Feeling Fresh

As you've probably noticed, puberty comes with all kinds of changes —
including the way your body looks and even the way you might think it
smells. These changes are a normal part of becoming a woman, but lots of
girls worry about them.

Do I Smell — and Can People Tell?



Many girls wonder if they smell "down there" — or whether people will
notice they have their periods. And some girls wonder if they should
use douches, wipes, or any of the other products that claim to make
women feel cleaner and fresher. But do these work? And does a girl
really need them?

The truth is that, under normal circumstances, no one ever smells any
odors from a girl's vagina. If a girl has an infection, such as
bacterial vaginosis, she may notice an unpleasant fishy odor, in which
case she should definitely see a doctor. But even then, it's unlikely
that people around her will notice a smell.

As far as periods go, if you change your pads or tampons frequently,
shower or bathe daily, and wear clean clothes, no one can smell that
either.

Douches, Wipes, and Feminine Sprays



Douches, feminine sprays, deodorants, or wipes supposedly keep a
woman's vaginal area smelling fresh and clean. Douching (the name comes
from the French word for "wash") refers to washing out the vagina,
usually with a prepackaged mix of fluids. Unless a doctor tells you to,
you should not douche. Douching can cause allergic reactions,
irritation, and even infections.

Feminine sprays, deodorants, and scented tampons aren't a good idea
either. They are often heavily perfumed and, like douching, can lead to
allergic reactions, irritation, and infections. Your vagina has its own
natural cleaning system that flushes out bacteria, so you don't need to
add any chemicals to help it.

When it comes to odors caused by infections, the treatment is not a
spray, but a prescription medication that treats the infection rather
than covering it up. If you notice a bad smell or think you may have an
infection, see a doctor or gynecologist right away.

It's easy to keep your vagina clean without making it smell like a
flower shop. Washing every day with a mild soap and plenty of warm water
will do the trick. Shower daily — although some girls like to
substitute warm baths during their periods to reduce menstrual cramps.

What Else Can Help?



Wearing cotton underwear, especially in hot weather, can help a girl
feel fresher because cotton and other natural fibers are more
breathable.

During your period, change your pads or tampons often. It may be a
good idea to keep a spare pair of underwear in your backpack to change
into in case you happen to soak through your pad or tampon.