Many women think
their private part should be odorless, but as with everywhere else on our body, it
actually has a scent that can be fairly
complex. If that scent becomes unpleasant, though, it could indicate a problem.
Here are the five
most common causes of unpleasant vaginal odor, and (where relevant) how they're
treated.
1. Infection
The most common explanation for an unpleasant vaginal odor is an infection called bacterial vaginosis. No one knows what causes it; the infectious agent or agents have yet to be identified. Signs that you might have it include a fishy odor, as well as a thin white or gray discharge and a burning sensation while urinating or having intercourse. The infection is likely transmitted sexually and is treated with specific antibiotics.
Another possible
cause is trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by a protozoan parasite. The
infection often doesn’t cause symptoms,
but if it does they might include yellow or green, frothy discharge that may smell fishy, as well as
burning with urination and intercourse.
It is effectively treated with a single dose
of antibiotics.
A yeast infection can
cause a yeast-like smell and a thick, white discharge, as well as itching, soreness, and burning
during urination and intercourse. It
occurs when yeast, which are normally present in the vagina, overgrow. That often occurs after taking antibiotics that
kill bacteria, which allows the yeast to grow
without competition from the “good”
bacteria that normally keep them in check. That’s one more reason to take antibiotics only if needed. Yeast
infections are treated with antifungal
medication. They are not sexually transmitted.
2. Hormonal changes
Vaginal secretions during menstruation and between ovulation and your next period may have a more unpleasant odor than those during other parts of the cycle, according to some older research. Another potential hormonal cause is menopause, during which reduced estrogen levels cause vaginal tissue to thin and become less acidic. Many women undergoing menopause notice a smelly, watery discharge. If the smell causes you distress, your doctor may prescribe topical estrogen, which usually eliminates the odor in a few weeks. Since estrogen vaginal cream is absorbed to a small extent into the bloodstream, it should only be used after discussing the pros and cons with your physician.
