The vagina is home to millions of bacteria and sweat glands, so a slight vinegar smell is completely normal. However, the odor can change based on certain factors like your menstrual cycle, hormones and personal vaginal flora.
Always use a good quality sanitary pad and change it often during your periods. This way the traces of menstruation blood in the groin area will get washed away with water.
Bacterial Vaginosis
Most of the time, a vinegar-like vaginal odor is nothing to worry about. However, it’s important to see a doctor if you experience a change in the color, consistency or smell of your vaginal discharge. It may indicate a serious issue like cervical cancer or a sexually transmitted infection, such as trichomoniasis or chlamydia.
The body has a variety of bacteria that keep the vagina slightly acidic to prevent the growth of bad microbes that can cause diseases like bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis. When the bacteria become out of balance, it can lead to a vinegar-like odor.
You can try home remedies to help treat BV, such as using borax suppositories, yogurt, garlic supplements, hydrogen peroxide and diluted tea tree oil. But these remedies aren’t well-studied, so it’s best to get a diagnosis and treatment from your primary care provider or gynecologist. They can also prescribe antibiotics, such as metronidazole or clindamycin. These medications can come in a gel you insert into the vagina or as pills you take by mouth. You should finish the entire course of antibiotics, even if your symptoms go away, to decrease your risk of getting BV again.
Multiple Sexually Transmitted Infections
Having a vinegar-like odor from your vagina is nothing to worry about. However, it is important to note that every woman’s vagina has a unique scent. The smell of your vagina can change for various reasons including infections, dietary choices, and exercise.
When your vagina smells like vinegar, it is likely due to an imbalance in pH levels. The vagina contains bacteria called lactobacilli, which help keep the area slightly acidic. If the pH level goes above 4.5, it can lead to the growth of bad bacteria that cause diseases such as bacterial vaginosis and Trichomoniasis.
Another reason your vagina may smell like vinegar is if you are having your period. The odor of your vagina during your menstrual cycle is usually mild and can vary depending on how heavy your flow is.
Finally, it is also normal for your vagina to smell like vinegar at certain times during pregnancy. This is because of the pressure on your bladder from the embryo. However, if the vinegar-like odor is constant or accompanied by itching, redness, or pain, you should see your doctor.
Sweating
Many women have the experience of smelling like vinegar or having a fishy smell coming from their vagina. This happens when the pH levels of the vagina become imbalanced and bacteria grows out of control. This odor is also accompanied by thick discharge and itching. You may even have a fever and other symptoms when you suffer from this condition.
This smell can also be a sign of poor hygiene. Wearing tight underwear or being overweight can cause sweat to build up in the groin area and attract bacteria, thus producing the unpleasant smell. It is also important to drink enough water to stay hydrated. This helps drain the waste from the body through urine, thereby minimizing the vinegar odor.
Occasionally, your vagina can also produce a sweet, almost molasses-like smell. This is due to the presence of good bacteria that cause fermentation in foods such as yogurt and sourdough bread. These bacteria, called lactobacillus, also dominate the healthy vagina. This type of odor is similar to the one that comes from fermented foods and it is normal.
Menopause
Women who are experiencing heavy vaginal flow during menstruation often smell like vinegar. This is due to the amount of blood that is being discharged from the vagina. The blood is able to mix with the bacteria in the vagina and creates a strong vinegar odor.
The vinegar odor can also be caused by yeast infections. These are caused when a type of bacteria called candida overgrows in the vagina. Yeast is naturally occurring in the body, but when it overgrows it can cause bad odors in the vagina.
White vinegar can help eliminate a bad vaginal odor by breaking down odor proteins. Adding a half cup of white vinegar with sea salt to your bath several times a week can help restore the normal pH balance in your vagina. Tea tree oil is another natural remedy that has antifungal and antiseptic properties. Add a few drops of this to a cotton pad and apply to the vulva daily. Neem bark has many antifungal and antibacterial properties as well, and it is a great remedy for a bad vaginal odor.
Pregnancy
When a woman experiences a vinegar-like smell from the vagina, it is usually a sign of an infection. This odor can be caused by various things, such as poor hygiene and certain foods or drinks. It can also be a sign of sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. The odor may be accompanied by itching and pain.
A vinegar-like scent from the vulva is also a sign of a yeast infection. This condition occurs when the fungus candida grows too much in the vagina. It can be a very uncomfortable problem, and it is important to see a doctor if you notice a vinegar-like odor from the vulva or a thick yellow discharge.
To get rid of the rotten vinegar-like vaginal odor, a women can use white vinegar. This solution helps in breaking down odours and maintaining normal pH balance in the vulva. In addition, drinking apple cider vinegar daily can also help in preventing infections and restoring the natural pH of the vulva. Turmeric powder can also be rubbed in the vulva, as it contains antiseptic and antibacterial properties that can kill off bacteria.
