Vaginal odor is not a normal part of a healthy woman’s life. If you have noticed an unusual or unpleasant-smelling discharge, it may be a sign that there is something wrong with your vaginal health. Fortunately, there are several things that cause vaginal odor and they can usually be treated easily. Below are some common causes of vaginal odor, along with tips on what to do if you experience any of them:
Yeast Infection
Yeast and bacterial infections are the most common causes of vaginal odor. Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of the fungus CANDIDA ALBICANS, which can grow in warm, moist areas such as the vagina and mouth.
If you have either type of infection, your healthcare provider like Dr. Rachel Oliver may recommend using an antifungal cream or taking antibiotics to treat it before trying any home remedies for getting rid of vaginal odor — especially if your symptoms seem severe or persistent!
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are another common cause of vaginal odor. A fishy odor, yellowish discharge and white discharge can be signs of STDs such as candidiasis. In addition to these symptoms, STDs can also cause itching, burning or soreness in the genital area.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms it is important that you see your doctor right away so they can diagnose what type of infection you have and prescribe treatment accordingly!
Menopause
Menopause is a natural part of aging that can cause the pH of your vagina to change. This can lead to an increase in vaginal odor, which can be embarrassing and uncomfortable for some women. However, menopause-related vaginal odor is not a serious condition and it can be treated with over-the-counter medications (antifungal creams). Some women have no symptoms at all during this time period because their bodies naturally adjust to the hormonal changes that occur during menopause.
Abnormal Urine OR Bowel Movements
If you are experiencing a vaginal odor, it is important to rule out the possibility of an underlying medical condition.
There are many common causes of vaginal odor that can be easily treated. The most common culprits include:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Diarrhea and/or constipation
- Indigestion
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age. If you experience a fishy odor and/or itching or burning with sex, BV may be to blame, says Dr. Rachel Oliver.
BV is caused by an imbalance of naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina–and these imbalances can happen for a number of reasons. For example:
- You’re having frequent sex–and your body isn’t able to recover from each encounter before another one starts up again (this is especially true if your partner has ejaculated inside of you).
- You have recently started taking antibiotics or birth control pills that alter your natural pH balance.
- Your partner has recently ejaculated inside of you without using protection–which means he could have transmitted harmful bacteria from his penis onto yours!
Conclusion
If you are experiencing vaginal odor, it’s important to know that it can be caused by a variety of factors. If you notice any unusual symptoms or have questions about what might be causing your smell, contact your doctor immediately.
