Causes of vaginal odor range from mild to serious conditions

Every woman has a unique and different vaginal scent. A normal, healthy vaginal scent is generally a little sour like vinegar, but not overpowering. However, if it smells fishy or foul and lasts a long time, there is probably a problem with your vagina. What are the conditions and diseases that cause abnormal vaginal odor?

The most common cause of vaginal odor

A slightly sour, vinegar-like vaginal odor is normal. The sour smell comes from the good bacteria that naturally live in your vagina, as well as the fluid that your vagina produces.

The vaginal environment with an acidic pH is important for preventing infection. In fact, when the pH level of the vagina is disturbed, the infection will be more susceptible to attack and cause disease.

Here are various conditions and diseases that cause vaginal odor:

1. Rarely change your underwear

Just like other parts of the body, the vagina also needs to be cleaned regularly. Moreover, this area is always closed

The habit of rarely changing underwear can keep the vagina moist so it can be infested with bacteria and fungi. Especially if you were doing activities all day long that made the sweat flow profusely.

If this habit is not changed, do not be surprised if the vagina becomes more pungent than usual.

Make it a habit to regularly change your underwear at least twice a day, maybe more if you are prone to sweating. Also, don't wear pants that are too tight with a material that doesn't absorb sweat.

2. The food you consume

Sometimes, what you eat everyday can cause body and vaginal odor too, you know!

Some foods that have been proven to make your body smell bad include garlic, onions, asparagus, and curried foods.

Reducing the frequency of meals and portions can help reduce body odor that is too strong. Including the vagina.

3. Are currently taking certain drugs

Another reason why your vagina becomes smelly is a side effect of taking certain medications. An example is an antibiotic drug that disrupts the balance of bacteria in the vagina. As a result, vaginal odor can sometimes appear.

So it is with antihistamine drugs. Antihistamines can cause the production of natural vaginal fluids to decrease. As a result, the vagina is drier and prone to infections that cause odor.

4. Just finished menstruation

Menstruation is sometimes the cause of vaginal odor. This is usually caused by hormonal changes or the remnants of the lining of the uterus (endometrium) which are also shed.

The rancid smell in the vagina sometimes appears stronger before the end of menstruation.

5. Hormonal changes

Hormonal changes can also be the cause of changes in your vaginal odor. Hormone therapy, use of birth control pills, and decreased estrogen levels (menopause) can cause an increase in bacteria and cause a vaginal odor.

6. Bacterial infection

Bacterial vaginal infection or bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition when the vagina becomes inflamed due to an overgrowth of bacteria. An excess of bad bacteria will disrupt the pH balance of the vagina. This is then what causes the vagina to smell bad.

All women of all ages can get BV. However, it is women of reproductive age who experience it most often.

In addition, the habit of cleaning the vagina with scented soaps and changing sexual partners without a condom can also increase your risk.

So how do you recognize a bacterial infection in the vagina?

In addition to a fishy or foul vaginal odor, BV can also cause:

• Liquid, grayish, white, or greenish discharge
• Vaginal itching
• Burning feeling when urinating

7.Yeast (fungal) infections

Yeast infection occurs when the fungus Candida albicans multiplies too much in the vagina. Candida fungus actually lives naturally in the vagina, and doesn't cause any problems. But when they grow wild, these mushrooms cause problems.

A woman's risk of developing candidiasis infection can be affected by pregnancy, weak immune system, stress, lack of sleep, or chronic diabetes. You are also more susceptible to developing yeast infections if you are taking certain antibiotics.

Yeast infections have signs and symptoms that tend to be easy to spot, such as:

• Itching sensation in the vagina
• The area in the vagina and around it experiences swelling
• Pain during sex
• Burning sensation when urinating
• Reddish rash on the vaginal skin
• Whitish that smells and is gray in color

8. Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is an infection caused by the parasite trichomoniasis vaginalis. This disease is transmitted through unsafe sex, such as not using a condom.

Trichomoniasis can be a cause of vaginal odor. Various other symptoms that often accompany this disease include:

• Pain during sex.
• The vaginal area is red, burning, and itchy.
• White, gray, yellowish, or greenish discharge with an unpleasant odor.

9. Rectovaginal fistula

A rectovaginal fissure is a condition when there is a gap between the rectum and vagina. This condition can cause stool to leak and pass through the vagina. When this happens, vaginal odor is inevitable.

In addition to the pungent odor and fecal discharge from the vagina, rectovaginal fissures are also characterized by:

• Recurrent vaginal or urinary tract infections
• Irritation or pain in the vulva, vagina, and the area between the vagina and anus (perineum)
• Pain during sex

Rectovaginal fissures generally arise due to various factors such as:

• Injury during childbirth
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Treatment of cancer in the pelvic area
• Complications after surgery in the pelvic area

10. Vaginal cancer

Vaginal cancer is a rare disease that affects women. This disease is often not recognized because the symptoms are very vague. Apart from being the cause of vaginal odor, this type of cancer also causes various other problems such as:

• Bleeding in the vagina after intercourse
• Bleeding outside the menstrual cycle
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• The presence of a lump in the vagina
• Pain when urinating
• Constipation
• Pelvic pain

When you experience one or more of these symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor.

11. Cervical cancer

Apart from vaginal cancer, cervical or cervical cancer can also be a cause of vaginal odor. This unpleasant smell comes from abnormal vaginal discharge that sometimes even bleeds.

In addition, reported by the Cleveland Clinic, other signs of cervical cancer are:

• Bleeding after sex, during exercise, outside of a menstrual schedule, or after menopause
• Bleeding during menstruation that is heavier and longer
• Pain when urinating
• Bloody urine
• Diarrhea
• The anus bleeds during bowel movements
• The whole body hurts

Remember, not everyone experiences vaginal odor for the same causes. Therefore, you should further consult your doctor to find out the exact cause and the appropriate treatment steps.

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