What helps vaginal odor? The odor you smell down there (and it can vary) isn’t necessarily something to worry about. In most cases, it’s a normal part of being a woman that doesn’t need treatment unless there’s a more serious issue going on, like a yeast infection or a UTI.

5 Ways to Get Rid of Vaginal Odor

It may be a bit more noticeable in the middle of your period, but it usually goes away after it’s done, says Julie Levitt, MD, a gynecologist with The Women’s Group at Northwestern. That’s because blood has a higher pH, and it can throw off your normal bacteria a little.

But it’s not a problem to be worrying about too much, she tells TODAY Health. It just means your body is trying to protect itself.

There are some home remedies you can try to combat that funk, too. One common one is apple cider vinegar, which has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Another is baking soda, which can also balance the pH levels in your body and dissipate the odor.

A bath with a half cup of white vinegar and a bit of sea salt can also help. That helps restore the acidic quality of your vaginal flora and removes some of the toxins that contribute to odor.

What’s Not to Do

A lot of the things that cause a foul vaginal odor aren’t healthy for you, so it’s important to do your best to avoid them. This includes not using perfumed soaps or deodorants, and staying away from douches and other products that alter your pH levels. You also need to take care of your feminine hygiene and avoid certain types of underwear that trap fecal matter in the vaginal area.