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HEALTH & FITNESS | YOUR BOD | DOWN THERE

Body do or don't: Douching to ditch odor

 
I have a weird odor down there. I don't know what to do. I wash myself regularly, but my mom won't let me buy any of the special feminine hygiene washes. Help!


It can be really scary when you smell something funky down there, but your mom is right. Feminine hygiene washes, like douches, are not only unhealthy, but can make infections worse! Let's be clear about something here: all vaginas have an odor. We all have a personal smell down there, but if you have noticed a change you should not run to the nearest drugstore, but instead see a doctor. Your body could be trying to tell you something important and covering up the smell with flowery scents is so not a good idea!
 
Weird isn't a totally specific odor, but if your discharge has changed in color this can be a sign of a prob. Also watch out for cheesy, fishy, bread-like odors. We know it sounds gross, but it is better to be aware of the not-so-pretty changes your body goes through than to get sick.
 
Your private parts have a delicate balance that can disrupted by harsh soaps and washes. Your vagina has good bacteria that can be flushed out by inappropriate cleanings, which can in turn cause icky infections! You should be gentle with yourself and only wash with warm water and a wash cloth. Your vagina cleans itself naturally and doesn't need your help along the way. The only time you should every clean down there with anything other than mild soap is if a doctor tells you to. Seriously girl, drop-kick that dirty douche!
 

BY MARY HOJNOSKI ON 8/13/2011 12:00:00 AM

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21 Comments | Add Yours
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On drugstore.com they sell a little hand held wand with a small ball on the end that lets water pass through and you put it inside the vagina, is that the same thing as a douche? It says it is supposed to make you feel fresher down there and also helps with any odor but if it acts like a douche and it sounds like it does then we should probably stay away from it.

by fashionqn on 8/2/2012 3:30:25 PM

 
 



Mod mod mod
2 things... One is that I have big boobs but they kinda point outward so the middle looks flat in a bra and in a bikini. Any solutions?(pushup bra ain't an option) and another thing is I have had discharge for 18 months and I heard if u dont have ur period at most 18 months after discharge starts then u may need to see a doc? What's goin on? Thanks please respond cuz I've asked this a bunch and no1 is responding!




Hey Gal!

Don't worry about your chest. Most girls have boobs that point outward. If you want to look a little bigger in a bathing suit (without going for a push up) try a demi triangle top. They'll support you in the same way a bra would, bringing you closer to the middle. My advice? don't worry about your chest when your swimming! Catch some waves and enjoy the sun. As for your discharge. Hmm, I don't think I have heard that 18 month rule. If your wondering about your body/puberty give your doc a call. He or she will have all the answers. In the meantime, don't fret about it! 

 
Marisa D.

by cuddlebug143 on 5/16/2012 1:21:55 PM

 
 

what's a douch or hygine wash??

by greengirl1001 on 4/7/2012 10:34:49 PM

 
 

I have to deal with IBS and hypohydrosis(excessive sweating EW) since last year. What should I do?

I smell so bad wherever I go, and people always back away, but don't say anything. even my parents say 'I'm thinking that in my brain.' Mental problems? Nope. I don't.

To make situations worse, I have sweating too, and have to apply deo. like, 10 times a day.(Exaggerating) but people smell it one way or another.

I used to be the most cleanest person on earth, but I'm like sooo bad now. What should I do?

by sready on 12/6/2011 1:28:38 AM

 
 

is BEBE young care showerGelwith parfume in it, also smell from err, ```wild rose`` (reading bottle) healthy to use down there, or does is cause a stronger oder? o.O

by Kitty9901 on 9/29/2011 2:45:09 PM

 
 

MOD MOD MOD
I'm afriad i might have a yeast infection. i can't hold IT for too long when i have to use the bathroom, once it was the case i peed on myself in a Target and im 14 !!! My dishcarge has a very strong odor and im not sure what to do !!!! Please help are those symptoms of a yeast infection???

 

Hey girl,

It could be a yeast infection, urinary tract infection, or any number of other easily treatable things. (And to answer your other Q, yeast infections could be caused by wearing wet clothes/bathing suits for a long amount of time because the fabric can't breathe, a change in soap/not washing enough, etc.) Does it itch as well? If it itches, it's probably a yeast infection. If it burns/hurts to pee, it could be a UTI. If you're having trouble controlling your bladder, it could be something else. Give your doc a call to get some professional advice and clear this up!

Lauren C.

by tinydimples6 on 9/22/2011 1:35:08 PM

 
 



MOD Ive been having discharge since 4th grade and I'm in 6th now and it smells if i sit in one place for a while but it didn't used to. is this normal?




Hey girl, it should be, depending on what kind of smell. Check the consistency — if it has a cottagey-cheese texture and smells off, it may be the sign of an infection, but otherwise, it's fine.

xoxo 
Alyssa B.

by LillyMoonFlow on 9/19/2011 5:35:11 PM

 
 



MOD MOD MOD
For the past couple of months I've been getting a bad odor. It kinda smells like must, it's so embarrassing. I don't know how to tell my mom or doctor. What should I do I'm so scared.




Hey girl,

Don't be scared! First, make sure you're cleaning yourself with a mild soap every day. If it's still sticking around, tell someone even though I know it'll be awkward. They can help you - with a new soap designed to protect from "down there" odor or by telling you a cause of it. You'll be happy you were honest about it when you get it cleared up! 
Lauren C.

by tiffanyanne on 8/26/2011 5:52:53 PM

 
 

***************************************************
Hey girls!
Do you need advice?
I'm here to help! (:
Just comment on my profile, and I'll comment on yours, asap!
I can give you advice on just about everything, soooo, comment please! (:


********************************************************

by facebooker1240 on 8/19/2011 10:26:43 AM

 
 



MOD MOD MOD
I have a question 1. 1 day I left a tampon in for like 12 hours. could I have TSS? I know its bad to leave them but could I have it right now. 2. I cut myself shaving there. It hurts a little bit. what should I do?




Hey girl, 1) not likely. As long as the area is not painful and you've changed your tampon since then, you're fine. 2) I'd put a band aid there if it's really oozing and if not, just leave it by. It'll heal with time.

xoxo 
Alyssa B.

by Theamazingpinkninja on 8/18/2011 11:48:33 PM

 
 

Ive talked with friends about douching, not that any of us would do that but why would you ever want to or need to do it. None of us think its good to use a douche so the message is loud and clear, dont clean down there using douches.

I think a lot of older people still use them. Maybe they need to know that it isnt good to do it too. Its kind of a gross subject but important to talk about.

by luckykel on 8/18/2011 9:41:13 PM

 
 



mod mod mod.
ive noticed that i have discharge like, everyday. when its wet its a clear/eggshell color but on pads and panty liners it dries yellow. that normal... right ?




Hey girl!

Yeah, that's the normal color for discharge! Don't worry! 
Katelyn L.

by maddehsaurr on 8/18/2011 2:06:43 PM

 
 



Hey thanks for the tip i definitely will tell my mom,
But any idea what it could be? Thanks again!




I have no idea what it could be since I don't have any experience in the medical field. Sorry, girl! Good luck! 
Katelyn L.

by hawaii on 8/16/2011 2:04:09 PM

 
 



mod mod mod Yesterday I woke up and felt a really weird feeling " down there", last night i looked at it and there was these 2 red bumps(kinda looks like cold sores) 1 on each "flap" im really scared because im worried it might be really serious. Today it still doesn't feel good i looked again and I think there might be 2 more now. I am feeling sick (headaches, dizziness) does this have anything to do with it. PLez help i already have health probs i dont want anymore. PLEZ PLEZ PLEZ help!




Hey chica!

You definitely need to tell your mom or dad and ask them to make an appointment with your doctor. They'll be able to help you with whatever's going on down there. Hope you feel better! 
Katelyn L.

by hawaii on 8/16/2011 1:55:08 PM

 
 


Mod Mod MOD MODD OH HELP OH HELP
my discharge it smells like vineager!!! Is there sum thing wrong?


 


Hey girly! I've read that this is totally normal. I wouldn't worry too much Smile


xxx


Becca G.

by 526love on 8/13/2011 7:32:03 PM

 
 


MOD MOD MOD!!!!!!!!!
i've notice that my regular discharge has a rlly bad odor and is sometimes a little yellow ever since i caught a yeast infection. the infection is cured, but the odor is still there and occasionally, the color shows up too. my mom checked me a few times with special equipment (she's a nurse) to see if i had a urine infection, but i came up clean. i went to my doctor, and she checked me and also said i was fine. but now, for some wierd reason, my discharge shows up about 5 minutes after i go pee and i go pee a little more often than i used too. i'm getting so stressed ever since this yeast infection because i keep having these wierd symtoms! even though my doctor and my mom say i'm fine, i feel like i'm not! please help!!!


 


Hey chica! Discharge is totally normal when you're going through puberty. Sometimes, it can be a yellowish shade, too. I wouldn't worry too much about it Smile


xxx


Becca G.

by Phoenix In Flight on 8/13/2011 6:33:16 PM

 
 

mod mod mod this is really embarrassing, but whenever im on my period it smells really fishy down there! but when im done with my period it smells normal again. please help! i dont know if somethings wrong with me =(

 

Since it comes and goes with your period, I'm guessing it's normal.  Since things are obviously different down there when you're on your period, it makes sense that the smell would be different too.  But it doesn't hurt to check in with your doc next time you have an appointment, or sooner if you have other concerns, too.  xoxo

Marie H.

by filaluvva on 8/13/2011 2:25:12 PM

 
 

what if you dont wanna tell anyone, if they think its your underarms and you just cant tell them or a doctor, what do you do?

by zbaby12 on 8/13/2011 11:13:21 AM

 
 

MOD MOD MOD I don't really smell "down there", but my discharge is yellowish and weird, like cheesey smelling. It's been like this ever since I first got discharge, back in sixth grade (I'm going into eighth now). It doesn't itch or burn or anything, but how can I get rid of the smell. Thank you!!

 

Hey chica, I think you might wanna read this:  http://www.girlslife.com/post/2010/11/11/smell-betterdown-there.aspx.  It's got some tips for dealing with the smell.  The reality is, a little smell is totally normal, and only noticeable to you and not anyone else.  xoxo

Marie H.

by blondegirl27 on 8/13/2011 9:26:38 AM

 
 

MOD, I have a few questions :s 1. What are the signs of an infection down there? Does yellow, kind of powdery looking stuff on underwear count? 2. When should I throw out my lip balms and lip glosses? I haven't used them very much and I am faar from done.. But I don't want to just throw them away. I think I've had my burt's bees lip balm for about a year, and the burt's bees lip shimmer for maybe a little over half a year? 3. Is it necessary to wear a bra every day? 'Cause when I'm at home I don't wear one. Could I just wear a cami? Or do I need to wear a cami with a bra? The kind of cami that already has a built in one. I'm not very heavy in that department so.. 4. I can't tell what my body shape is.. If I have wide hips BUT a smaller-average I guess? lol butt does that still make me a pear? Thanks, I appreciate your help Mods Smile

 

Hey chica!

1) Clear to off-white discharge is normal, but any other color could be a sign.  If it has an odor or a strange consistency, that might be as well.  Talk to an adult and schedule an appointment with your doc if you think it might be off.  Better safe than sorry!

2)  I just checked my Bobbi Brown make-up book, and it says lip products should be thrown out after a year to a year and a half.  Sounds like you've got some time left!

3)  As long as you're not doing vigorous workouts, it's totally fine to go braless at home!

4)  It's hard to say without seeing you, of course... but pear sounds about right! Smile

xoxo

Marie H.

by foreverme! on 8/13/2011 2:25:15 AM

 
 



MOD MOD MOD
This is really gross, but my "down there" smells like fish food. Nothing else has changed though. What should I do? I am SO scared to ask my mom!!




You should definitely speak with a doctor




Brittany G. 
Brittany G.

by eemmais on 8/13/2011 1:10:31 AM

 
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