Causes of a Smelly Odor

The causes of vaginal odor may be a result of a number of factors that impact on the overall health of the affected area.

• Vaginal infections (vaginitis) may result in a smelly vagina, typically the fishy odor from the vagina, that may occur as a result of a bacterial infection or even thrush. Typically, vaginal discharge may be noticed. Pain, burning and itching are other signs of a vaginal infection and if present with the sudden onset of a fishy odor, it should be further investigated by a doctor.

• Poor hygiene of the vagina can also result in vaginal odor. Infrequent bathing or washing of the outer parts of the vagina, along with long and unkept pubic hair creates an environment for bacteria to thrive on the outside of the vagina. Coupled with perspiration, this will lead to vaginal odor.

• Frequent vaginal douching which may be performed to prevent vaginal odor can actually contribute to a smelly vagina. Douching kills normal bacteria that lives in the area thereby allowing ‘bad bacteria’ to invade the area and lead to vaginal infections and odor.

• Certain hormonal conditions, like pregnancy, during ovulation, oral contraceptives (the pill) or hormone replacement therapy (HRT), may cause excessive vaginal discharge which may be a contributing factor to an offensive vaginal odor.

• Fungal infections of the skin around the vagina may lead to a damp musty smell in the area.

• Allergic reactions may cause inflammation as a result of hypersensitivity to certain textiles in the underwear, cheaper tampons or sanitary pads as well as soap or body lotions used in the area. Inflammation may lead to vaginal discharge with an offensive odor.

• A fishy odor often occurring at the time of menstruation (periods) may be a result of the menses coupled with poor hygiene. Regular change of tampons or pads as well as proper bathing and good hygiene should be practiced during your periods.

• Certain sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s) may also contribute to vaginal odor and should be treated immediately once noticed.

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Preventing & Treating Smelly Vaginal Odor

The first step in Preventing vaginal odor is to ensure good hygiene. Apart from frequent bathing, trimming the pubic hairs is also important. Ensure a regular change of sanitary pads and tampons when menstruating and use a brand that will not cause any irritation to the vagina. Avoid excessive vaginal douching, or discontinue altogether if an offensive vaginal odor persists. In cases of vaginal infections, consult with your doctor and appropriate treatment like antibiotics or antifungals may be necessary. Anti-fungal vaginal creams may also be necessary in cases of vaginal thrush and it is better to consult with your doctor or gynecologist before using any cream or gel internally. Discontinue sexual intercourse if you notice pain and discharge, especially a smelly discharge, after sex.

Normal vaginal discharge is often associated with a rise in the estrogen levels, around the time of ovulation, pregnancy, just before the first period in life (menarche) and may be caused by certain drugs. In these cases, the discharge is not usually considered to be a problem if there is an absence of other symptoms. However if other concomitant symptoms, like itching, burning during urination, a rash or pelvic pain, is also present, then further investigation is required.

Urinary tract and vaginal infections plague most women at some point in their life and recurrent infections are not unusual. In most of these cases, the infections are caused by bacteria although viral and yeast (candida fungus) infections may also trigger vaginal discharge and itching. If persistent itching and discharge is noted in young girls, with personality changes, the possibility of sexual abuse should be considered and further examination by a gynecologist may be necessary.

Common Causes of Vaginal Discharge & Itching

• Poor personal hygiene especially of the genitalia and surrounding areas.
• Allergic reactions to tampons, sanitary pads, toilet paper, soaps and body lotions.
• Infections, particularly bacterial like streptococcal and staphylococcal infections, trichoma, candida (vaginal thrush).
• Injury to the vagina, especially when constantly interfering with the genitals (toddlers and young children) or certain sexual practices in adult females.

Preventing Vaginal Irritation – Itch & Discharge

• Personal hygiene should always be attended to appropriately and washing the genitalia properly, maintaining grooming of the pubic hairs and proper cleaning after using the lavatory is important.
• Avoid sanitary products and bathing applications that may cause vaginal irritation. Changing the brand of the product causing the irritation may help with reducing discharge and itching. This also applies to certain brands of condoms.
• If you have noticed vaginal itch and discharge after starting certain medication, speak to your doctor about changing the type of medication if possible.
• Take note of any itching and discharge and visit your doctor immediately rather than waiting till the infection progresses further. Any discharge that appears abnormal, brown or black vaginal discharge, or foul smelling discharge, especially with a fishy odor, is an indication of an infection and you should consult with your doctor immediately.
• Do not ignore recurrent infections as further investigation may be necessary to identify causes of these repeat infections.
• If you notice pain or bleeding during sexual intercourse, or if it occurs spontaneously and is not related to your periods, then medical attention is required.
• Proper cleaning techniques and regular diaper changes in female toddlers and infants is important to prevent vaginal infections from feces or cross contamination between the anus and vagina.

Vaginal discharge and itch may be sign of a more serious pathology and should not be ignored. Apart from the possible complications of unattended infections, foul smelling vaginal discharge and persistent itching can be both embarrassing and awkward.