All about unpleasant body odor: reasons, how to get rid of it

Possible causes of odor

An unpleasant odor often indicates the development of a serious pathological process, even if there are no other symptoms. However, almost always the fairer sex additionally complains of itching, burning and discomfort.

Reasons why there is a foul odor from the vagina:

Vaginal dysbiosis is a disorder of the vaginal flora. Most women suffer from this pathology. Often the signs of the disease are minor, however, sometimes vaginal dysbiosis can lead to serious infectious pathological processes.
Candidal vaginitis is an infectious disease.
The pathological process is caused by a fungus of the genus Candida. According to statistics, more than 90% of women experience this disease. This gynecological disease has a number of specific symptoms: pain in the genital area, itching and burning, cheesy discharge, pain in the lower abdomen, swelling and hyperemia. Unpleasant vaginal odor
Gardnerellosis. The disease is caused by bacteria of the genus Gardnerella. This pathological process is not inflammatory. It appears as a result of a decrease in the number of lactobacilli.
Vaginitis or colpitis is an inflammatory disease that is manifested by itching, discomfort and pathological discharge.
Inflammation of other organs of the reproductive system, namely the ovaries, uterus, appendages, etc. can spread into the vagina, causing a specific odor and other symptoms.

There are also certain risk factors, the presence of which significantly increases the chances of developing diseases:

Hormonal disbalance
Ignoring personal hygiene rules
Stressful situations
Excessive exercise
Promiscuous sexual relations
Immunodeficiency conditions
Acute or chronic inflammatory processes
Age-related changes in the body
Presence of sexually transmitted infections

In order to find out how to remove a specific odor, it is recommended to first determine the cause of its occurrence. This pathology is considered one of the most common in women of reproductive age, and often occurs after childbirth. The course of such a pathological condition depends entirely on which particular bacterium provoked the appearance of the stench. The treatment is complex, i.e. it includes the use of medications and medicinal herbs.

Every woman's worst dream

A woman's body physiologically produces less sweat compared to men. In this regard, if a sufficient level of hygiene is observed, the sour smell of sweat in women is quite rare.

This is also due to the fact that the microflora of women’s skin contains fewer bacteria that produce compounds that have an unpleasant odor.

In addition to the diseases described above, which are most often accompanied by increased sweating, there are other factors that influence the sour smell of sweat in women. The reasons for this “misfortune” may be the following:

Emotional stress. When stressful situations occur, the body releases adrenaline, which significantly increases the activity of the sweat glands.
Hyperhidrosis is an unreasonable increase in sweating in various areas of the skin, which occurs as a result of disturbances in the functioning of the autonomic nervous system.
A change in the nature of the skin or, more simply, an increase in body weight. Thus, with obesity, the skin becomes more favorable for the proliferation of bacteria that cause putrefactive decay of sweat.

Changes in hormonal levels, which may be associated, for example, with long-term use of hormonal drugs.
Changing the nature of nutrition. Increased sweating, accompanied by an unpleasant odor, can occur due to the consumption of large amounts of spices, spicy and fatty foods.

Vaginal odor after menstruation

Causes of odor

The blood released during menstruation creates favorable conditions for the proliferation of bacteria. It itself has a faint smell of iron, which can be detected by the woman herself when changing pads. This is associated with the huge content of this element in the blood and the fairer sex should not be alarmed by this.

If a rancid odor is observed during and after menstruation, this indicates the presence of a pathological process. Experts attribute ignorance of hygiene rules and diseases of the genitourinary system to the causes of foul odor.

Improper care of the intimate area during menstruation is considered the main factor causing foul odor.

Cleanliness of the intimate area is a daily personal hygiene procedure, which is recommended to be performed especially carefully during menstruation. However, unfortunately, some women forget about this.

During menstruation, it is important to adhere to certain hygiene rules:

Change pads or tampons every 2-3 hours
Carry out morning and evening washing using special gels or foams for intimate hygiene
Change underwear daily

Unpleasant smell of discharge after childbirth: causes, treatment

Ignoring all these rules provokes the occurrence of a stench. Bacteria multiply rapidly, and this sign can be accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms.

Vaginal odor after childbirth

The pregnancy period passed quickly, the painful birth was left behind, and now you have a newborn baby in your arms. Of course, the female body has done a tremendous job, however, there is a recovery period ahead.

After the placenta has separated from the uterus, bleeding or lochia, as they are correctly called, is observed from the vagina. In the first few days after the birth process, they are abundant and somewhat similar to menstruation with mucus.

Over time, their shade changes slightly and the lochia become light brown, and then completely transparent. Typically this lasts just over one month. Such discharge is not accompanied by a foul odor and the woman does not experience any discomfort or other painful sensations.

Examination by a doctor

However, if the discharge remains dark in color and also has a rotten smell, it is recommended to immediately go to the doctor.

The appearance of a foul odor, as a rule, indicates the development of a serious inflammatory process. Of course, the baby takes up a lot of time, but this is not a reason to engage in amateur activities and ignore such a symptom.

In such a situation, it is recommended to begin therapy immediately, since only a doctor can identify the cause of a specific odor from the vagina after childbirth and prescribe the correct treatment regimen.

A woman should be alert to the following signs:

Rotten smell of postpartum discharge
Almost clear discharge turns red or green again
Severe pain appeared in the lower abdomen, which radiates to the lower back
Increase in temperature indicators

Such symptoms indicate a serious inflammatory process in the uterus.

Endometritis is considered to be the most common and most severe consequence of the postpartum period.

You should not ignore such symptoms. Therapy for this pathology should be carried out under the strict supervision of a doctor, since such a disease often causes the death of postpartum women.

Breath smells bad, like you haven't brushed your teeth

This could be a sign of sinusitis, an inflammation of the tissue in the sinuses - these are voids in the bones that connect to the nose.
Inflammation can be caused by a bacterial, viral infection or allergy. Your breath smells bad because infected mucus from your sinuses gets into the back of your throat. Other symptoms

severe nasal congestion;
sinus pressure;
decreased sense of smell;
Postnasal drip syndrome;
cough;
thick greenish nasal discharge;
slight fever;
pain in the ear, tooth or jaw from pressure caused by inflamed sinuses.

Sinusitis sometimes goes away without treatment.
If symptoms do not improve or worsen after a few days, you should consult a doctor. You should also see a doctor immediately if you experience swelling around the eyes or forehead, severe headache, stiff neck, changes in vision, or shortness of breath. A specialist may examine the nasal passages and take cultures. If it is a bacterial infection, oral antibiotics will be prescribed.

Unpleasant odor after sex

A foul aroma after an act of love is usually associated with both diseases of the female body and disorders of the male reproductive system. One of the most common reasons for the appearance of a foul odor immediately after intimacy is the intensive development of pathogenic microorganisms in both partners. The stronger sex usually has no other signs, which makes diagnosis very difficult. If such a symptom occurs, a woman should definitely visit a medical facility.

Traditional methods of getting rid of odor

Therapy should be based solely on the results of tests and a number of studies. Vaginal suppositories are considered the most effective way to get rid of unpleasant odor. They contain a huge number of components that directly eliminate the cause of the rotten smell.

Such drugs have an antiviral and antifungal effect.

Review of the most effective medications:

Gynoflor. The product is mainly used to restore normal vaginal microflora. These suppositories contain lactobacilli and the hormone estriol. The latter restores vaginal tissue. Gynoflor is considered an absolutely safe medicine. A positive effect can be observed 6 days after regular use. The drug is prescribed for dysbacteriosis, candidiasis, and also during menopause.
Fluomizin.
The active ingredient is dequalinium chloride. The drug is prescribed for bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas and candidal vaginitis, and is also used before various gynecological procedures and childbirth. In general, the product is well tolerated; very rarely, itching and burning may occur at the site of use. It is not recommended for use in case of individual intolerance to the main component, as well as in case of erosion of the mucous membranes. Choice of medication
Clindacin. The product is produced in two forms - suppositories and vaginal cream. This drug has a bacteriostatic effect, i.e. it does not destroy pathogenic microorganisms, but inhibits their development. There are few negative reviews about this medicine. Mostly (extremely rarely) individual intolerance to the main component (clindamycin) is observed. Some women, when using this remedy, noted the development of negative effects, such as itching, rash, hives, burning and much more.
Iodoxide. The active substance is Povidone-iodine. An absolute contraindication to the use of the drug is individual intolerance, breastfeeding, Dühring's disease, benign tumor of the thyroid gland, etc. The medicine is mainly prescribed to treat bacterial vaginosis. You can use Iodoxide even during the menstrual cycle. When treated with this drug, women observed: itching, allergic reactions and the development of hyperemia.
Lomexin is a broad-spectrum antifungal drug. The product has an antibacterial effect. The medication is available in several forms: suppositories and vaginal cream. In general, the product is well tolerated. It is extremely rare to experience a burning sensation in the area of application, which, as a rule, disappears quite quickly. The drug helps well with candidiasis. During pregnancy and menstruation, the use of Lomexin is strictly prohibited.

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In addition to the above remedies, the following may also be prescribed:

Physiotherapy
Immunomodulators
Vitamin complexes
Hormonal agents

During therapy, it is recommended to use underwear only made from natural fabrics, and to wash yourself more often. Instead of regular soap, you should use products intended for intimate hygiene. At the first symptoms of foul odor from the vagina, you should consult a doctor to prevent the development of severe pathological processes.

Unconventional ways to eliminate bad odor

Remember that before treating such a phenomenon, it is recommended to first consult a doctor and undergo a diagnosis. The specialist will quickly make a diagnosis and prescribe the necessary therapy.

In the absence of an inflammatory process in the uterus or vagina, you can use folk recipes to restore normal microflora:

Lovage for treatment

Lovage root can eliminate the foul odor. It is recommended to take 20 grams of raw material and fill it with 200 ml of hot water. Cover the container with a lid and leave for 20-30 minutes. Next, the product is cooled and filtered. The drug is taken 1 tbsp. l. three times a day.
To make the product, it is recommended to pour 30 grams of dry nettle with 600 ml of hot water. The product is infused for 30 minutes and consumed 150 ml three times a day.
Barberry and viburnum juice are mixed in equal parts. The product is consumed 1⁄2 cups daily until complete recovery.
It is recommended to pour 200 ml of hot water into the wormwood and let it brew for half an hour. You need to take the drug 15 ml three times a day. The drink is quite useful if there is discharge with a foul odor and pain in the lower abdomen.
For thrush, wash the intimate area with a soda solution. It is recommended to take 1 tsp. soda per glass of warm water. The product must be thoroughly mixed and the genitals washed.
Baths with the addition of vinegar are considered quite effective. To do this, it is recommended to dilute 5 tbsp in a large bowl of water. l. 9% vinegar and sit in it. The manipulation time is 5 minutes.
It is recommended to take approximately 1 tbsp. l. fenugreek and pour a glass of hot water over it. Let the product brew. Every day immediately after sleep, as well as at night, you should drink 200 ml. Attention! This product may cause stomach upset, so if you are using it for the first time, the recommended dose should be halved.
Tea tree oil has an antiseptic effect. This product quickly gets rid of pathogenic microflora. However, you should not apply it undiluted to the mucous membranes, as this can lead to irritation. It is recommended to dilute a few drops of the product in 100 ml of water and rinse the genitals with the solution.

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In addition, proper nutrition is of great importance in the fight against foul odor:

Citrus fruits will help cope with the problem; they are enriched with vitamin C. It inhibits the growth of pathogenic microorganisms.
It is worth including citrus fruits in your diet
Homemade yogurt, which is recommended to be consumed daily, will reduce the specific odor from the vagina.
It is recommended to include garlic in the menu. It is famous for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. In addition, a clove of garlic can be wrapped in a clean cloth and placed in the vagina for several hours for greater effectiveness.
During the period of treatment of the body, you should also not forget about water. Penetrating into the body, it is able to flush out pathogenic microorganisms. In addition, the liquid removes excess sugar, which creates favorable conditions for the growth of bacteria, which contributes to the appearance of a foul odor.

Alternative remedies can also be used as an adjunct to drug therapy, but only after the approval of the attending physician. During pregnancy, it is recommended to abandon traditional recipes.

Methods for solving the problem

The sour smell of sweat can be eliminated only with an integrated approach to this problem. In complex cases of the disease, therapy must include the use of pharmaceuticals, compliance with hygiene rules, and a review of nutrition.

Diet correction

Strict adherence to the diet will help in a short period to improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and remove the unpleasant salty aroma and taste of sweat. It is necessary to eliminate fatty foods from the diet, which contain large amounts of cholesterol. It is possible to reduce the degree of sweating in a person if you give up spicy, smoked and salty foods.

Hygiene rules

Painstaking adherence to hygiene rules in most situations will help quickly solve the problem of sweating in men and women. Taking a shower 2-3 times a day, using toilet soap or shower gel is the main component of personal hygiene for any person. In addition, after such procedures, people feel much better and more energetic.

You need to take special care of your own body in the summer and after sports exercises and loads. At this time, sweat is especially intense. If there is an unpleasant odor from the feet, then you should use special aerosols against the unpleasant odor. There is no possibility of showering on a train or bus, but it is possible to use special wet deodorizing wipes.

Hair in the armpit area is a place for sweat to accumulate and bacteria to spread, which causes an unpleasant odor. Constant shaving of the armpits has become an indispensable procedure for many women today. However, men are not enthusiastic about this process, even despite the recommendations of dermatologists.

Disinfectants

Common ways to combat sweating are deodorants. Due to the fact that disinfectants are present in their structure, pathogenic microorganisms that cause an unpleasant odor are destroyed. Such products protect the sweat glands from germs for up to several hours. The effectiveness will depend on their structure and release formula: gel, cream, aerosol, pencil and others.

If your skin is susceptible to irritation, then it is better to prefer products for sensitive skin. Some of them may have alcohol in their structure, but do not have bactericidal additives. Such deodorants are not able to reliably protect for a long time. In addition, alcohol can provoke redness of the armpits.

Pharmacy products

Pharmaceutical products against unpleasant odor of sweat also help a lot. After using them, the problem usually goes away. There are a large variety of such products on sale, and by consulting with a specialist in advance, you can choose the most suitable one.

Folk recipes

Traditional methods have long been successfully used in the fight against excessive sweating, and they have virtually no contraindications. Often, hydrogen peroxide is used for these purposes, which must first be diluted in water, then moisten a napkin in this mixture and wipe problem areas (feet, armpits). The product not only stops the occurrence of sweat, but also eliminates germs.

You can also wipe your armpits using another effective method: pour boiling water over a teaspoon of baking soda and add a few drops of essential oil. This product should be used once a day, applied to the skin.

Lemon juice will help get rid of the unpleasant aroma. They need to constantly wipe their armpits. In addition, it can be mixed with baking soda in equal quantities. After constant use of traditional medicine, the problem of sweating and its aroma goes away.

Preventive actions

Some recommendations that must be followed will help reduce the risk of foul-smelling discharge. These include:

Scheduled visits to the doctor at least twice a year
Timely treatment of sexually transmitted and gynecological pathologies
Change pads during menstruation every 3 hours, daily - every 6 hours
Use of barrier protection during sexual intercourse
Mandatory inclusion of fermented milk products
Do not use hot water for washing
Douching is not recommended unless prescribed by a doctor.
For intimate hygiene, it is recommended to use special gels or foams intended for the care of the genitals

To avoid serious complications, as soon as a rotten smell is detected, it is recommended to immediately visit a doctor and strictly follow all the rules in the future. Timely therapy is the key to a speedy recovery in most gynecological diseases.

It is important to understand that the appearance of a foul odor is not considered normal. It always signals the occurrence of a pathological process in the body of the fairer sex. To get rid of it, it is necessary to restore the normal microflora of the vagina, and for this, first of all, you need to identify the cause of its occurrence. Only a doctor can determine the cause through a series of studies, so do not engage in amateur activities, otherwise it can lead to dire consequences.

Mar 13, 2018Violetta Lekar

How to distinguish normality from pathology

Various pathologies change the balance of chemicals in the body.
They can cause small or significant changes in the odor of your breath, urine, and other body fluids. As a rule, the sense of smell is not sensitive enough to detect all changes. But special devices and dogs can do this. Researchers have developed prototypes of "electronic noses" that can detect early odor changes caused by cancer and pneumonia. Dogs, with their sensitive sense of smell, are sometimes able to detect changes in a person's scent that indicate cancer.

But if the smell has changed significantly, you will feel it yourself - you need to figure out what the reason is, get examined and consult a doctor.