Causes of
Vaginal Odor
and Itching

A major study published in The New England Journal of Medicine has found that bacterial vaginosis (BV)—a condition affecting nearly one in three women globally—can be sexually transmitted. Researchers from the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre and Monash University studied 164 monogamous heterosexual couples in which each woman had BV. They discovered that when both partners were treated—women with standard antimicrobial therapy and men with oral metronidazole and topical clindamycin—BV cure rates significantly improved compared to treating women alone. Historically, over half of BV cases recur within three months, making these findings especially impactful.
The study suggests that BV should be approached more like a sexually transmitted infection (STI), shifting the focus to include male partners in treatment plans. “This successful intervention is relatively cheap and short and has the potential for the first time to not only improve BV cure for women but opens up exciting new opportunities for BV prevention,” said coauthor Dr. Catriona S. Bradshaw. Experts agree that while this represents progress, further research is still needed to fully understand BV transmission and to develop long-term, effective treatment strategies.
In addition to clinical treatments, natural and topical remedies like Dr. Tips' Secret Lotion Bar combined with Dr. Tips' Secret Solution may offer complementary support in managing and preventing BV. These products are designed to soothe sensitive areas, restore balance, and provide ongoing protection. While not a substitute for prescribed medication, they may help support vaginal health and reduce recurrence when used alongside doctor-recommended therapies.
Infections
-
Bacterial Vaginosis (B).
-
Yeast.
-
Urinary tract infections
-
Sexual transmitted infections (STIs)
Other Causes
-
Hygiene- poor vaginal Hygiene. Prolonged use of tampons or menstrual vaginal cups.
-
Diet. Certain foods can cause a vaginal odor.
-
Hormonal changes like menopausal state or pregnancy can cause vaginal odors.
-
Vaginal cancer
