Don't worry, vaginal odor is normal.

A woman's genital area usually has a naturally occurring musty odor because of its acidic pH level, according to Dr. Lulu Marquez on DZMM's "Private Nights."

However, she clarified that a foul or fishy scent from a woman's sensitive area may be a cause of alarm.

Here are some causes of abnormal vaginal odor:

Poor hygiene

If a woman does not regularly shower, it can lead to the inflammation of the vaginal area which can cause vaginal odor. Marquez said women who do not change their clothes and underwear after exercising may get a foul odor in the bikini area.

Sweating

According to the doctor, sweat can be from the eccrine gland (produces salt and water) or apocrine gland (produces protein and fats). Apocrine sweat comes from the sweat glands from the hair follicles from the underarms, and pubic hair, among others.

Marquez explained that the bacteria are more attracted to proteins and fats, which causes the bad smell.

Diet

The vaginal area's smell may also vary depending on the food intake of the woman.

Marquez shared that these are some of the foods that can make your vagina smell bad: garlic, curry, onions, spices, and coffee. Meanwhile, eating these foods may help a patient's vaginal area to smell better: pineapple, kiwi, blueberry, strawberry, mango, green tea, cucumber, parsley, and other food with prebiotics like kimchi and miso soup.

Cancer

One of the most common concerns of a cervical cancer patient is also vaginal odor.

Sexually-transmitted disease (STD)

A smelly genitalia can also be caused by STDs like syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.

Excessive vaginal douching

Marquez admitted that douching is not harmful to the pH balance of the sensitive area. However, she reminded women that the vagina is self-cleaning, and that chemicals found in some formula used for washing the bikini area may cause irritation and infection, which can lead to having a foul smell.

Sexual intercourse

While the women’s' genitalia has an acidic pH level, men's seminal fluid is alkaline. Its interaction during sexual intimacy can lead to bad odor.

Marquez offered some tips on how to get rid of the nasty smell:

1. When you smell anything out of the ordinary, visit your doctor for an examination. She can tell what the cause is and how to address it properly.

2. Do not self-medicate. The condition may only worsen if treated improperly.

3. Avoid wearing tight underwear to minimize vaginal sweating which can cause bad odor. It is also advisable to use underwear made of pure cotton.

4. When you are on your period, regularly change your tampons or napkins. Do not forget to leave them on for long periods of time.

5. Use organic feminine wash to avoid vaginal irritation.