Most women experience feminine issues from time to time. Unfortunately,
the fact that they're common doesn’t make them any less embarrassing.
Feminine odor is especially frustrating, because it can leave you
feeling unclean and gross, even if that’s not the case. There are lots
of causes for feminine odor, but here are the top five culprits.
Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) sounds like a big scary term, but it’s
actually very common. In fact, BV is the most common cause of vaginal
odor, according to the Mayo Clinic.
What stress does to your body
Every vagina is filled with naturally occurring bacteria, and BV is
simply an overgrowth of that bacteria. According to Mary M. Galenberg,
M.D., OB-GYN for the Mayo Clinic, most women in their reproductive years
will experience at least one case of BV. The cause is unknown, but
unprotected sex and frequent douching can put you at a higher risk.
Other symptoms include itching, soreness and discharge.
Some cases of BV will go away on their own, but Planned Parenthood
recommends that all women with BV symptoms visit their doctor for
treatment to prevent rare but serious complications. Treatment for BV is
usually as simple as a course of antibiotics.
Yeast infection
A yeast infection is also very common (and very uncomfortable!). They
present much like BV, with the addition of a thick, white discharge.
Yeast infections don’t require antibiotics and instead can be treated
with one- or three-course vaginal anti-fungal treatments. Your doctor
may also recommend a one-time oral anti-fungal treatment.
Symptoms of a yeast infection
Treatment for yeast infections has become very simple and can even be
purchased over-the-counter. Most of these treatments tend to get messy,
so it’s better to use them overnight.
Galenberg recommends you visit your doctor if you are experiencing
these symptoms but have never been diagnosed with a yeast infection, as
well as if treatment doesn’t resolve the symptoms or you get four or
more infections in one year.
Sexually transmitted diseases
Some STDs can cause feminine odor, the most common being chlamydia
and gonorrhea. Both diseases are common and easy to treat, but can cause
serious complications if they go untreated. Unfortunately, both are
also often undiagnosed because they may or may not produce symptoms. The
most common symptoms of chlamydia and gonorrhea include painful
urination and puss-like discharge, although an unpleasant odor is often
present as well. See your doctor immediately if you are experiencing any
of these symptoms and avoid risk by abstaining or using protection
during sex.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) occurs when bacteria (usually
sexually transmitted) travel through the vagina into the uterus. It is
often a late-stage result of an undiagnosed STD, such as chlamydia. PID
usually isn’t diagnosed until you experience chronic pain or have
trouble getting pregnant because it often doesn’t have symptoms. If
symptoms of PID do present, they may include pelvic pain, odor, heavy
discharge, fever, fatigue, painful intercourse or painful urination.
PID can often be treated with antibiotics, though it may leave behind
scar tissue that has lasting effects. According to Galenberg, lasting
effects might include chronic pain, infertility or ectopic pregnancies.
Poor feminine hygiene
It’s possible that the cause for your feminine odor may be nothing
more than poor hygiene. We’ve got a lot of complicated parts down there,
and caring for them isn’t always easy. Make sure you’re covering all
your bases to keep your lady parts fresh and clean.
First and foremost, make sure you’re washing thoroughly every day.
Women have oil and sweat glands in the vaginal area that, while
completely natural, can cause odor if not attended to. Use mild,
fragrance-free soaps, because anything else can upset that sensitive
area and lead to even more troubles. Make sure you wipe from front to
back after using the restroom and wear clean underwear every day, even
if you don’t have time to shower.
Dr Tango is Consultant Physician with facts and Figures Email- caremed001@gmail.com
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