Strong vaginal odor can be embarrassing, especially when you can smell it through your clothes and worry that others might notice too. And this is not about being not clean enough, you can shower every day and still have this problem.
This happens when your vaginal microbiome’s balance is disrupted and needs support. The good news is that effective solutions exist and can help you feel comfortable and confident again.
Why Strong Vaginal Odor Happens?
Your vagina has its own community of bacteria, and when everything is working well, it's like a thriving garden. The good bacteria, called Lactobacillus, are the gardeners that keep everything in balance. They make lactic acid, which is a natural acid that keeps your vagina's acid level just right.
This acidic environment is actually protective because it stops harmful bacteria from taking over. But when something disrupts this balance, it's like the gardeners going on vacation and the weeds starting to grow everywhere.
Many everyday things can upset this delicate balance: your menstrual cycle naturally changes your bacterial community each month, stress can also affect it, as can certain medications, such as antibiotics. Even using harsh soaps or douching can throw things off course.
When your good bacteria decrease, your vagina becomes less acidic, and that's when problems start. Harmful bacteria like Gardnerella vaginalis and Prevotella begin to multiply rapidly. These bacteria produce waste products that create that distinctive fishy or strong odor that can be so concerning.
The more these harmful bacteria multiply, the stronger the smell becomes. They break down proteins in your vagina and create substances called biogenic amines, which are what actually cause the odor you're noticing.
What is the right pH level?
Your vaginal acid level is measured on something called the pH scale, and healthy vaginas typically have a pH between 3.8 and 4.5. To put this in perspective, that's quite acidic, similar to coffee or tomatoes.
When your pH rises above 4.5, it creates the perfect environment for harmful bacteria to flourish. They crowd out the good bacteria and create a cycle that can be difficult to break without some help.
Your vagina works best when it's acidic because that acid acts like a natural shield against infections and odor. When that shield weakens, you become vulnerable to the problems you're experiencing.
How to Restore Your Vaginal Balance
Getting your vaginal health back on track involves two main approaches, and both work with your body's natural processes rather than against them.
The first approach focuses on pH level support by reintroducing natural acids like lactic acid. This helps create an environment where harmful bacteria can't thrive, while encouraging your good bacteria to flourish again.
The second approach is bacterial community support, which means directly adding good bacteria along with the nutrients they need to establish themselves. When you combine beneficial bacteria with their food source, it's called a synbiotic approach, and recent research shows this can be incredibly effective.
Science-Backed Solutions for Vaginal Health
Neycher has developed products specifically designed to support your vaginal health, using gentle, science-backed ingredients that work in harmony with your body's natural healing processes.
For Quick Acid Level Support: Neycher's BV Away
Neycher's BV Away is formulated to address multiple symptoms at once: odor, irritation, discomfort, and pH imbalance. While lactic acid is the main ingredient that restores your vaginal acid level, BV Away goes beyond just pH correction.
What makes BV Away different is its comprehensive approach using multiple targeted ingredients. Along with lactic acid, it contains zinc oxide, which creates a protective barrier and has antimicrobial properties that help control odor directly. Bromelain, a natural enzyme, reduces inflammation and supports healing, while calendula extract provides anti-inflammatory benefits that soothe irritation.
The formula also includes aloe vera and hyaluronic acid for comfort. The aloe vera helps calm any irritation, while hyaluronic acid provides moisture to keep you comfortable during treatment. This multi-ingredient approach provides more comprehensive relief than products that only focus on pH.
As the suppository dissolves naturally inside your vagina, it releases all these beneficial ingredients exactly where they're needed most. The ingredients work together synergistically, meaning they're more effective combined than they would be individually.
How to Use BV Away: Insert one suppository vaginally before bed for five consecutive days. The suppository is designed for comfortable insertion and will dissolve naturally overnight. Many people notice improvement within the first few days as their vaginal acid level begins to normalize and other symptoms start to resolve.
For Long-Term Bacterial Health: Neycher's Vaginal Synbiotic
Neycher's Vaginal Synbiotic takes a different approach to rebuilding your bacterial community for lasting health. It combines beneficial bacteria with the nutrients they need to thrive. This creates what's known as a synbiotic formula.
The formula includes carefully selected beneficial bacteria that support vaginal health. These good bacteria work to produce lactic acid naturally. But it doesn't stop there.
It also includes other helpful bacterial strains. Each one plays a specific role in maintaining vaginal health. Some strains focus on producing acid. Others compete directly with harmful bacteria for space and nutrients.
The prebiotic ingredients act like fertilizer. They feed the good bacteria and help them establish themselves for long-term success. This combination approach helps create a healthy environment that can maintain itself over time.
How to Use the Vaginal Synbiotic: Follow the package directions for proper use. Since this approach focuses on rebuilding your entire bacterial ecosystem, the full benefits may take several weeks to develop. But the results tend to be more lasting.
Supporting Your Treatment Success
Both products work best when you support them with healthy habits that don't disrupt your vaginal balance.
- Avoid douching during treatment, and steer clear of harsh soaps or scented products in the vaginal area.
- Cotton underwear allows better airflow than synthetic materials, and it's important to change out of wet swimsuits or workout clothes as soon as possible.
- Staying well-hydrated and eating foods that support healthy bacteria, like yogurt and fermented vegetables, can also make a difference.
- Managing stress when possible is helpful, since stress can actually affect your bacterial balance in ways you might not expect.
When to See a Doctor
While these supportive treatments are effective for many people, it's important to know when professional medical care is needed.
You should see a healthcare provider if your symptoms don't improve after a week of using the product, if the odor gets worse, or if you develop unusual discharge, itching, burning, or irritation. Pelvic pain, fever, or recurring episodes of vaginal odor also warrant medical attention.
Your doctor can test for specific infections and prescribe stronger treatments if needed. Some conditions require prescription medications to clear up completely, and there's no shame in needing professional help.
Don't feel embarrassed about discussing vaginal health with your healthcare provider. These issues are incredibly common, and medical professionals see them regularly and genuinely want to help you feel better.
Common Questions
Q: How long before I notice a difference?
With BV Away, many people see improvement within a few days as the acid level starts to normalize. The Vaginal Synbiotic may take one to two weeks to show full benefits because rebuilding your bacterial community is a more complex process that takes time.
Q: Are these products safe for regular use?
Yes, both products are formulated with gentle ingredients that work with your body's natural processes. They're designed to be safe for regular or maintenance use whenever you need them.
Q: Will my period affect how these work?
It's best to wait until after your period to start treatment because menstrual blood can wash away the active ingredients before they have time to work effectively.
Q: What's the difference between BV and a yeast infection?
The main difference is the type of odor. Bacterial imbalances typically cause a fishy smell, while yeast infections usually don't have a strong odor but instead cause thick, white discharge and intense itching.
Q: Should I douche to help with the odor?
No, douching can actually make the problem worse by washing away good bacteria along with the bad. Your vagina is self-cleaning and doesn't need douching to stay healthy.
Q: Can I use these products during pregnancy?
It's always best to talk to your doctor before using any vaginal products during pregnancy, since pregnancy naturally changes your bacterial balance, and your healthcare provider can guide you on the safest options.
This article is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about any health questions.
References
[1] Plummer, E. L., Bradshaw, C. S., Doyle, M., Fairley, C. K., Murray, G. L., Bateson, D., ... & Vodstrcil, L. A. (2021). Lactic acid-containing products for bacterial vaginosis and their impact on the vaginal microbiota: A systematic review. PLoS one, 16(2), e0246953. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7877752/
[2] Abbe, C., & Mitchell, C. M. (2023). Bacterial vaginosis: a review of approaches to treatment and prevention. Frontiers in Reproductive Health, 5, 1100029. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10264601/
[3] Ravel, J., Simmons, S., Jaswa, E. G., Gottfried, S., Greene, M., Kellogg-Spadt, S., ... & Harper, D. M. (2025). Impact of a multi-strain L. crispatus-based vaginal synbiotic on the vaginal microbiome: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. npj Biofilms and Microbiomes, 11(1), 1-7. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41522-025-00788-6
