By Iris Farrou
13 Jan, 2023
Menstruation, Prevention, Queer Health, Reproductive health, Sexual health, Women's Health
Abnormal Discharge, Ph Balance, vaginal discharge, Vaginal Odors, When to See a Gynecologist, yeast infection
Let’s get one thing out of the way: all vaginas produce some odor, and this odor varies through your menstrual cycle and through life’s activities. For example, you are more likely to experience a stronger smelling vaginal discharge if you are mid-cycle, after intercourse, or after a workout. However, if there is an unfamiliar, strong, and unpleasant odor that persists for several days that is cause for concern and should be checked out ASAP. If it is accompanied by other symptoms like grayish vaginal discharge, itching and burning, then it may be a sign of a health issue as well.
The most common reason for a concerning vaginal odor is an imbalance in your vaginal pH; if your vaginal flora is imbalanced that may produce an unfamiliar smell. Some of those odors can be short term, and not a cause for concern. For example, if you are menstruating you may notice a coppery smell–that’s because period blood contains iron. A slight ammonia odor may be a sign that you are dehydrated or there is urine residue on your genitals. A smell similar to body odor can be a sign that you are stressed and your sweat glands are working overtime.
Temporary changes in your vaginal odor are normal, and they are not always a cause for concern. If bad odor persists, however, you may want to look into one or more of the following possible causes: bacterial vaginosis, which is an infection caused by an imbalance in your vaginal pH; trichomoniasis–a sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite; changes in your vaginal odor due to pregnancy; postpartum vaginal odor. Some rare causes for vaginal odor can also be rectovaginal fistula–an extremely rare condition where the opening between our rectum and vagina allows feces to leak into your vagina; vaginal cancer or cervical cancer.
Treatments
Before you jump into panic mode, and especially if you have just noticed an unpleasant odor down there, you can try the following simple methods to eliminate symptoms (considering they are non threatening):
- Sometimes we just need a really good shower, or more regular showers: if you are working out more, have intercourse more often, or are even way more stressed than usual, that may change your odor.
- Do not wash inside your vagina: you definitely want to use appropriate products to wash the outside areas of your vagina, but do not use water, soap, or a washcloth inside your body.
- Check for product changes: did you recently change your vaginal wash? You may have a sensitivity to a new ingredient, or a new detergent. Even underwear fabrics and tight clothes can cause irritation and a different smell.
- Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet: strong foods like onion, garlic, asparagus and oily fast foods can cause your body to produce not-so-pleasant odors.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17905-vaginal-odor
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If you’ve ever wondered if you’re healthy down there, you’re not alone. Women’s bodies are complex entities, and it feels like they are continually giving us cues about our overall health. If you find yourself scrutinizing those cues, you’re wise to strive to understand your body and its physical signs better. An important indicator of your sexual health is your vaginal discharge. Whether you haven’t paid much attention to your discharge in your past, or you’ve always wondered if what you see is “normal,” it’s time to familiarize yourself with the signs of healthy and unhealthy vaginal discharge. Doing so will help you identify any possible symptoms of a potentially serious condition, and indicate that you may need to make an appointment with your gynecologist for a professional exam and possible treatment.
What is Vaginal Discharge?
Women first begin to produce vaginal discharge when they start to menstruate. Vaginal discharge is a way for the vagina to self-clean, and a means to expel cells and fluid. The production, consistency, and amount of discharge a woman’s body produces varies by individual and can change throughout her menstrual cycle—and her life. In addition to the menstrual cycle, factors that may impact a woman’s vaginal discharge include pregnancy, hormones, or the presence of an infection.
What Does Healthy Vaginal Discharge Look Like?
Healthy vaginal discharge is similar to the mucus that is produced and expelled by your nose. It may be light gray to white, thick, a little slippery, and stringy (think the consistency of some hair gels). Around the time that women ovulate, they experience an increase in vaginal discharge that becomes more slippery and stretchy (think the consistency of egg whites). Women typically experience less discharge during the days immediately following the end of their period.
What Does Unhealthy Vaginal Discharge Look Like?
Your vaginal discharge may be abnormal—a sign of a possible health issue—if it:
- Is accompanied by an unpleasant smell.
- Changes in color, particularly if it becomes grayish, greenish, or resembles pus.
- Develops a foamy texture or is the consistency or cottage cheese.
- Is accompanied by burning, swelling, redness, and extreme itching.
- Occurs with vaginal bleeding that is not due to your period.
What May Cause Unhealthy Vaginal Discharge?
You will want to make an appointment with your gynecologist for an official exam and diagnosis, but if you observe abnormal discharge, it may be due to:
What to Do if You Think Your Discharge is Unhealthy?
If you have any concerns about your vaginal discharge, especially if you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your vaginal area or your pelvis, make an appointment to see your gynecologist. He or she can diagnose your symptoms and provide you with a treatment plan if necessary.
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