If there is a smell from the intimate area. Bad smell from the vagina

The beautiful half of humanity quite often has to deal with the appearance of an unpleasant odor in the vagina and constant discharge. These problems lead to a change in a woman's lifestyle: a decrease in physical activity and difficulties in her sexual life. Most of the woman's leisure time turns out to be impossible for her: visiting the pool, sauna, gym. The restrictions that have appeared affect the moral state of the lady, complexes begin to develop. All this is fraught with a break in relations with a loved one. The unpleasant smell of discharge in women is treatable, so at the first sign of the disease, you should contact a qualified specialist.

Discharge from a healthy woman

A woman's secret is not always evidence of disorders or diseases that have appeared in a woman's body. There is a certain rate of discharge, which does not need to be treated. Every day, about 5 ml of secretion is secreted from the girl's vagina.

“The secret is a liquid formed by cells and containing active components in its composition. The fluid is secreted by the glands.

The normal color of such secretions varies from clear to slightly yellowish. They smell slightly sour or completely absent. Normal discharge in women is associated with the natural physiological processes of cleansing the body. The fluid leaving the vagina contains in its composition: a secret, dead cells of the epithelial tissue, bacteria. In addition, thick discharge comes out of the cervix once a month, indicating ovulation. Most often they can be seen during sexual contact. An unpleasant smell in an intimate place may appear before sexual intercourse. It is formed in the area of ​​the clitoris and the cause of it is the excitation of the woman. Quite sharp on the one hand, the smell is natural and attractive to the opposite sex.

Reasons for the appearance of discharge

Unpleasant smell from the intimate area has its own causes. It appears in connection with the active reproduction of bacteria in the human body. The main causes that have a major impact on failures in the human body:

• non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene;
• hormonal disruptions;
• infectious diseases;
• lack of activity in lifestyle;
• malnutrition;
• carrying out an excessive number of douching procedures;
• unprotected sex with an infected person;
• venereal diseases.

Important! Never self-medicate, it can lead to irreversible consequences, which even the most experienced and qualified gynecologist will not be able to cope with.

The color of the discharge is a map that reveals the disease

An unpleasant smell from the vagina indicates the occurrence of certain problems in the human body. What caused them can be understood by the shade of the discharge that appeared. Most often a person meets with the following liquid colors:

• White. White discharge and an unpleasant odor are a sign of thrush. This disease is very common. Curdled discharge can appear, both in the representatives of the weaker sex actively leading a sexual life, and in those who practically do not have sexual contact. White female secretion can occur with bacterial vaginosis. To accurately determine the cause of the onset of the disease, the gynecologist takes a smear.
• Yellow. A yellowish discharge indicates an infection in the vagina and uterus. Abundant discharge close to a greenish tint indicates the presence of gonococcus. An infectious disease of this kind will be characterized by constant burning and unpleasant itching. If symptoms appear after unprotected sex, you should immediately seek medical help.
• Purulent. Such secretions indicate severe inflammation of the human reproductive organs. A disease of this kind is transmitted during sexual intercourse as a result of a weakened immune system, environmental degradation, and non-observance of personal hygiene rules. Purulent vaginitis and Trichomonas may be the cause of such discharge.
• Red or brown. The color of such secretions indicates the presence of blood in their composition. Most likely they are caused by chlamydia or herpes. Allocations can appear, both before and after menstruation.

Treatment of the disease

After the exact causes and treatment of the disease have been identified, you can begin with peace of mind. It should be approached with special responsibility and as early as possible. You should not delay treatment, because the disease can become chronic, then it will be much more difficult to deal with it. Any treatment should begin with a visit to a good specialist. Based on the diagnostic examination and tests, the doctor will be able to give a detailed answer to the question, what disease led to copious discharge? Treatment will be influenced by the following factors:

• age indicator;
• the presence of pregnancy;
• chronic diseases;
• clinical picture.

Timely treatment of the disease is able to get rid of it in a short time. In case of serious infection of the body with sexually transmitted infections, immediate hospitalization may be required. In addition to drugs that kill pathogenic bacteria, the doctor prescribes anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial drugs.

If the doctor diagnoses a patient with dysbacteriosis, then the treatment will be prescribed comprehensive. It is associated with the normalization of the microflora of the vagina. Such treatment will be able to quickly and easily eliminate the unpleasant odor. To strengthen the body's immune system, a doctor prescribes multivitamins and immunomodulators. A person will be able to completely eradicate the disease in 1.5 months.

Traditional medicine in the fight against the disease

The unpleasant smell of vaginal discharge can be treated with folk remedies, after consulting with a gynecologist. Medicinal herbs can provide significant assistance in the treatment of the disease. Some herbs, like medicines, have an antimicrobial effect. The most popular of them are: willow bark, birch buds, calendula inflorescences, oak bark and garlic. With the help of the natural components presented, it is possible to produce natural ointments, make infusions and baths, and douche.

A decoction of willow bark is perfect for douching and baths. It prepares within 20 minutes. A decoction of birch buds is used as baths. Medicinal infusions of calendula, should be consumed inside. consume warm. Oak bark is very often used for douching. Fresh garlic juice is used for baths. In addition, gauze is saturated with juice and used as tampons.

Preventive actions

The smell in the intimate area is quite a serious and common problem for people. It is much easier to solve at an early stage of occurrence. In addition, it can be prevented from occurring. For this, certain preventive measures should be taken:

• visit a gynecologist at least a couple of times a year, even if there are no visible problems;
• give preference to safe sex;
• treat sexually transmitted diseases at the initial stage;
• observe the rules of personal hygiene;
• adhere to proper nutrition;
• use special means for the care of the intimate area.

Outcome

The unpleasant smell emanating from the vagina and abundant discharge interfere with the comfortable life of any woman. Modern medicine offers beautiful ladies a large number of ways to eradicate such a problem. A person can quickly and easily get rid of the disease thanks to the help of a qualified doctor, as well as strict adherence to all his recommendations.

An unpleasant smell from the vagina can lead to a restriction of sexual relations: women may feel discomfort and move away from men.

Normally, every woman has a certain smell from the vagina, this is natural. Even if you notice some changes in smell, this does not indicate the presence of an infection. These changes may be associated with a particular phase of the menstrual cycle. A healthy vagina produces a secret with a certain smell.

Many women notice some kind of smell from the genital tract, even when their partners do not smell it. This is not a cause for concern.

But, if the smell becomes too unpleasant (the smell of rotten fish), this should alert you. Such a symptom may be the first manifestation of an infection. Left untreated, it can lead not only to physical discomfort, but also to emotional and social problems (as a rule, women are afraid that others may also smell an unpleasant smell emanating from them).

What should be done if there is an unpleasant smell in an intimate place?

Many ladies believe that the unpleasant smell is caused by insufficient hygiene, and they try to wash themselves as often as possible, unaware that by doing so they only exacerbate their problem. Even if the cause of bad breath is a lack of hygiene, frequent showers are not the answer.

The first thing to do is to restore the acidic environment in the vagina and balance the natural microflora. Taking antibacterial drugs in this case is not indicated, as they will further aggravate local immunodeficiency.

How to restore the balance of the microflora of the vagina?

The composition of the microflora of the vagina includes many bacteria that are microaerophiles. Among this set, the leading role in protecting the vagina belongs to lactobacilli. These microorganisms are responsible for maintaining an acidic environment. Too frequent water procedures increase the pH of the vagina, destroy the microflora and can lead to infections and the appearance of an unpleasant odor. That is why you should not rush with frequent washing if there are problems in this area.

If the natural microflora of the vagina is disturbed, pathogenic microorganisms begin to multiply, which leads to the development of a disease such as bacterial vaginosis. This disease develops due to the overgrowth of bacteria. Its specific manifestation is the smell of rotten fish.

What are the causes of vaginal odor?

Frequent washing, douching, thick underwear and certain substances (found in shower gel, antibacterial soap) can cause not only genital tract infections, but also fungal infections. Some contraceptives and foreign bodies in the vagina can cause not only an unpleasant odor, but also more serious health problems. Switching between anal and vaginal sex can lead to the development of infections, the first manifestation of which will be an unpleasant odor. In some cases, sufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables can eliminate bad breath without additional treatment.

Using clean tampons and changing them regularly does not require additional douching, it can only upset the acidity of the vagina and cause additional problems. For infections of the genital tract, doctors recommend avoiding wearing tight and tight underwear and pants. Thus, you will allow the vagina to "breathe" freely. Tight underwear can irritate the vulva and cause an even more unpleasant odor. Opt for cotton underwear.

If the infection does not respond to treatment, you should immediately consult a doctor, this may be a sign of diseases such as vaginal or cervical cancer, bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhea, pelvic inflammatory disease, sexually transmitted infections, vaginitis, candidiasis .

After sexual intercourse, it is very important for a woman to go to the toilet. Urinating after sex helps eliminate germs that are outside or in the vagina and can enter the urethra. Once in the bladder, germs can cause chronic urinary tract infections.

Treatment of unpleasant odor in an intimate place

An unpleasant smell in an intimate place with folk remedies is unlikely to be cured. The only thing that can be used in this case is douching with decoctions of herbs, but only after consulting a doctor.

If the unpleasant odor is caused by violations of the elementary rules of body hygiene, then special attention should be paid to this point. You need to wash yourself at least 2 times a day, using laundry soap. If the unpleasant smell of intimate places occurs due to various diseases, then only medication should be taken.

Is there a non-drug way to eliminate unpleasant odor from the vagina?

Of course, there are many herbal remedies. But they are not always effective. In addition, the infection may recur. The action of such funds is aimed at restoring the balance of the microflora of the vagina. They enhance the reproduction of beneficial lactobacilli and maintain local immunity at the proper level.

Bad breath in intimate places is an extremely troublesome and often humiliating ailment that affects many women. Almost all cases of unpleasant odor in the intimate area are associated with the presence of vaginosis or bacterial vaginosis. The cause of this condition is an imbalance in the bacterial flora. This leads to a rapid increase in the number of anaerobic bacteria in the vagina, as well as a significant reduction in the number of lactobacilli. It also increases the pH of the vagina. Sexually active women are especially at risk of developing conditions that cause intimate smell, although infections can also occur in women who are not sexually active. The disease not only causes discomfort, but can lead to infection of the uterus. There are several causes of vaginosis, some of which are at least surprising.

Numerous sexual partners

Bacterial vaginosis is not sexually transmitted, but increased sexual activity with multiple partners is a risk factor for upsetting the natural balance of bacteria living in the vagina. Frequent sexual intercourse affects the vagaries of the microbial ecosystem. It has nothing to do with the transmission of the disease by partners, but frequent sexual intercourse can act as a stimulant for the growth of the bacteria population.

Personal hygiene items

Many people may be surprised, but overly thorough hygiene can be harmful and backfire - cause an unpleasant odor in an intimate place. Excessive washing of the intimate area with products that are not intended for this purpose can lead to the spread of the wrong strains of bacteria. Therefore, always use special intimate hygiene lotions formulated to prevent the destruction of lactic acid bacteria, on which the balance of vaginal microorganisms largely depends. All types of irrigation and douching are especially dangerous.

Using tampons

Gynecologists have calculated that in an adult woman who does not suffer from any ailments, more than 100 types of microorganisms live in the vagina. These include species of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and yeasts. All is well if their population size is up to standard. The use of tampons during menstrual bleeding can influence the development of anaerobic bacteria and dysregulation. Then there are vaginal discharge, an unpleasant odor and other symptoms that indicate the development of inflammation. Many women mistake these symptoms for yeast development and start using antifungal medications. Smell is one of the most characteristic differences between diseases. Fungal inflammation is not accompanied by an unpleasant odor.

Wrong detergents

Underwear should always be washed with mild chemicals and then rinsed thoroughly. The most successful detergents with low odor. The components of the washing powder should not be too fragrant and contain deodorants. All of these actions backfire. Chemical components found in cosmetics and a number of detergents affect the imbalance of different types of microbes. This can lead to the development of an inflammatory process that has a strong and unpleasant, so-called fishy smell in an intimate place.

Contraceptives

Any interference with the biological balance can eventually cause inflammation. This also applies to vaginal contraceptives and any gynecological procedures. Some of the microorganisms that are found in the vagina produce H2O2, or hydrogen peroxide. In case of violations, bacteria die and anaerobes grow. During inflammation, there are 1000 times more of them in the vagina than usual. Studies show that one in two women who use contraceptives go through bacterial vaginosis.

Venereal diseases

An unpleasant smell in an intimate place can also cause some sexually transmitted diseases. These include chlamydia and gonorrhea. In particular, chlamydial infection is very common. Very often it does not cause specific symptoms, and most women do not know that they are sick. Trichomonas are protozoa that infect the genitals of women. They penetrate into the tissues, causing the formation of ulcers. If you suspect an infection, you should refrain from sexual intercourse and consult a doctor.

Pelvic inflammatory disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease is the result of bacterial infections. The disease is manifested by pain in the pelvic area, vaginal discharge with a bad odor. The sick woman feels general fatigue and may have trouble urinating. The disease should not be underestimated, as it can lead to infertility or the formation of an ectopic pregnancy.

Unpleasant smell in an intimate place - questions and answers

Question

Hello! I had problems - there was a strong unpleasant smell between my legs. For the last 6 months or so, I have noticed that the smell comes from the intimate area, it seems from the vagina. In fact, the smell is usually from my underwear, but if I change it, the smell appears almost immediately. I don't smell right after a shower, but that's again for a short time. I shower at least once a day and change my underwear frequently. I don't notice any special highlights. Tried to shave off all the hair in the crotch and wash very thoroughly with soap. But nothing helps. What to do?

Answer

Dear N.! Why haven't you visited a gynecologist once in six months? The most common cause of a change in the smell of secretions is an infection. The doctor will do tests, take a smear. Probably at you a bacterial vaginosis or a ureaplasmosis. The fact that you do not notice the discharge does not mean anything. They can be clear, watery, and soak into underwear.

Question

I am 50, healthy and have regular periods. But lately I noticed that the smell in an intimate place, from the vagina has changed - it has become strong, musky. I am now under a lot of stress at work (a short contract is coming to an end and my boss brings me to tears with his demands. But my husband noticed that my intimate smell was different at night when we went to bed, and he thinks that I am cheating on him, and I had sex with someone at work.Of course it's not.But I don't know what to do?

Answer

Dear L! At the age of menopause, or rather premenopause, hormonal changes occur and, accordingly, the smell of secretions and sweat in the perineum, vulva and vagina changes. Also, stress greatly changes the smell of secretions and sweat of both women and men. You should explain this to your husband. Or let the gynecologist do it - go to his appointment with your husband.

Question

Hello! I'm 18 and I just broke up with my ex-boyfriend. Everything is fine, but my new boyfriend doesn't like the smell between my legs. He believes that the smell of my intimate place is unpleasant, not normal. He says that his girlfriends have never had such a strong smell in the intimate area. Tell me, I'm not sick, how can I get rid of this smell?

Answer

Every woman has a normal smell. Vaginal discharge has a normal pH (acid-base) balance. Normal pH helps control odors, keeps the vagina clean, and helps avoid common types of infections. Normal odor can be mild or strong for about a month.

Sweat enhances odors, as does armpit sweat. The pelvic region has many folds: between the legs, the perineal region (the area between the legs), the labia; in the vagina and around the anus. Skin folds contribute to the formation of sweat. Sweat "smells" because the moisture in the folds causes an overgrowth of bacteria and yeast that normally live on the skin.

Many women believe that the vagina needs to be cleansed and washed to make the odors disappear. But using a vaginal douche, especially if used too frequently, can disrupt and alter the normal vaginal environment, flush out beneficial bacteria, and even increase intimate odors. In addition, some bacteria use an unbalanced Ph level and begin to multiply, causing disease.

Soap is better not to enter into the vagina at all!

Go see a gynecologist, and if you're healthy, try taking a shower just before having sex. However, every woman has a different scent that is related to her hormone levels. Your friend should understand this.

It is normal for vaginal discharge to have a slight odor, but if you find it smells too strong, or the smell seems strange (such as a fishy or unpleasant odor), then this may be a symptom of a medical condition. Bad breath may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as itching, burning or irritation, or excessive discharge. If an unpleasant vaginal odor is not accompanied by other symptoms, then most likely there is nothing pathological in this smell. Some bacteria that are always present in the vagina can be the cause of such an unpleasant odor - in such cases, the odor can be easily and quickly eliminated with the help of folk remedies or medicines.

Attention: The information in this article is for informational purposes only. Before using any methods, consult your doctor.

Steps

Hygiene of the intimate area

Don't douche. Douching, that is, when you flush the vagina with water or a special solution, can actually remove good bacteria from the vagina, which can lead to the development of an infection (if one is already present) and even bring it into the uterus, which will only worsen the condition.

• You should also not use special female sprays, which are a form of douching - they only irritate the walls of the vagina and can cause allergic reactions.
• Remember that the vagina cleans naturally. If you follow the rules of hygiene in the intimate area, then you do not need to specifically clean the vagina or interfere with the process of its natural cleansing.

1. Rinse your vagina when you shower or bathe. Thoroughly wash the intimate area with clean water and a mild, unscented soap, do not forget to thoroughly rinse the labia.

   • Do not use harsh soap for intimate hygiene, as it can irritate the delicate skin in this area.

2. Wear loose cotton underwear. Thanks to this, there will be better ventilation in the groin area, which is especially important if you are exercising or sweating. This will prevent moisture from accumulating and harmful bacteria from multiplying, which will therefore reduce odor.

   • It is also recommended to completely change immediately after the end of the workout. Don't wear sweaty clothes for longer than necessary, as this can also cause bad breath.
   • Wear clean underwear daily to prevent bacterial growth and odor.

3. Wipe from front to back after going to the toilet. To prevent the spread of bacteria from the anus to the vagina, wipe from front to back after every bowel movement. This ensures that pathogenic bacteria do not enter the vagina, which can cause an unpleasant vaginal odor and lead to infection.

   Change your pad or tampon every 4-6 hours. Intimate hygiene is especially important during your period, so change your tampons or pads regularly - this is recommended every 4-6 hours. This is the only way to avoid the appearance of an unpleasant odor and prevent irritation of the vaginal mucosa.

   • Changing your tampon more frequently will ensure that you don't forget to change it, as this can lead to bad odor and serious health problems.

4. Note the strong-smelling watery discharge. They can be signs of hormonal changes during your period or between ovulation and your next period. You perceive this smell as unpleasant precisely because of hormonal changes and the cycle.

   • Depending on your age and certain diseases, similar effects can occur in menopause. During the hormonal changes of menopause, women often have a strong-smelling, watery discharge.

5. Pay attention to the smell after training or how you sweat. When you sweat, your whole body sweats, and therefore vaginal odor can become unpleasant. On the external genitalia there are special sweat glands called apocrine glands - similar glands are found in the armpits, on the nipples, ear canals, eyelids and on the wings of the nose. These glands secrete an oily fluid that is metabolized by bacteria on the surface of the skin, giving rise to a noticeable odor.

   • Wearing tight clothing and sweating in tight clothing can only make the smell worse, as it traps sweat and bacteria on the skin. If you are overweight, the folds in your skin can make it harder for your body to transfer heat to your groin area.

6. Make sure you don't forget to change your tampon. If you forget to remove your tampon, it can cause menstrual blood to accumulate and bacteria to grow. This can irritate the vaginal lining, causing itching and burning, as well as a strong bad odor.

• The vagina has a natural odor.
• Every woman has a different scent.
• The appearance of an unusual smell from the vagina requires a consultation with a gynecologist.

From time to time, the smell from the vagina can become unusual. If this situation occurs even with proper hygiene, this is not the norm, especially if the unfamiliar smell is persistent and strong.

If you think the smell from the vagina is abnormal, ask yourself the question: “What is the norm?”. Any vagina normally has an odor that can be described as "musky". The menstrual cycle sometimes gives the smell a "metallic" tint for several days. Also, after sexual intercourse, the smell from the vagina temporarily changes.

The vagina has the property of self-cleaning. If left alone, it will independently reach the required level of acidity and destroy pathogenic bacteria. However, a strong change in odor may indicate a problem. Pungent odor, itching, irritation, unusual discharge indicate pathology.

Sometimes the body needs a little help. Here are some tips to help you get rid of bad vaginal odor naturally.

1. Quality hygiene

The external genitalia should be washed regularly with mild soap. Loofah washcloths cause small scratches and increase the risk of infection. Regular cleansing will get rid of dead skin cells, sweat and dirt. Do not use perfumed soaps and foams for such a case. The fragrances and chemicals in them can upset the acid balance in the vagina. Bar soaps can be milder than lathers.

2. Use of deodorizers only outside

Any sprays and perfumes should be used on the surface of the body, do not immerse them inside the vagina. They are able to disrupt the acid balance, which leads to big problems.

3. Change of underwear

If you prefer to wear silk, satin or polyester underwear, switch to 100% cotton underwear. Cotton is breathable and absorbs sweat and excess moisture. A humid environment promotes bacterial growth.

4. Choosing hygiene products with the right pH

Some hygiene products help restore the natural acidity of the vagina. If you use any product and the smell doesn't change or gets worse, be sure to visit your doctor. You may need treatment.

5. Essential oils

There is little evidence for the effectiveness of these remedies, but there is evidence that tea tree oil relieves vaginal odor. Essential oils have antimicrobial and antifungal properties that inhibit bacterial growth. It is necessary to mix a few drops of tea tree oil with water and apply the solution to the external genitalia. Repeat this procedure for 3-5 days. If there is no effect, then there is no point in continuing.

6. Vinegar bath

Frequent hot baths and showers disrupt the natural pH of the vagina. However, one type of bath can be helpful: add 1-2 cups of apple cider vinegar to a bath of warm water and soak in it for 20 minutes. Vinegar will naturally reduce the amount of pathogenic flora.

7. Medical treatment

Medicines act on the cause that causes an unpleasant odor. If you can't manage on your own, go to a specialist for help.

When to go to the doctor?

If an unpleasant smell from the genital tract is accompanied by unusual symptoms, you should not self-medicate, consult a doctor.

For example, if your vaginal odor gets stronger than usual and gets worse, visit your gynecologist. A "fishy" smell is also a reason to visit a health worker. In such cases, medical treatment is required.

Some discharge is normal. But if their number has increased, they have ceased to be transparent and white, this may indicate an infection.

Sometimes itching is also the norm, but if it becomes more frequent and becomes unbearable, this indicates a pathology.

How to prevent the problem in the future?

Here are some tips to help prevent bad vaginal odor:

1. Use of Probiotics - Probiotics maintain normal vaginal pH. From food, yogurts, kombucha, sauerkraut will be useful here.
2. Healthy eating - try to consume more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins. Proper nutrition contributes to the health of the whole body, and therefore the vagina.
3. Drinking enough fluids is important not only for the skin, the fluid promotes sweating and secretion, which maintains a normal environment in the vagina.
4. Refuse douching - they remove both pathogenic and beneficial flora.
5. Hygiene procedures before and after sex - during intercourse, bacteria and foreign substances, such as lubricants and spermicides, enter the vagina from a condom. Hygiene before and after sex maintains the natural level of bacterial contamination of the genital tract.
6. Do not wear tight underwear - it does not allow the skin to breathe normally. For a healthy vagina, it is important to have access to oxygen.
7. Underwear should be made of cotton - this material absorbs excess moisture from sweating or secretions from the genital tract. Synthetic fabrics do not have these properties.

Usually home methods help to get rid of an unpleasant smell from the genital tract within a week. If this does not happen or the smell worsens, you should consult a doctor. Strong vaginal odor can hide more serious problems. The sooner you get to the doctor, the less likely the condition will worsen.