Many women struggle with having vaginal odor. It’s a common problem that can be quite embarrassing and can affect a woman’s self-confidence and sex life.
What is Vaginal Odor?
It is an odor coming from the vagina. The vagina contains bacterial flora and fluids that produce secretions and moisture and to maintain healthy vagina it requires a pH of 3.8-4.2. Any alteration in the pH ends up causing vaginal infections. A woman, in her reproductive years, produces 1.6-4.8 grams of vaginal discharge a day. That secretion mixed with bacteria is what causes the bad vaginal odor.
What Can Cause Vaginal Odor?
Bad Hygiene
Hygiene is key to having a healthy vagina and not having a bad odor coming out.
Bacterial Vaginosis
The vagina contains a lot of healthy bacteria, but when something disturbs the vaginal ecosystem, then the unhealthy bacteria such as Bacterial Vaginosis takes over. This bacteria is one of the most common vaginal infection that causes the foul smell.
Trichomoniasis
This is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause vaginal odor.
Forgotten or Retained Tampon
Although the odor is pretty bad, it goes away once the tampon is removed.
Diet
Spicy foods and foods rich in onions, garlic, asparagus and curry are known to cause bad vaginal odor.
Hormonal Changes
Birth control pills, hormonal therapies and vaginal creams can affect the pH of the vagina and the odor too. Hormonal changes that are caused by menopause, menstruation and pregnancy cause vaginal odor with watery discharge.
Medical Supplements
Antibiotics and other medication can affect the bacterial balance and therefore cause vaginal odor.
Cancer
In rare cases, cancer can also cause vaginal odor. Vaginal and cervical cancer can cause bad smell and more vaginal discharge.