Verified By Apollo Gynecologist September 23, 2023
9308Vaginal discharge is crucial for the proper functioning of the female reproductive system. It is normal for your vagina to give off a slight odor. But a strong smell may indicate a problem. Vaginal odor is caused due to several reasons.
In a nutshell, vaginal odor is any smell that comes from the vagina. The intensity or smell of the odor can differ during pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause. Women may also notice strong vaginal odors after exercise, sexual intercourse, or other high-intensity activities.
An abnormal, foul odor may manifest with other symptoms like irritation, burning, discharge, and itching. When your vaginal odor is unaccompanied by other symptoms, it is considered normal.
An abnormal odor may also occur due to infection or other similar problems. A proper diagnosis can help determine the cause of the odor. You must seek professional help if you notice abnormal vaginal odor regularly.
If you see any of the following vaginal odours, contact your gynaecologist.
The following symptoms, when accompanied by vaginal odor, may be a threat to your health.
If you regularly experience an excessive vaginal discharge or strong vaginal odor, it is recommended that you seek medical help. Your doctor will assess your medical history and ask you questions about the symptoms you experience. These questions may include – What is the color of your discharge? Do you douche? Do you have more than one sexual partner? Do you experience burning or itching around the vaginal area? Does it smell?
The doctor will then take the discharge sample or do a Pap test to collect a sample of your cervical cells. This will help your doctor examine and understand the cause of your vaginal odor.
If you’re experiencing itching or burning sensations around your vaginal area, you might want to seek a doctor’s help.
Doctors first identify the causes of vaginal odor and then suggest appropriate remedies or treatment. Remedies vary based on the cause. Your doctor may often prescribe antibiotics if you have infections like trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis.
Given below are some of the ways to help you regulate mild vaginal odor.
The treatment of vaginal odour entirely depends on the primary cause of the problem. For instance, trichomoniasis is treated with drugs prescribed by the doctor. Yeast infections are generally treated with antifungal medicines. These medicines are inserted inside the vagina in a gel or cream form or may be given orally.
There are some serious causes of strong vaginal odour. Hence, seeking medical help is crucial as doctors can determine the health of your reproductive system. In rare circumstances, a vaginal odour may indicate cancer. Your doctor may recommend imaging tests to diagnose the issue further.
Vaginal odor is considered normal. However, if linked to symptoms like itching, excessive discharge, and vaginal dryness, you must visit your doctor immediately. At times, hormonal changes are also responsible for strong vaginal odour.
Your doctor can help you analyze your condition by inquiring in detail about your symptoms. With relevant information, your doctor can treat a strong vaginal odor. You should avoid taking any medication for vaginal odour without your doctor’s advice as they might result in side effects, causing a threat to your health.
The main reason may be bacterial infection if you have a fishy vaginal odor or notice any vaginal discharge. A common reason for a fishy smell is bacterial vaginosis.
Sexual intercourse when you have a vaginal inflammation or vaginal infection can be uncomfortable and painful. If your symptoms are serious, you should avoid vaginal intercourse. If the source of your vaginal infection is an (Sexually Transmitted Diseases )STD, it can also spread to your partner. If you have a vaginal infection, it is recommended for you to consult your doctor before having sexual intercourse with partner.
Bacterial vaginosis is the overgrowth of the commonly occurring bacteria in the vagina. This is one of the most widely reported vaginal infections resulting in vaginal odor. You must seek professional help and treat this with prescribed medication. The creams and gels prescribed by your doctor can help relieve the burning sensations caused around or inside the vaginal area.
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