If there are other complications like an infection in the area, a strong body odor can quickly become offensive. Women are much more conscious about their physical characteristics and a smelly body odor can be a cause for anxiety, especially if it persists despite treatment and preventative measures.

Hormonal Changes

During the course of a month, the female sex hormones fluctuate to coordinate events like ovulation and menstruation. The changes during the course of the menstrual cycle are not isolated to the female reproductive organs and may have a generalized effect across the body – affecting perspiration, heat tolerance and usual body odor. It also has localized effects – leading to vaginal discharge and triggering menstruation.

All these factors can affect normal body odor. It may cause or exacerbate excessive perspiration (hyperhidrosis) or offensive smelling perspiration (bromhidrosis), especially if good hygiene is not practiced. It may also affect temperature sensitivity and increase perspiration due to a change in heat tolerance and dilation of the skin blood vessels. While each person has their own specific scent, hormonal changes may also affect the body chemistry and alter this characteristic body odor.

Personal Hygiene

While hyperhidrosis may be linked to individual temperature sensitivity and the nervous system, hormonal changes may also affect the extent of perspiration. By not practicing good hygiene, this increased perspiration can result in an offensive body odor or exacerbate an already foul body odor.

Body hair, particularly the thicker terminal hair which is present in the armpits and pubic region can further contribute to body odor in these areas. Vaginal discharge, sweat, urine and fecal matter tends to adhere to this hair aggravating the odor at these sites. Not bathing frequently or not trimming the pubic or armpit hair if necessary will exacerbate any offensive odor in the region.

Treating and Preventing Offensive Female Body Odor

If you are suffering with an offensive body odor, you should take conservative measures to manage and prevent the problem. Good hygiene by bathing at least twice a day and using a perfumed and an antibacterial soap will assist. If the odor tends to occur more in the areas where terminal hair is present, like the pubic hair or armpit hair, then trimming the hair and washing throughly in these regions are important. Antiperspirants may also help to some extent as they keep the area dry but should be avoided in sensitive areas or if there is any sign of a skin rash.

Medical conditions like infections or hyperhidrosis may require medical treatment. In the event of an infection, the causative organism should be identified – usually bacterial and sometimes fungal. An appropriate antibacterial or antifungal cream or gel may be used and in severe cases, an antibiotic or antifungal pill may be necessary. For hyperhidrosis, the treatment is not always as simple. Hyperhidrosis is usually a persistent condition that does not respond well to drugs and even surgery may offer limited relief. Discuss your treatment options with your doctor in order to manage your condition appropriately.

It is also important to consider the causes of a smelly vaginal odor as this may be contributing to foul odors isolated to the groin region. If there are any signs of vaginal irritation with discharge, your doctor will need to identify the cause and implement the appropriate treatment in order to relieve the condition. Other medical disorders may also contribute to a body odor and this may require proper treatment and management in order to address the problem. If you body odor has reached a point where it is offensive to the extent that it is affecting your daily functioning, social interaction or self esteem, then you should discuss the matter with a doctor.

Here is a great site for Curing Vaginal Odors.

Causes of a Smelly Odor

The causes of vaginal odor may be a result of a number of factors that impact on the overall health of the affected area.

• Vaginal infections (vaginitis) may result in a smelly vagina, typically the fishy odor from the vagina, that may occur as a result of a bacterial infection or even thrush. Typically, vaginal discharge may be noticed. Pain, burning and itching are other signs of a vaginal infection and if present with the sudden onset of a fishy odor, it should be further investigated by a doctor.

• Poor hygiene of the vagina can also result in vaginal odor. Infrequent bathing or washing of the outer parts of the vagina, along with long and unkept pubic hair creates an environment for bacteria to thrive on the outside of the vagina. Coupled with perspiration, this will lead to vaginal odor.

• Frequent vaginal douching which may be performed to prevent vaginal odor can actually contribute to a smelly vagina. Douching kills normal bacteria that lives in the area thereby allowing ‘bad bacteria’ to invade the area and lead to vaginal infections and odor.

• Certain hormonal conditions, like pregnancy, during ovulation, oral contraceptives (the pill) or hormone replacement therapy (HRT), may cause excessive vaginal discharge which may be a contributing factor to an offensive vaginal odor.

• Fungal infections of the skin around the vagina may lead to a damp musty smell in the area.

• Allergic reactions may cause inflammation as a result of hypersensitivity to certain textiles in the underwear, cheaper tampons or sanitary pads as well as soap or body lotions used in the area. Inflammation may lead to vaginal discharge with an offensive odor.

• A fishy odor often occurring at the time of menstruation (periods) may be a result of the menses coupled with poor hygiene. Regular change of tampons or pads as well as proper bathing and good hygiene should be practiced during your periods.

• Certain sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s) may also contribute to vaginal odor and should be treated immediately once noticed.

Here is a great site for Curing Vaginal Odors.

Preventing & Treating Smelly Vaginal Odor

The first step in Preventing vaginal odor is to ensure good hygiene. Apart from frequent bathing, trimming the pubic hairs is also important. Ensure a regular change of sanitary pads and tampons when menstruating and use a brand that will not cause any irritation to the vagina. Avoid excessive vaginal douching, or discontinue altogether if an offensive vaginal odor persists. In cases of vaginal infections, consult with your doctor and appropriate treatment like antibiotics or antifungals may be necessary. Anti-fungal vaginal creams may also be necessary in cases of vaginal thrush and it is better to consult with your doctor or gynecologist before using any cream or gel internally. Discontinue sexual intercourse if you notice pain and discharge, especially a smelly discharge, after sex.