Your Vagina is Not to Blame…or is It?

Odor happens. The vagina is self-cleaning, yet receives most of the blame when something seems a little off-kilter below the belt. It’s no wonder the vagina is blamed, given the products available on the market and the message these products send to women about odor.

“Feminine odor” or “vaginal odor” products are everywhere! From heavily scented “numbing” creams for the vaginal area to douching (Yes, this still exists), intravaginal gels, tropical breeze powder sprays, washes, and wipes... I am here to declare the vagina is most often NOT TO BLAME for the day to day odor you may notice every time you take your pants down.

When bodily fluids come into contact with bacteria, odor happens. Lume halts that odor-causing reaction so you never worry about it again. Check that one off your list of concerns. Check!

Lume Deodorant for Underarms & Private Parts empowers women to eliminate external odors from all that life throws at them.

Causes of Day-to-Day External Odor:

• Intimacy (It can make you feel a little funky)
• Exercise (Workout clothing leaves a lot to be desired)
• Leaky bladders (Carried a child?)
• Periods (Stuck in jeans all day? Yes, there’s that)
• Postmenopausal years (When our chemistry is changing)
• Weight changes (Skin folds and odor can result)

Lume Deodorant is clinically-proven; long-lasting 72-Hour odor control. Multi-purpose use makes Lume Deodorant for Underarms & Private Parts the crown jewel of hygiene products. Who doesn’t want to wake up on a Saturday morning, pull their hair back in a pony and remain confident that Lume has got you covered?

When the Vagina is to Blame

Bacterial Vaginosis, or BV, occurs due to an imbalance of bacteria typically found in the vagina. We have good bacteria that keep the vaginal pH low (lactobacillus) and bad bacteria that thrive when the pH goes up (several types). It’s a case of which came first– the higher pH, or the drop in good bacteria. Either way, science isn’t exactly sure why this happens, but oftentimes it goes away on its own. There are very few articles about Bacterial Vaginosis for the general public, so I hope this is helpful reading.

The most common symptom of BV is a “fishy odor,” but this can also occur with the most common causes of day-to-day external odor, too! So, if odor persists despite two-three days of using Lume for Private Parts, it may be something more concerning and you should see your gynecologist.

Risk Factors for BV include:

1. Intercourse with multiple sexual partners

2. A new sexual partner

3. Foreign bodies like Intrauterine Devices (IUD) and the use of sex toys (Wash your accessories)

4. Retained tampon (It’s top-of-the-charts odor)

5. Douching (Please, stop this)

BV can exist with more serious sexually transmitted infections that require medical treatment.

• Trichomoniasis. Caused by a parasite doctors can see under a microscope and causes a “fishy" odor (off-the-charts), especially after intercourse, and grey, frothy, thin discharge.
• Chlamydia. A sexually transmitted infection that may be asymptomatic and can lead to urinary tract symptoms and infertility.
• Gonorrhea. A sexually transmitted infection that may lead to infertility and a change in discharge.

Symptoms of vaginal infections typically go beyond odor alone and may include:

1. A Change in Vaginal Discharge

• Color. Normal discharge is typically clear, white or pale yellow. If you experience a change to green, grey or dark yellow, it may indicate an internal vaginal infection.
• Texture. Discharge texture can change throughout your cycle and life. Normal vaginal discharge may be thicker like a paste, clear and thin or thicker like an egg white, sticky or stretchy. If discharge becomes foamy or chunky like cottage cheese, you need to get it checked out.
• Odor. Odor changes are normal throughout your cycle. However, if you notice a persistent foul, fishy or rotten odor despite using Lume for Private Parts it is a good indication that you have a vaginal issue going on and need to get that checked out.

2. Persistent External Itching

3. External Vulvar Burning

4. Burning with Urination

5. Pain with Intercourse

6. Fever

If you have concerns something more serious is going on, please see your gynecologist and put your mind at ease.

For the perfect hygiene routine that leaves you with glowing skin and actually addresses the cause of odor, try these other great Lume products with our deodorant.

Use Lume Deodorant Wipes when you need a quick refresher and can't fit in a full shower before applying deodorant. They're way more than just a wet wipe. Try them ANYWHERE you have odor but wish you didn't.

If you're concerned about any vulvar burning, irritation, or itching that distracts you throughout your day, try Lume's mild, unscented natural soap and water, and dry well. Along with wearing cotton undies, you can apply a little shea butter, hydrocortisone, and clotrimazole from your local pharmacy two times a day. If your symptoms don't improve after a few days, you need to see your gynecologist. Even if you don't have those symptoms, Lume Natural Soap for Face & Body is doctor-developed and hypoallergenic. Because it's naturally-scented with essential oils and botanicals, it's great for use on your whole body.

See what people are saying about Lume, and add yours in once you've given Lume a try.

*Disclaimer: Lume is not intended to diagnose or treat infections of the vulva or vagina and should only be used externally.