Vaginal Odor

It is quite natural for the human body to emit odors. Vaginal odor is no exception, and it can be expected even from a normal, healthy vagina. However, pungent, foul odors that emanate from the vagina can not only be very embarrassing, they may indicate a potentially serious health problem.

 

The most common cause of vaginal odor is bacterial vaginosis. BV is caused by an imbalance of naturally occurring bacterial flora, which may be due to the use of antibiotics or a pH imbalance. BV results in a fishy-smelling odor that may be more obvious after sexual intercourse. Other symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include vaginal itching or irritation and a grayish-white vaginal discharge. Anemia (iron deficiency) is a strong predictor of bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women. BV can also be brought on by prolonged stress. Untreated bacterial vaginosis may cause serious complications, such as increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections, an increase in the development of pelvic inflammatory disease, as well as other complications for pregnant women.

Vaginal Yeast Infections (Candidiasis) also known as White

About 75% of women get at least one yeast infection during their lifetime. Some women have many yeast infections. Women of all ages can get yeast infections.

What causes yeast infections?

Yeast infections are usually caused by an overgrowth of a type of fungus called Candida, also known as yeast. Small amounts of yeast and other organisms are normally found in your vagina, as well as in your mouth and digestive tract. Yeast infections occur when the balance of organisms in your vagina is upset, and the amount of yeast in your vagina grows too much, causing an infection. Yeast infections are most likely to act up just before or just after your menstrual period. Some types of “yeast” infections are harder to treat and are caused by other species. Ask your health care provider (HCP) if you should be checked for these other types if you are not better.

This balance of organisms in your vagina can be changed by:


1. Antibiotics (for acne, throat, ear infections, or even other kinds of vaginal infections) because they can kill the normal bacteria in your vagina and let the yeast grow

2. Being overweight

3.Diabetes

4.Pregnancy

5.HIV infection

6.Steroids

7. Tight underwear made of material such as nylon or Lycra that traps moisture and heat, especially in the summer. (You should wear cotton underwear because it absorbs moisture better)


What are the signs/symptoms of a yeast infection?

The most common symptoms are itching and vaginal discharge. The discharge is often thick, white and, curd-like (almost like cottage cheese). The discharge will be odorless. Other signs are burning, redness, and irritation of the vaginal area. Severe yeast infections may cause swelling of the lips of the vagina. Sometimes, women have pain when the urine passes over the sore tissues.

Sexual intercourse may also be painful for women because of inflammation of the vagina.

Can yeast infections cause serious problems?

Yeast infections are not known to cause any serious health problems. However, the yeast infection itself can be very unpleasant, so you should get it diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

How to Prevent Yeast Infection

You can lower your risk of getting a yeast infection by:

• Never using vaginal douche products
• Wearing cotton underwear and loose fitting pants
• Changing out of a wet bathing suit or workout clothes as soon as you can
• Taking antibiotics only when your health care provider feels you need them

 

By Jonathan Brew