How is it that every time after bathing and before sanctioning a daily ritual on my vagina with scented smellies I still detect an odour, this is a questioned asked by many females? Although the vagina is an odourless organ, smells can still occur through natural happenings of the human body like sweating of which produces odour, however, if sweating is not the cause there maybe a simple explanation to why a vaginal odour remains. Normally vaginal odours are determined by the actual smell itself. In answer to the question why the vagina still smells after a bath/shower can be caused through infection. The lingering fishy odour is usually caused by bacterial vaginosis

The vagina has its own self regulating cleaning system so therefore making it a body part cleaner than the mouth or the orifice down below (rectum) Just because the vagina smells does not dictate that a person is dirty, the vagina contains many bacteria types e.g. good and bad. Lactobacilli the good bacteria has its healthy purposes where it helps prevent all bad bacteria interfering with the female reproductive system.

A healthy vagina normally has a slightly sweet pungent odour, however, if of a stronger pungency (fishy odour) then this is usually a sign that there has been a disturbance in bacteria's where the bad bacteria has finally upset the balance therefore resulting in the lactobacilli not able to carry out prevention. Eliminating causes which can upset the balance will certainly help stem vaginal odours occurring later. There are several factors which can disturb the balance in the vagina and lead to the vaginal condition called bacterial vaginosis.

Poor hygiene - is most definitely one reason why offensive smells develop. It is not necessary to scrub the private parts as you would like cleaning a floor, the genital area is delicate and sensitive so be careful even when using perfumed soaps/sprays. Cleansing with water is fine because scented products can cause thrush.

Illness - some conditions are somewhat unavoidable, a pelvic Infection can lead to vaginosis. Bacteria is known to flourish if Candida is diagnosed because of the amount of alkaline present of which is more known to develop through a poor diet, oral contraceptives and stress

By preventing conditions which affect the vagina can save you money i.e. unnecessary products. Douching is neither a necessary process nor is it recommended because it forces water or other solutions into the vaginal orifice to wash away discharge or menstrual blood. Seek medical advice if you tend on douching. All you need to do to maintain a healthy vagina is wash the vulva daily with warm water. Avoid using scented soaps. It is not uncommon for some women to douche after engaging in sexual activity in an attempt to prevent pregnancy or catching a sexually transmitted disease, douching is not a prevention method for birth control nor will it reduce risk of catching infections. The best method to avoid catching an STD is to use a condom if you enjoy coupling with different partners

How can a healthy vagina put a smile on your face, well the next time you are out socialising and you get a fishy whiff you know the finger of suspicion is not pointed in your direction.