Why Does My Vagina Smell Like Onions and How To Get Rid Of?

There is no single way a healthy vag should smell. We ladies have a different and unique scent, which is totally normal. An onion-like odor vagina is common and caused by a number of things. Let's see what's making your vag smell like an onion and how you can stop that oniony odor.

Why Does My Vagina Smell Like Onions: 6 Possible Causes

While your vagina might smell slightly different from someone else, the scent is usually mild and natural. But a strong and unpleasant smell, such as an onion smell is unlikely to be natural and could be occurring as a result of the following; 

1. Food Containing Strong Smell

If your diet involves food with a strong smell such as onions, garlic, spices and vinegar, you might be putting yourself at risk of body odor. For instance, eating a lot of onions can, therefore, cause your vaginal discharge and urine to take on a strong onion smell. 

2.Your Sweat

Your sweat comprises of skin cells and bacteria and it can escape from almost every pore in your body. Although sweating is helpful when it comes to cooling your body, it can also stink. When the sweat combines with vaginal discharge, your natural vaginal scent changes to an onion-like smell. This smell may grow stronger, especially if you’re sweating a lot during summer seasons or after exercise.

3.Poor Hygiene

Your vagina is created to naturally keep itself clean by producing a discharge that keeps a proper balance of bacteria. However, if you don’t clean the vulva regularly with warm water to remove any discharge, bacteria may grow in an unbalanced way and lead to an onion-like odor and even infection.

4.Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) Infection

BV occurs as a result of improper balance of vaginal bacteria. CDC research indicates that, BV is the most common infection of the vagina for younger women of up to 44 years old. Unpleasant vaginal onion smell is one of the major symptoms of BV. Other symptoms may include vaginal pain, a white or gray watery discharge and a burning effect around your vaginal area.

5.Hormonal Changes

Hormone levels in your body change throughout a number of events including menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause. These hormonal changes can affect the way your vag smells. The onion-like smell usually becomes more noticeable when the estrogen hormone in the body increases. This occurs when during ovulation and pregnancy events or when you use certain hormonal contraceptives.

6.Yeast Infection

Yeast is naturally present in your vagina. It helps to keep your vag healthy. When this yeast occurs in excess, it can cause a yeast infection which results in vaginal discharge that may contain an unpleasant odor.

My Vagina Smells Like Onions: how to get rid of

If you have question of How do I get rid of the odor down there? then read the solution as follow;

  • Intake of a healthy diet: Drink extra water to flush the foods and scents from your urethra and sweat. Also, reduce the amount of spices and ingredients in your food. If the odor grows stronger, it would be wise to seek medical assistance from your doctor. 
  • Change your clothes frequently: Sweating is a fundamental function for your body, so you can't change or stop the process. However, you can frequently change your underwear and other clothes like exercise costumes to prevent unwanted odors. Avoid wearing exercise clothes multiple times before washing them. Also, consider wearing breathable and natural fabrics like cotton. 
  • Practice & maintain good hygiene: Wash your vulva and vaginal area regularly with mild soap and warm water to remove any discharge and keep the area free of harmful bacteria. You also need to wash and change your underwear daily to avoid experiencing odor problems. 

Other hygiene techniques you should consider include;

  • Shower regularly, especially after exercise
  • Avoid wearing wet swimming clothes for long after you’re done with swimming.
  • Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes frequently as they don’t allow for fresh air circulation around the vagina, and that can increase bacteria.
  • Wear cotton underwear since they are breathable and help to wick sweat and moisture away from your vaginal area, helping to prevent the odor. 
  • Avoid using perfumed products on your vag.

  • Soak in Vinegar: If you frequently take hot baths and hot showers, you can easily upset your natural pH level. However, soaking in a warm bath mixed with apple cider vinegar for about 20 minutes can help you to naturally reduce the bacteria.
  • Medications: Prescription treatments from your doctor can also help to eliminate underlying causes that are contributing to the onion-like smell. Seek treatment from your doctor and you will be sure to solve this issue.

When Should I See A Doctor?

While there are some home remedies you can use to get rid of your vaginal onion odor, some strong smells can be as a result of a serious health issue that needs medical attention. Medication is an effective treatment which can help you to prevent any complication. You should, therefore, immediately see your doctor if;

  • If your vaginal smell grows stronger than normal.
  • If you start noticing an unusual vaginal discharge.
  • If you start to run or experience a fever.
  • If you notice symptoms of an infection such as unusual discharge, fever, pain and itching. 

Final Advice 

An unusual vaginal smell is a cause of concern for most of us women and having question of How do I stop smelling like onions? Potential causes like sweating or infection can all be fixed quickly and easily with a few tips as seen above. Proper care for your vagina can help you prevent any future problems like onion smells, but if the problem seems bigger than you can handle, seek immediate assistance from your doctor.