The subject of keeping your private parts clean and fresh is still something that many people find difficult to talk about. Unfortunately, women are led to believe that their downstairs departments are meant to smell like a bed of roses. Well, let me tell you, they’re not. We evaluated products for efficacy, texture, scent, transfer resistance, and overall value—scoring each on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend) in these key categories. We also used testers’ scores and detailed insights to generate a list of the best women’s deodorants and antiperspirants on the market today. Vaginal douching, vaginal washes, vaginal deodorants, and any other cleaning products for the vagina such as soaps or bubble baths.

Mahlouji M, Alizadeh Vaghasloo M, Dadmehr M, Rezaeizadeh H, Nazem E, Tajadini H. Sweating as a preventive care and treatment strategy in traditional Persian medicine. GMJ. 2020;9:e2003. doi:10.31661/gmj.v9i0.2003 Other materials can trap excess moisture, Gersh explains, which has the ability to upset your natural bacteria levels and lead to infections. A type of bacteria called Lactobacilli normally forms most of the vaginal microbiome. Lactobacilli do lots of helpful things for vaginal health. They produce various different chemicals that kill bad bacteria, and they also produce lactic acid, a chemical that makes the vagina slightly acidic. This acidic environment helps to kill harmful micro-organisms in the vagina. Vaginal cancer treatment (PDQ) – Health Professional version. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/search/results?swKeyword=VAginal+cancer+treatment. Accessed Dec. 14, 2021.

What are the symptoms (signs) of bacterial vaginosis?

The vagina is normally slightly acidic, which protects it from harmful germs. In BV, the vagina instead becomes alkaline. This can be caused by a shift in bacteria, and also makes the conditions right for bad bacterial to grow. Semen and ejaculate have a different pH compared with the vaginal canal, so P-in-V intercourse can lead to a disruption in pH, and cause a temporary scent change. Pelvic floor relaxation. If the supporting ligaments and connective tissues that hold the uterus and the vaginal walls in place become weak, the uterus, bladder, rectum or the vaginal walls might slip down (prolapse). This might cause a bulge in the vagina or urine leakage during coughing and sneezing. There are 2 main reasons why your vagina smells like bleach, which are urinary incontinence or a UTI. Urinary incontinence is a condition where you pee unintentionally, or cannot hold your pee. This is a common problem that can make your vagina smell like bleach, especially if you have pee in your underwear, or on your vagina.

Every vagina has a different smell and there is no right way for a vagina to smell. How your vagina smells may change depending on if you have had sex recently, are at different points in your menstrual cycle, or if there has been a change in your vaginal PH (the natural chemical balance of your vagina). Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.The problem is that advertising tends to seem to shame women for having a natural bodily smell and so many of us girls now feel as though we need to eliminate all odors. That said, if you suffer from heavy sweat down below, a deodorant might work but it’s usually best to make sure it’s unscented unless the formula contains no synthetic fragrances. If you’re taking medication for a yeast infection, you shouldn’t have sex until you’re finished with treatment. Sex can cause more irritation, and certain antifungal medications can weaken the materials used in condoms and diaphragms. Can I use over-the-counter treatment for a vaginal yeast infection? It is best to look for skin-friendly products that balance the pH of the sensitive areas and offer a refreshing feel after every use. It avoids inflammation, irritation, or any kind of infection that might get aggravated due to the presence of harsh chemicals.

This discharge will usually be white or grey, thin or watery and have a strong, unpleasant fishy smell. This can be more noticeable during and after sex, and during periods. Drinking plenty of water is good for more than just your skin. It can help your vagina’s overall health too, by encouraging healthy sweating and fluid release, Deysach says. 5. Eat a balanced dietTo be clear: While you can (and should!) wash the outside of your vagina (aka the vulva), you should not start going in your hole with water, washcloth, or soap. Remember when we told you not to wash the inside of your vagina? Well, that also means avoiding products like douches and scrubs that are marketed as internal washes.

In total, we tested over 35 products from both popular and lesser-known brands in The Verywell Testing Lab. Our team of testers included 15 editors, each with their own unique experience in using deodorants and antiperspirants. For the test, each tester was instructed to apply the deodorant or antiperspirant to a clean and dry armpit, engage in at least 15 minutes of heart rate-elevating activity, and subsequently perform a sniff test. They also took note of any wetness or odor after 24 hours of wear. Deodorants and antiperspirants are often characterized as clinical strength when the formula contains higher levels of aluminum compared to traditional strength formulas, Penzi says. If you have hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating, she suggests looking for clinical-strength antiperspirants with a high percentage of aluminum. If you have sensitive skin or want to opt for more natural antibacterial ingredients, look for aluminum-free products. Just keep in mind that natural deodorants and antiperspirants typically don’t provide the same long-lasting protection that clinical strength products do. Your vagina is incredibly sensitive and products like underarm deodorant can upset its delicate pH, leading to infections that can cause bad odors.Women who have sex with women have a higher rate of BV. The pattern of vaginal bacteria in female-female couples tends to be quite similar, so it's likely that vaginal bacteria are shared during sex. If those bacteria disrupt the vaginal microbiome, they could lead to BV. Clean the area with water and pat dry before using a feminine hygiene deodorant spray. Once you are through with the cleaning, spray the product on the freshly cleaned area.