Smelly vagina: symptoms, causes, to treatment

Definition

What is a smelly vagina?

The vagina has a natural odor that is not too strong and tends to be less irritating. Your vagina smells normal and healthy if it smells similar to vinegar but not too sour.

Even so, the intensity of the smell can change a little more sharply during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. In addition, the vaginal odor is often sharper after sex or exercise. Odor changes caused by these things are still fairly normal, as long as they are not disturbing.

On the other hand, sometimes the vagina can give off an unpleasant odor as a sign of infection. However, this will usually be accompanied by other symptoms such as an itching sensation, burning heat, abnormal vaginal discharge, or irritation.

Simply put, when there are no other accompanying symptoms, vaginal odor can be considered normal. Vaginal odors often don't need treatment and will go away on their own. However, if it doesn't go away you need to get it checked by a doctor.

How common is this condition?

Vaginal odor is nothing short of a strange thing to worry about. This condition is very common in all women, starting at puberty.

To avoid an abnormal odor on your genitals, you should stay away from various risk factors.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of vaginal odor?

Vaginal odor is, of course, marked by the unpleasant smell that comes from your female organs. However, this condition is usually also characterized by symptoms of infection such as:

Itching feeling
Burning sensation
Irritation of the vagina
Abnormal vaginal discharge

Apart from the various symptoms that have been mentioned, there may be other signs that appear. If you see unusual symptoms that bother you, immediately consult a doctor to find out the exact cause.

When to see a doctor

You need to go to the doctor immediately when the smell is very strong and doesn't go away. Especially if accompanied by abnormal vaginal discharge, burning, and itching. This indicates inflammation of the vagina (vaginitis) due to infection.

The infection can spread to the uterus or fallopian tubes if not treated promptly. In addition, your risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases is also higher.

If you get vaginitis while pregnant, tell your gynecologist immediately. You may be at increased risk of various pregnancy complications such as:

Premature birth
Low birth weight
Amniotic fluid infection

Cause

What are the causes of vaginal odor?

Reporting from the Cleveland Clinic, an abnormal odor is usually caused by infection or inflammation of the vagina. This often occurs when normal bacterial levels in the vagina are not balanced, causing vaginitis.

There are various problems that usually cause inflammation in the vagina to cause an abnormal odor, namely:

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis occurs when the growth of bacteria in the vagina exceeds normal. This condition causes the vagina to experience a vaginal discharge that smells foul-smelling with a grayish color.

Yeast (yeast) infection

This infection is caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina. Apart from the smell, the vagina will also feel itchy and experience thick white discharge.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by parasites that is spread through sexual intercourse, either anal, vaginal or oral.

This disease makes the vagina discharge watery discharge which is greenish yellow and sometimes accompanied by foam.

Rectovaginal fistula

This rare condition is characterized by a gap between the rectum and vagina that allows feces to leak into the vagina. This is what makes the vagina smell bad.

Irritation of the vagina

Vaginal spray (douche), scented soaps, spermicide products can irritate the outer skin and inner tissue of the vagina. As a result, it is not impossible that your vagina will produce a very strong odor due to this inflammation.

Other diseases that cause vaginal odor can include vaginal cancer and cervical cancer. In addition, sweating, drugs, hormonal changes, even sanitary napkins or tampons that are not replaced also make the vagina smell bad.

Risk factors

What are the factors that increase a person experiencing vaginal odor?

Here are various factors that increase a person's risk for vaginal odor, namely:

Not keeping the vaginal area clean. For example, rarely showering or letting the vagina continue to be moist
To do douching
Frequently changing sex partners
Rarely change underwear, pads, or tampons
Eat foods with a strong odor

Avoiding these factors helps the vagina stay healthy with its natural odor.

Diagnosis & treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How to diagnose this condition?

To determine the cause of the odor, the doctor will first ask about the symptoms you feel. In addition, the doctor will also ask how long this condition has lasted.

The next step that is usually done is to collect a sample of vaginal fluid. This sample will later be tested in the laboratory to determine the exact cause.

What are the treatment options for vaginal odor?

To treat a smelly vagina, the doctor will adjust the medication to the cause. The following are various choices of drugs that are usually used:

Antibiotics

Anibiotics are prescribed for infections caused by bacteria. Medicines are generally available in cream and drink form. The following are various antibiotics that are prescribed for vaginal bacterial infections, namely:

Metronidazole
Clindamycin
Tinidazole

Take the medicine as prescribed. Even if the symptoms improve before the drug runs out, do not stop treatment. Stopping treatment in the middle of the road can make the bacteria resistant to the drug or the infection will return at a later date.

Antifungal

Antifungal drugs are only prescribed for bacteria caused by yeast or fungus. This medication works by stopping the growth of yeast in the vagina until the problem is resolved properly. Prescription medications are usually available in the form of creams, suppositories and drinks.

Various antifungal drugs that are commonly prescribed include:

Miconazole
Terconazole
Fluconazole

The duration of treatment is adjusted to the severity of the disease. Follow the directions for using the drug as instructed by the doctor.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes and home remedies to treat vaginal odor?

Combining certain home remedies and lifestyle changes with a doctor's medication can make the illness heal faster. Here are various ways you can do this: