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Your Bod

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!

We want to hear from you! Send us your weirdest body questions here (seriously, we'll answer anything!) and it just might get featured.

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by Mary Hojnoski | 2/1/2016
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