Unpleasant Vaginal Odor

Unpleasant Vaginal Odor



Vagina is the terminal part of female genital tract and has an opening to the exterior of body called vaginal opening. It is natural to have a certain odor of vagina in women, especially in women of childbearing age. But sometimes the odor of vagina is changed to foul smelling or it is increased which can be due to multiple reasons and if this sign is accompanied by additional signs and symptoms then it can be an indicator of a serious problem. Abnormal vaginal odor described by majority women is fish like; in addition to that it may be metallic or musty etc.

 

FACTORS ON WHICH VAGINAL ODOR IS DEPENDENT:

  • Daily activities

  • Hygiene

  • Diet

  • General body health

  • Presence of bacteria in vagina

  • Hormones

 

CAUSES OF ABNORMAL VAGINAL ODOR:

  • Bacterial vaginosis- most common cause (overgrowth of bacteria in vagina causing vaginal discharge, swelling and itching in addition to fishy vaginal odor)

  • Sexually transmitted disease (gonorrhea, Chlamydia etc)

  • Retained tampon

  • Rectovaginal fistula- rare cause (an abnormal opening is formed between the rectum and vagina, by which feces are leaked into the vagina)

  • Pelvic inflammatory disease

  • Poor hygiene

  • Fungal infection (like yeast)

  • Cervical cancer- rare cause

  • Vaginal cancer- rare cause

  • During pregnancy in some women (considered normal most of the times)

  • Intake of certain medicines (these medicines change vaginal secretions causing unpleasant odor)

  • Intake of certain supplements (change vaginal secretions causing unpleasant odor)

  • Irritation of vagina caused by substances on clothes, soaps or creams used for vagina

SOME TIPS TO AVOID ABNORMAL VAGINAL ODOR:

  • Maintain good hygiene of your genitals.

  • Make use of plain yogurt in diet (it maintain the normal flora of vagina)

  • Make use of garlic (it is a natural antibacterial agent)

  • Make use of loose clothes and pants (does not allow buildup of harmful bacteria in vagina)

  • Be sure to change tampons frequently

  • Be sure to Change underwear frequently