ecoteam, the science of smell expert group - deodorant & aromatherapy

_Self-Treatment of Vaginal Odor:

For daily vaginal odors, good hygiene is the best weapon:
Wear lose cotton clothing: This is often referred to as clothing that “breathes," allowing air to flow and keep the vagina dryer. This stimulates the growth of healthy Lactobacillus bacteria and discourages the growth of the odor-causing Gardnerella. Avoid nylons or synthetic fabrics which trap heat, intensify sweat, and therefore allow more odor causing bacteria to grow. Cotton panties are best.
Bathe more often during menstruation: This is the simplest way to help combat extra sweat or excretions that may be caused by hormonal changes.
Change tampons or pads more frequently: This can prevent the build-up of smelly blood and bacteria byproducts. There are scented tampons and douches on the market, but these can disturb the natural flora of the vagina and actually do more harm than good.
Although it has been mentioned before, it bears mentioning again: Don't use douches to prevent vaginosis. Douches don't decrease the risk of developing vaginosis, they increase it. One study found that women who did not previously have vaginal odor, itch, or dryness but had used douches in the last two months were nearly 3 times more likely to develop vaginal odor in the next month than those who had not used douches. Once odor has developed, however, these douches are helpful on a short-term basis, never more than 2 weeks (to allow healthy bacteria to recover):

• Betadine is a form of anti-bacterial iodine that does not sting or burn, although it may stain undergarments. Use 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) in 1 pint (500 ml) of warm water, every other day for up to a week.
• Goldenseal, coptis, or barberry extract, 2 teaspoons (8 ml) in 1 pint (500 ml) of warm water kills bacteria of all sorts. Use every other day for up to two weeks.
• Lithium succinate (available from compounding pharmacists) in up to 8% solution is helpful for women who develop vaginal odor while recovering from herpes. It controls both bacteria and the herpesvirus. Use every other day for up to two weeks.
• White vinegar, 2 tablespoons (24 ml) in 1 pint (500 ml) of warm water kills odor-causing bacteria but encourages the growth of Lactobacillus.
• Borax and garlic are too harsh (and garlic is too smelly) for use in douches.
  

Remember, medication is a short-term remedy: Doctors often prescribe Flagyl (metronidazole) for vaginal odor. This antifungal drug is cheap, costing US $1 a day or less, about one-fifth the cost of the least expensive vaginal lotion, but it is not without its problems.

Flagyl leaves a metallic aftertaste when it's taken by mouth, and drinking alcohol while taking the drug can result in nausea or vomiting. And although Flagyl may control Gardnerella infection, it does nothing to reestablish the protective Lactobacillus bacteria. If these healthy bacteria are not restored, either by using probiotic yogurts or by using probiotic vaginal suppositories, the infection will return in about a month after discontinuing the drug.