Home Remedies for Fishy Odor

Managing a fishy vaginal odor is embarrassing and rather awkward at the same time. This is a condition that is usually the result of bacterial overgrowth or imbalances and can greatly reduce your self-esteem and general health. However, it is always advisable to seek medical advice if the symptoms persist or worsen. There are various natural ways of managing and eliminating mild vaginal odor at home.

Here, we will discuss different home remedies for fishy odor in the vagina, including the use of baking soda, to help you find relief and maintain your vaginal health.

Understanding Fishy Odor

Fishy odor is a typical complaint by women, one which is not only uncomfortable but also rather shameful. This smell is usually due to the imbalance of the vaginal flora and may be due to bacterial vaginosis, poor hygiene, certain foods, or hormonal changes.

Causes of Fishy Vaginal Odor

• Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) (Occurs due to the overgrowth of certain bacteria in the vagina, Symptoms include a thin, grayish discharge with a strong fishy odor)
• Poor Hygiene (Accumulation of sweat, bacteria, and other related substances that cause smell)
• Diet (Foods, like fish, garlic, and onions, can influence vaginal odor)
• Hormonal Changes (Hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause may cause the unpleasant smell)
• Sexual Activity ( Due to sexual activity new bacteria introduces into the vaginal environment, which may lead to an imbalance, causing a fishy smell)

General Home Remedies for Fishy Odor

Curing and eliminating the fishy vaginal smell is always possible using natural and easy-to-prepare home remedies. These remedies are aimed at the restoration of the normal balance of the vaginal microflora and proper sanitation. Here are some effective general home remedies for fishy odor.

Proper Hygiene

• Regular Washing (Wash the vaginal area daily with warm water and mild, unscented soap. Don’t use harsh soaps as they can imbalance the natural pH.)
• Cotton Underwear (Cotton underwear should be worn to enable free air circulation as wet clothes can cause bacteria to grow and emit a bad odor)
• Change Underwear Regularly (Change your undergarments daily, or at least once a day if you have been exercising or sweating.)

Vinegar Solution

• Apple Cider Vinegar (Apple cider vinegar restores the vaginal pH balance, take one to two cups of apple cider vinegar and pour it into a warm bath, then take a 20-minute’ bath)
• Diluted Vinegar Rinse (Mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a cup of water to use it as a rinse. Do this 2 to 3 times a week to reduce odor)

Lemon Juice

• Lemon Water (Helps regulate the body’s pH levels to prevent vaginal odors)
• Lemon Wash (Mix the juice of one lemon with a cup of water and use it as a rinse to kill odor-causing bacteria)

Yogurt

• Probiotics (Take a serving of probiotic yogurt daily to maintain a balance of good bacteria in vagina)
• Topical Application (Apply plain, unsweetened yogurt directly to the vaginal area for 30 minutes and then rinse with warm water to get rid of fishy odor)

Tea Tree Oil

• Antibacterial Properties (Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with coconut oil and massage externally to vaginal area)
• Bath Additive (Mix few drops of tea tree oil with your bath water to get a relaxing and deodorizing bath)

Hydration

• Drink Plenty of Water (Stay hydrated to flush out toxins from the body to maintain overall health, including vaginal health)
• Cranberry Juice (Drink unsweetened cranberry juice to prevent bacterial infections, it also maintains a healthy urinary tract)

Home Remedies for Fishy Odor with Baking Soda

The common household product baking soda is a safe, all-purpose cure that can eliminate a fishy smell by treating the vaginal area as an anti-bacteria that helps in controlling bacterial growth in the area. Here are some effective home remedies for fishy odor with baking soda.

Baking Soda Bath

Take one half cup of baking soda and prepare a bathtub with warm water in it, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into the water, and mix it with the water until the baking soda dissolves. After preparing the baking soda bath, it is recommended that you spend 15-20 minutes in the bath. Wash with running water and then pat the area dry without rubbing. This method assists in the regulation of the vaginal pH level, the elimination of bacteria, and the relief from inflammation.

Baking Soda and Water Paste

Take 2 tablespoons of baking soda and some water to create a thick consistency. Exteriorly, use the paste on the vaginal part and let it remain on the skin for 5 to 10 minutes. Wash off well with warm water and gently pat dry. This paste can help neutralise odor-causing bacteria and maintain pH balance.

Baking Soda Douche

This method should be done with caution and not frequently because it can upset the natural balance of the vagina if done too often. Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 cup of warm water. Use a douche kit to gently rinse the vaginal area with the solution. Make sure to rinse thoroughly with plain water afterward. It assists in neutralising the pH level of the vagina for some time and minimising the fishy odor.

Baking Soda and Vinegar Solution

Dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and then add 1 cup of water. Apply this solution as a wash for the vaginal region. It is also important to rinse with plain water after use. It uses baking soda to balance the pH level and vinegar to remove the bacteria that causes fishy odor.

Do not use baking soda remedies too often because the constant change in the pH level can harm the normal balance of the vaginal flora. It is advisable to do a patch test on your skin before using any new substance to avoid any form of allergic reaction.

Preventive Measures For Fishy Vaginal Odor

Eradicating fishy vaginal odor requires adherence to proper hygiene measures and changes in lifestyle that support healthy conditions of the vagina. Below are some of the preventive measures that can be observed.

• Maintain Proper Hygiene (Regular Cleaning, Gentle Drying)
• Wear Breathable Clothing (Cotton Underwear, Loose-Fitting Clothes)
• Healthy Diet and Hydration (Balanced Diet, Drink plenty of water)
• Probiotics (Yogurt and Supplements)
• Safe Sexual Practices (Condom Use, Post-Sex Hygiene)
• Manage Menstrual Hygiene (Regular Change, Use unscented menstrual products)
• Avoid Irritants (Avoid using scented soaps, Avoid wearing tight clothing)
• Regular Health Check-Ups (Schedule regular gynecological exams)

Conclusion

Dealing with fishy vaginal odor can be a distressing experience, but with the right knowledge and natural remedies, it can be managed effectively. Here, we’ve explored various home remedies for fishy odor, emphasizing the importance of natural solutions like baking soda, vinegar, and proper hygiene practices. By understanding the causes of fishy vaginal odor and incorporating these simple and effective remedies, you can maintain a healthy and fresh vaginal environment.