A vaginal odor is an unpleasant odor coming from your vagina. A little vaginal odor can be normal, but it often varies throughout your menstrual cycle pregnancy, and menopausal stage. A vaginal discharge often causes an odor. A stronger smell may also be noticeable after sexual intercourse or exercise. Although it is normal for your vagina to have its own unique smell, it could also be a sign of a more severe problem.
To know more about this, you can consult a GYN in Brownsville and visit Doral Health and Wellness – Women’s Health Center.
Every woman can experience vaginal odor at some point. But if you have extremely poor hygiene, have a different sexual partner, use douches, and are pregnant, you are at higher risk of having vaginal odor.
CAUSES
It’s normal for the vagina to smell, but you must keep track of the changes in its smell as it can cause another underlying medical condition. Especially if you develop irritation, itching, and burning sensation down there. Some of the causes of vaginal odor can include:
- Poor hygiene – not showering regularly can lead to more serious health problems, such as inflammation of the vaginal area
- Diet – the types of food and drinks can influence the smell of your urine, which can affect the smell of your vagina
- Sweating – your groin area is prone to sweating which can lead to vaginal odor
- Bacterial vaginosis – this is an infection from the overgrowth of normal vaginal bacteria. This is one of the most common causes of vaginal odor
- Trichomoniasis – this is one of the sexually transmitted infections which can also cause vaginal odor
- Rectovaginal fistula – this is a condition where feces leak into the vagina
- Cervical cancer – one of its symptoms includes a strong and bad-smelling vaginal discharge
TREATMENT
Vaginal odor usually goes away without treatment. If it doesn’t resolve on its own, you should consult your gynecologist for the best course of action aligned with your condition.
You can reduce the risk of having vaginal odor by doing some of these tips:
- Wearing breathable underwear, such as cotton underwear
- Practicing good hygiene by washing the vagina with warm water and nonirritating soap
- Avoid feminine sprays and deodorants
- Proper wiping after urinating
- Use condoms during sexual intercourse to prevent STI/STD
Remember, your doctor can help you get the care you need. If you are looking for a GYN that you can trust, you can schedule your appointment at Doral Health and Wellness – Women’s Health Center, where we provide women with quality healthcare services. Our specialists aim to deliver the highest quality of healthcare. To schedule an appointment, you can visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, 11212, or call us on 1-347-384-5690 or 1-347-955-3465. You can also visit our website to book an appointment online at https://doralhw.org or contact us at info@mainwebsite.dialysisny.com if you have any queries.