First and foremost, take a gentle approach! The vagina is self-cleaning, so if you're going to use any products down there, make sure they're gentle or formulated specifically for washing the vulva. Generally, maintaining good hygiene practices such as bathing and showering, wearing breathable fabrics such as silk, and avoiding harsh soaps in the genital area can contribute to managing vaginal odor. If odor persists or is accompanied by other symptoms (think itching or unusual discharge), consulting with your gynecologist can help identify and address any underlying concerns. Lastly, do not use douches! Commonly misconceived to help clean the vagina, douches can actually have the opposite affect, damaging the sensitive microbiome in the organ that help naturally maintain odor.
