That's why he usually tells women to pay attention to what affects their odour at any given time. If you find that your normal scent is off and you've been eating more processed foods, try increasing your intake of fruit and vegetables and see if that makes a difference. While not a common cause of vaginal odours, one of the symptoms of cervical cancer is a foul-smelling blood stained discharge.
The culprit: the odour results from the dying cancerous cells present in the cervix. A sweaty vagina is definitely a smelly one. When you sweat, especially while exercising, your sweat glands in your groin secrete an oily fluid that's metabolised by bacteria on your skin. This produces a noticeable smell that you can detect after a strenuous exercise session.
It's not uncommon to notice a strong scent when you're menstruating. Since blood has a higher pH level, your vaginal flora can get thrown off a little during your period and "you may notice a metallic smell," says Prince. This type of smell should resolve once menstruation ends though. You can't eliminate all smells, but you can reduce the intensity of an odour by practising certain hygiene protocols.
If you're experiencing a change in your vaginal scent, try a few of these recommendations to see if you can take care of it on your own. The best thing you can do is keep your groin area as dry as possible, and one of the best ways to do that is to change out of your sweaty clothes as soon as possible.
All healthy vaginas contain bacteria and yeast. The normal acidity of your vagina keeps bacteria and yeast in check, essentially cleaning itself. If you douche flushing water up into the vagina , you can upset this delicate balance. Morton says water is the best cleaning fluid with a simple non-scented shower gel or soap when it comes to cleaning the area outside your vagina your vulva. A go-to resource for medical advice, the Mayo Clinic offers comprehensive info on vaginal odor, from symptoms and causes to diagnosis and treatment.
Additional reporting by Julie Marks and Brianna Majsiak. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools. Vaginal Odor. Reviewed: April 23, Medically Reviewed. Vaginal odor is any unpleasant odor that comes from the vagina. It's normal for your vagina to have its own unique smell, but a very strong odor may signal a problem.
The smell of your vagina may vary during your menstrual cycle , pregnancy , or menopause. You may also experience stronger smells after sexual intercourse or exercise. An intense odor, however, could be due to an infection that needs treatment. Temporary vaginal odor is common and often goes away on its own. Vaginal odor is considered normal if you don't have other symptoms. Some causes of vaginal odor may include: Bacterial vaginosis BV This infection is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina.
Symptoms may include a strong, fishy odor and a thin, gray discharge. Trichomoniasis A sexually transmitted infection STI , trichomoniasis can cause vaginal odor. Other STIs, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia , typically aren't accompanied by a strong smell but may be the culprit, per the Mayo Clinic.
A forgotten or stuck tampon A very strong vaginal odor can occur if you forget to take a tampon out or if one is stuck inside you. According to the British National Health Service, it is not possible for a tampon to get lost inside you. It can however be compressed at the top of your vagina. The effect it has is much different from washing yourself in the bath or shower, which is perfectly healthy. Doctors don't recommend douching because it can increase your risk for many health problems including STIs, and even interfere with conception.
Douching removes healthy bacteria that the vagina needs to keep balanced and can actually make the problem worse in the long run. In addition, douching can promote overgrowth of harmful bacteria, which can lead to yeast infections or BV. If you already have a vaginal infection, douching may spread the infection into your uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, which can cause pelvic inflammatory disease , a serious infection that causes infertility in 1 in 10 women who have it, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Poor hygiene Not bathing or showering regularly can lead to inflammation of the vaginal area, which can cause vaginal odor.
Sweating The skin in the groin area is prone to sweating, which can cause vaginal odor. Diet What you eat and drink influences the smell of urine , and there's some evidence that what you eat can affect your vaginal odor. If your vagina smells off, foods with strong odor, such as garlic, could be the cause.
Your menstrual cycle Your vaginal smell likely changes during different stages in your cycle. Pregnancy According to the Cleveland Clinic, pregnant women are at a higher risk of having changes in vaginal smell due to hormonal changes and increased vaginal secretions.
Rare causes of vaginal odor include: Rectovaginal fistula This is a rare abnormal opening between the vagina and the rectum that allows feces to leak into the vagina, which can contribute to vaginal odor. Other symptoms include recurrent vaginal or urinary tract infections UTIs , pain during sex, or stool in your vagina.
Cervical or vaginal cancer In rare cases, abnormal vaginal odor can sometimes be a symptom of cervical or vaginal cancer. Other symptoms of possible cervical or vaginal cancer are heavy vaginal discharge that can have a strong odor, according to the Cleveland Clinic. A urine test can check for pregnancy and STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea. A urinalysis can test for a UTI , while a sample of vaginal fluid is used to diagnose trichomoniasis or BV. If left untreated, infections can be extremely dangerous and cause permanent damage, so never try to treat them on your own without proper diagnosis.
Although rare, a rectovaginal fistula can be diagnosed through a vaginal exam and a rectal exam. If the fistula cannot be identified, imaging studies such as an ultrasound , CT scan , or an MRI may be performed. While some rectovaginal fistulas close on their own, most require surgery.
If cancer is suspected — though this is rarely the cause of vaginal odor — your doctor will likely perform a Pap test to screen cervical or vaginal cells for cancer.
Blood contains iron, which explains the smell of metal. Bittersweet or molasses-y. If your vaginal odor comes off smelling a little like tangy gingerbread, your normal bacteria may be in a bit of flux, affecting your pH balance and, therefore your aroma. Bleachy, like a clean kitchen sink. A chemically vaginal odor could be attributed to a bit of urine in your underwear or around your vulva. But please note, it could also be the sign of a bacterial infection. Read on Unhealthy Vaginal Odors If you notice any of these vaginal odors, you may want to contact your gynecologist.
If your vaginal odor is running foul, like the smell of dead fish, it may be a sign of a more serious condition: Bacterial Vaginosis BV is one possibility. BV is a bacterial infection that occurs when your healthy lactobacilli get out of balance and grow too much. Symptoms include thin vaginal discharge that has a strong fishy smell and a little itching or burning when you urinate.
BV is treated with an antibiotic. Trichomoniasis , a sexually transmitted infection, is another possible explanation for a heavy fishy vaginal odor. Women with trichomoniasis may notice genital itching, burning, redness or soreness; urinary discomfort; and a clear, white, yellowish, or greenish vaginal discharge. Trichomoniasis is treatable with antibiotics. Rotten, like bad meat.
0コメント