Bad vaginal odor, which women often experience and are very uncomfortable with, can be a symptom of a health problem. Normally, just as every organ has its own smell, the vagina also has its own, non-irritating odor. However, because the vagina is both permanently closed and left moist, it can sometimes produce an unpleasant odor, sometimes resembling the smell of fish. If this bad odor in the vagina is accompanied by symptoms such as itching, discharge, burning, irritation, it should be taken into consideration and necessary treatment methods should be applied as there may be an infection or a disease.
What Causes Vagina Odor?
Vaginal odor; Most often, neglecting the cleaning of the genital area and keeping the genital area moist for a long time cause bad odor. However, low water consumption, menstruation, fungal infections, sexually transmitted diseases, bacterial infections and pelvic inflammatory disease can cause bad odor in the vagina.
What are the Symptoms of Vaginal Odor?
Although each vagina has a unique odor, this natural odor has a structure that can change every day. However, in some cases, the odor in the vagina can reach abnormal levels. The most important symptom of vaginal odor, which can be recognized very simply, is the bad fishy smell coming from the vagina. However, symptoms such as excessive dryness of the vagina, vaginal itching, redness may also indicate vaginal odor and a problem in the vagina.
How Does Vaginal Odor Go Away?
If vaginal odor is caused by an infection, it should be treated appropriately. However, paying attention to some things other than medication can help reduce the risk of vaginal odor and bacterial vaginosis. Avoiding procedures that disrupt the delicate pH balance of the vagina (vaginal douching, washing the vagina with substances such as soap, shower gel, etc.), not using scented or flavored products in or around the vagina (perfume, scented tampons, scented pads, etc.), limiting the number of sexual partners and having safer sex are measures to prevent vaginal odor formation. However, consuming plenty of water, wearing plenty of comfortable and breathable clothes, taking care that underwear is cotton, changing tampons and pads frequently during menstruation and consulting a doctor immediately in case of any symptoms are the methods to be used to prevent vaginal odor.
