

This article has been medically approved by Dr Elisabeth Rosén, a medical doctor at Livi who specialises in gynaecology and obstetrics.

https://www.livi.co.uk/your-health/why-does-my-vagina-smell-8-causes-of-vaginal-odour/