Vaginal odor

An unpleasant odor from the vagina can most often indicate the presence of an infection: pathogenic microbes have the ability to release specific gases, which are the sources of an unpleasant odor. What is the normal odor of the vagina? It is weak and slightly specific, not causing discomfort or negative sensations.

In infectious diseases, the smell can be different: putrid, sour, pronounced and weak, accompanied by itching and burning of the external genitals and vagina. However, sometimes it is the smell that can clearly indicate an existing problem that should be addressed to a doctor, and every woman should know about this.

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Causes vaginal odor

An unpleasant odor from the vagina is a rather alarming symptom, especially if it is accompanied by other signs of an inflammatory process. However, odor is not always a sign of inflammation; in some cases, it is associated with a metabolic disorder and increased activity of the glandular system.

However, the main factors causing vaginal odor are considered to be:

• vaginal dysbacteriosis – an imbalance between beneficial and pathogenic bacteria in the vaginal environment; this condition can develop when the protective functions of the mucous membranes are reduced or when favorable conditions are created for the growth and reproduction of pathogenic bacteria;
• thrush (a fungal infection of the genus Candida) - this disease causes white, cheesy discharge with an unpleasant sour odor;
• gardnerellosis - infection with gardnerella, the disease is accompanied by a rotten fishy smell;
• Colpitis is an inflammatory reaction affecting the mucous membranes of the vaginal walls and the external genital area; the development of colpitis can be provoked by coccal flora or diseases that are transmitted through sexual contact;
• chronic sluggish inflammatory processes in the uterus and appendages, accompanied by minor discharge.

Most often, the causes are diseases of the reproductive organs. But you can more accurately determine the cause by visiting a specialist and taking all the necessary tests.

Risk factors for the development of diseases are considered to be:

• failure to observe personal hygiene rules;
• frequent or incorrect douching;
• promiscuous sex life;
• diseases that are transmitted through unprotected sexual contact.

Before you begin, you should first find out the cause of this symptom. The smell is not an independent disease, it is only a symptom that is caused by a more serious pathology that requires treatment.

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Symptoms vaginal odor

The characteristics of an unpleasant vaginal odor usually depend on the type of microbes, the type of fungal infection that dominates the vaginal environment. The affiliation of bacteria can be determined through examinations and laboratory tests. However, sometimes the characteristics can indicate a possible pathology and be an indirect sign of a particular disease.

Characteristic

A fishy smell from the vagina may be a sign of vaginal dysbacteriosis. In addition to the smell, this pathology may be accompanied by a feeling of itching and burning of the external genitalia and vagina. Dysbacteriosis is unpleasant not only because of the fishy smell and discomfort: it increases the risk of developing inflammatory processes in the uterus and ovaries, complicating the course of pregnancy.

The smell of urine from the vagina occurs in frequent stressful situations, with excessive emotionality and excess weight in women. This condition is called "urinary incontinence under stress" or "stress incontinence", it is characterized by involuntary leakage of fluid from the bladder during physical activity, laughter, coughing or any actions that can lead to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure. Such a pathology can certainly be cured by contacting a good urologist or gynecologist.

A foul odor from the vagina may be a sign of gardnerellosis, an acute inflammatory process in the urogenital tract caused by the vaginal anaerobic actinobacterium gardnerella. In large quantities, gardnerella causes specific symptoms: dirty-white moderate discharge that covers the vaginal walls. The smell of rotten fish from the vagina is due to the fact that gardnerella is able to produce proteolytic enzymes that, when interacting with vaginal and sperm proteins, contribute to the creation of polyamines that decompose into putrescine and cadaverine, the sources of the foul odor. This disease is treated like regular bacterial vaginosis.

By the way, one of the most common signs of bacterial vaginosis is the smell of herring from the vagina. There may not be any additional symptoms for this pathology, but laboratory tests will clearly indicate the presence of a large number of opportunistic flora and a decrease in the number of beneficial microorganisms.

A sour smell from the vagina may indicate the development of thrush. Active reproduction of the fungal infection of the genus Candida, in addition to the sour smell, is also accompanied by significant cheesy discharge, characteristic of this disease.

A strong vaginal odor is an indicator of the active stage of the inflammatory process with a significant predominance of pathogenic flora over beneficial microorganisms. This condition requires immediate treatment immediately after establishing the cause of the odor.

The smell of onions from the vagina can also be a sign of a fungal infection of the genitals, and this smell tends to intensify after sexual contact and when the hormonal balance is disrupted (during menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, frequent stressful situations). To get rid of the smell, you need to be examined and undergo treatment prescribed by a gynecologist.

Itching and odor from the vagina always indicate the presence of an infectious inflammatory process. Vulvovaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina and external genitalia, which occurs in most cases of gynecological diseases. The pathology can be provoked by chlamydia, gonococcus, mycoplasma, ureaplasma, trichomonas, fungal and viral infections. Non-specific vaginitis is caused by staphylococcus, streptococcus and E. coli.

The smell of sperm from the vagina, if it is not associated with recent sexual intercourse, may indicate a change in the composition of the microflora. Such a smell, if it is not accompanied by irritation of the mucous membranes of the genitals, does not pose a danger to the woman's health. However, it is still worth adjusting the balance of the vaginal environment to prevent further aggravation of the situation. Sometimes a 5-7-day course of treatment is enough to completely restore the disturbed microflora of the vaginal cavity.

The smell of garlic from the vagina may appear in response to the food that a woman eats. This may be food well seasoned with garlic, the smell of which sometimes leaves the body along with sweat and other secretory fluids. The smell of garlic may also be a consequence of the same bacterial vaginosis, when the total number of lactobacilli in the vaginal environment drops sharply and there is a risk of increased growth of pathogenic flora. Due to the "harmful" bacteria, a characteristic smell appears, as well as cloudy discharge of a thick consistency.

The smell of acetone from the vagina, as a rule, immediately suggests diabetes. With this pathology, large amounts of ketone bodies accumulate in the body tissues, which are the cause of the acetone smell. If you suspect this disease, you should take a blood test for sugar and consult an endocrinologist. But diabetes is not the only possible cause of the smell of acetone from the vagina. This smell can also accompany other conditions:

• lack of fluid, violation of the drinking regime, which contributes to an increase in the concentration of urine and the appearance of a characteristic odor;
• a diet with predominant consumption of protein foods and limited carbohydrates;
• metabolic disorders, hormonal and metabolic imbalances;
• pathologies of the urinary system.

The cause of the pathology can only be found by conducting a full examination of the body.

The smell of iron from the vagina may indicate the presence of blood in the discharge. This happens during menstruation or with cervical erosion, when the structure of the epithelial tissue is disrupted, and characteristic ulcers appear on the mucous membrane. In such cases, the discharge is practically no different from normal, but after sexual intercourse, a brownish liquid can sometimes be detected. The smell of blood from the vagina can also intensify after sex: this is due to trauma to the damaged area of the mucous membrane. To clarify the cause of the smell of iron and blood, you need to consult a gynecologist. You should not delay visiting a doctor, since the growth of the erosion site can provoke the degeneration of the process into an oncological pathology.

A sweet smell from the vagina is usually not considered a pathology and can be a consequence of eating a lot of sweet fruits (not sweets and pastries, but fruits). If the appearance of a sweet smell still bothers you, take a smear and do a bacteriological culture to exclude a possible infection.

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Vaginal odor during pregnancy and after childbirth

During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes major changes, including hormonal ones. Any woman normally has some odors, but in pregnant women they can change radically. Why?

• Changes in hormonal levels make the smell more pronounced and even harsh, but there should be no signs of irritation or hyperemia of the genitals.
• Olfactory disturbances during pregnancy are quite common. Sometimes there is no smell as such, but the pregnant woman thinks the opposite. There is only one way out: if there are no other signs of inflammation, then there is no need to panic.
• Excessive activity of pathogenic microorganisms associated with weak immune defense, which often occurs during pregnancy.
• Exacerbation of chronic pathology of the genital area - this condition requires a doctor's consultation, since it is impossible to treat inflammatory processes during pregnancy on your own. The doctor will select the necessary treatment method that will be useful for you and will not harm your future child.

If you are not sure that the vaginal odor during pregnancy is within normal limits, do not hesitate: consult a doctor who, if necessary, will prescribe you qualified treatment. The sooner you do this, the more effectively and quickly you will get rid of the intimate problem.

During pregnancy, the female body experiences a considerable load on all systems and organs, which must recover and return to normal after childbirth.

In the postpartum period, a woman usually experiences vaginal discharge similar to menstruation. Over the course of 1-1.5 months, the nature of the discharge changes: it noticeably becomes lighter until it becomes completely transparent. Such discharge does not have a pronounced and unpleasant odor and does not cause discomfort.

If the discharge does not become lighter, moreover, it acquires a repulsive putrid smell - urgently see a doctor. This may be a sign of the development of an inflammatory reaction in the uterine cavity. Most often after childbirth, when pathogenic microorganisms enter the uterus, endometritis develops - inflammation of the mucous membrane of the uterus - the endometrium. Usually, such a dangerous disease can occur with complicated labor.

What should be done? The main thing is not to ignore this condition under any circumstances and to immediately contact a gynecologist.

Vaginal odor after sex and menstruation

The appearance of an unpleasant odor is always associated with the waste products of microorganisms. Microbes can enter the vaginal cavity with the sperm of a sexual partner, or a woman simply has a violation of the natural balance of beneficial and pathogenic flora. Male sperm is an excellent biological environment for microorganisms, for this reason, an unpleasant odor appears immediately after sexual contact.

In order to find the cause of such a phenomenon, a woman should take a smear for microflora and bacteriological culture. Based on the results of the tests, a specialist will prescribe the appropriate treatment, which will solve such a delicate problem as vaginal odor after sex.

The monthly cycle and menstrual bleeding are a natural physiological process in the female body. However, it carries certain dangers that are associated with a risk to a woman's health. What can a normal menstruation entail:

• reduction of the protective properties of the vaginal mucosa. In the post-ovulatory period, some changes occur at the hormonal level of a woman, which affects, among other things, the immune forces: during menstruation, the risk of increased growth of pathogenic microflora is especially high;
• creation of favorable conditions. Bloody discharge during menstruation serves as an excellent biological environment for pathogenic microflora. This is especially noticeable in the last days of menstruation, when the discharge becomes scanty and bacteria begin to accumulate on the vaginal walls, which contributes to the appearance of an unpleasant odor;
• improper observance of intimate hygiene rules. Rare and untimely replacement of pads and tampons, irregular hygiene procedures contribute to increased growth and reproduction of microorganisms in the vaginal cavity and external genitalia, which leads to destabilization of the microflora level and the appearance of odor;
• Hormonal imbalance is another reason for the imbalance of microflora in the vagina.

Often, vaginal odor after menstruation is a consequence of several factors that together determine the development of an unpleasant symptom. It is necessary to treat this condition, the sooner the better.

Vaginal odor in a child

Normally, there should be no odor from the child's vagina. If you detect any odor, be sure to contact your pediatrician or pediatric gynecologist.

There may be several reasons for the appearance of the smell: mainly it is an inflammatory reaction or an infectious process. Let's list the most common reasons:

• consequences of an allergic reaction to hygiene products, wipes, talc, etc.;
• hormonal disorders that are not typical for the child’s age;
• lack of proper care or neglect of hygiene rules for children;
• helminthic infestations;
• the presence of a foreign body in the vagina;
• injuries and damage to the external genitalia;
• infectious spread, which can occur after visiting public swimming pools or public beaches, especially if the child plays in the water without underwear;
• weak immune system in a child;
• domestic or intrauterine infection with a venereal disease.

A specialist consultation and qualified diagnostic procedures will help to understand the causes of the condition.

Treatment vaginal odor

If you have noticed an unpleasant odor, do not rush to self-medicate: at best, such treatment will not bring results, and at worst, it will cause harm. Remember that it is necessary to fight not the odor, but the cause of its appearance: a disease (inflammatory or infectious process) or an imbalance of microflora. Knowing the source of the unpleasant odor, the doctor will be able to prescribe treatment that is effective in your particular case: this may be the use of antibacterial drugs, aerosols, gels, creams and suppositories.

Most often, therapy is reduced to local use of drugs. Trichopolum, metrogyl, metronidazole, which are available in the form of suppositories or tablets, have a good effect.

Often the use of antimicrobial drugs is combined with other topical agents: hydrogen peroxide, benzalkonium chloride, tomicide, etc. Such solutions are used for douching and irrigation of the vaginal cavity.

Local treatment does not have a systemic effect on the body, therefore it has a minimal number of side effects, unlike oral tablets, which can cause dyspeptic symptoms, headaches and blood pressure disorders.

Long-standing and complicated cases of vaginal dysbacteriosis, which are accompanied not only by a foul odor, but also by active signs of inflammation, often have to be treated with antibiotics: oleandomycin, cephalosporin, clindamycin.

In order to monitor the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment, it is recommended to conduct repeated laboratory tests 7 days after the start of therapy and compare the indicators before and after treatment. Such tests should be taken several times to be sure of the quality of the therapeutic effect and the correctness of the chosen treatment method.

During the treatment period, it is better to abstain from sexual intercourse or use condoms: this will speed up the process of restoring microflora and protect against possible relapses of the disease.

Along with drug treatment, it is necessary to make efforts to restore the body's defenses. To do this, it is necessary to give up strict diets, switch to a balanced, nutritious diet, eat fruits and berries instead of sweets and pastries, drink enough clean (non-carbonated) water, avoid alcohol and smoking. Do not forget to follow the rules of personal hygiene: take a shower regularly, thoroughly wash the external genitalia, change underwear and hygiene products in a timely manner.

Vaginal Odor Relief Suppositories

Depending on the cause of the unpleasant odor, the doctor may prescribe some of the vaginal suppositories. Such suppositories will restore the composition of the vaginal microflora and stop the growth of pathogenic microorganisms.

Currently, pharmaceutical companies can offer a huge range of vaginal suppositories. Which suppositories are the most effective? The answer to this question can be obtained, at least when the doctor knows the exact cause of the disease.

It should be remembered that attempts to cure vaginal odor without control and on your own can lead to the development of a chronic infection and worsening of vaginal dysbacteriosis.

• Fluomizin is an antiseptic drug that has a detrimental effect on coccal flora, gram-negative microorganisms (E. coli, protozoa, Klebsiella, Gardnerella, etc.), fungal infection, and Trichomonas. It is used for colpitis and vulvovaginitis, 1 vaginal suppository (or tablet) before bedtime for at least six days. The treatment is not carried out during menstrual bleeding. The drug is approved for use during pregnancy. Its use during lactation has not been studied, so it is better to refrain from using the drug when breastfeeding.
• Clindacin is a bacteriostatic drug that is prescribed for the treatment of gardnerellosis, as well as streptococcal, mycoplasmal, staphylococcal, and clostridia infections. Clindacin is not effective against fungal infections and trichomoniasis. Suppositories are used at night, 1 suppository for 3 to 7 days. The drug is not used in the first trimester of pregnancy.
• Gynoflor – vaginal suppositories (or tablets) for the formation of healthy vaginal flora. They are usually used after antimicrobial therapy with local or systemic drugs. Use 1-2 suppositories per day for 1-2 weeks. The drug is not recommended for use in endometriosis and estrogen-dependent neoplasms.
• Isoconazole is an antifungal agent used to combat dermatophytes, yeast-like and mold fungi, corynebacteria and some gram-positive microorganisms. The drug is used at night, once a day, for 1-3 days.
• Klion-D is an antiprotozoal, antimicrobial, antifungal drug, which contains the active substance metronidazole. In a short period of time, it eliminates itching and unpleasant odor, but does not affect the composition of the vaginal flora and the acidity of the environment. It is used mainly for trichomoniasis.
• Terzhinan is an antimicrobial and antifungal agent that destroys anaerobic flora, including gardnerella and the causative agent of trichomoniasis. Contains ternidazole (antimicrobial agent), neomycin (antibiotic), nystatin (antifungal agent) and prednisolone (corticosteroid hormone that helps relieve inflammation). The drug is used once a day every day for 10-20 days.
• Iodoxide is a drug for the complex treatment of bacterial vaginosis, and can be used even during menstruation. It is used twice a day for 7-14 days. It is not recommended to use the drug in case of hyperthyroidism, thyroid adenoma, and pregnancy.
• Lomexin is a fenticonazole preparation used to treat thrush. A 600 mg vaginal capsule is administered daily for 3 days, a 1000 mg capsule for 2 days. The drug is not used during pregnancy and menstruation.

Suppositories are one of the most convenient methods of local treatment of infectious and inflammatory processes in the vaginal cavity. The mechanism of action of vaginal suppositories is due to the direct deep distribution of active substances in the tissues, which contributes to the rapid destruction of the pathogen, the relief of the inflammatory process and the elimination of unpleasant symptoms.

During the treatment period, avoid wearing synthetic underwear, change your towel and underwear every day, try not to use untested gels and detergents for intimate areas.

Prevention

In order to prevent vaginal dysbacteriosis, as well as to prevent the development and spread of infectious and inflammatory processes, it is necessary to adhere to certain rules:

• eat plant foods rich in vitamins and natural microelements. Ascorbic acid, which is found in citrus fruits and berries, actively promotes the removal of toxic substances from the body and also strengthens the immune system;
• the balance of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in food is a good prevention of diseases of the urinary system, which significantly reduces the risk of bad breath;
• eat fermented milk products, but only fresh ones (no more than three days old). Yogurt, kefir and sour milk restore the disturbed balance between beneficial and opportunistic bacteria;
• garlic and onions are natural antibiotics that should be consumed daily in any form;
• do not forget to drink enough clean water, this will help your body to quickly get rid of toxic substances and bacteria, which, lingering in physiological fluids, provoke the appearance of an unpleasant odor;
• take care of yourself, don't be lazy to take a shower, wash yourself often and change your underwear. The external genitals should be clean and dry under any circumstances;
• try to wear underwear made from natural fabrics, as synthetics do not allow the skin to “breathe”, which creates favorable conditions for the development of the inflammatory process and the appearance of an unpleasant odor;
• Using panty liners helps keep your underwear clean and reduce odor, but if you don't change them on time, they can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Advice: use them only when absolutely necessary, but don't wear them all the time;
• During menstruation, intimate hygiene should be most thorough. You should wash yourself several times a day, change pads and tampons every 2 hours. It is preferable to use pads at night. By the way, if you are prone to allergies, choose regular pads and tampons without fragrances.

Remember - vaginal odor signals you that something is wrong in your intimate sphere. For this reason, you should not hesitate or self-medicate: go to a specialist, undergo the necessary examinations and a course of therapy. Correctly selected treatment and adherence to preventive measures will allow you to forget about the unpleasant problem forever.

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