First, remember that vaginal odor is completely natural and healthy and does not need to be masked or removed in any way. What's more, deodorant soaps, sprays, and douches often irritate the vagina and destroy healthy bacteria that live there. The vagina has a delicate pH balance that is easily disrupted by these scented soaps and wipes. A study done by the Mount Sinai Medical Center found that women who use fragranced douches had double the risk of vaginal infections compared with women who did not use such products.

If you must douche, I'd recommend using a simple solution of water and vinegar. Unscented and odor-neutralizing wipes and douches are also preferred. For example, you can try feminine cleansing cloths such as Summer's Eve. These cloths remove odor-causing bacteria from the genitals. If any irritation develops, though, you are better off without them.

The Mount Sinai study also found that women who douched more than once a week were more likely to experience vaginal infections, so if you do douche, limit the number of times you do it. In general, though, a little warm water rinsed on the external genitalia is all that you need to keep your vagina healthy and balanced.

Learn more in the Everyday Health Women's Health Center.