Vaginal Odor Causes - Why Women Have Vagina Odor
Many women are plagued at some time in their life with an unpleasant feminine odor. It can be caused by something as simple as poor hygiene, hormone changes before a woman's menstrual cycle, additional sweat and moisture, a sexually transmitted disease, infection or can be a serious sign of cancer. If you are suffering from smelly vagina and can eliminate the first three causes, it is very important that you go have it checked by your doctor as soon as possible. Some of the more serious causes will not go away by themselves and must have professional treatment.
Poor feminine hygiene is a basic step that all women can control. Keeping the vaginal area clean by washing with soap and water must be done daily. Also remember to always wipe from front to back when cleaning after a bowel movement. If you sweat excessively then more than once a day is necessary to make sure to prevent bacteria from growing. The growth of these bacteria is the cause of vaginal odor when proper hygiene is not maintained. If you have a problem with excessive sweating ,then you can apply a feminine powder or corn starch to absorb the moisture as well as keep your pubic hair short and trimmed.
During a woman's monthly cycle the acidity of the vagina changes producing more secretions than normal. This may contribute to the odor. Extra care with cleanliness and frequent changes of tampons and napkins during this time should eliminate the unpleasant smell. Sexually transmitted diseases can be a major contributor to vaginal odor. This could include gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, genital warts and others. STD's are highly contagious and should be treated by your gynecologist immediately.
Infections are very common causes of vaginal odor. The most common are yeast infections, pelvic inflammatory disease and bacterial vaginosis. The different types produce very specific odors. A yeast infection has an odor that can be compared to cheese or beer, and the bacterial infection is more offensive and has a strong fishy odor. Yeast infections can be treated with over the counter remedies. If that does not clear it up then you'll need to see your doctor. Bacterial infections will definitely require a doctor's visit and will most likely need antibiotics. Cancer is the least likely cause of feminine odor but make sure you talk with your doctor to eliminate the possibility.
Poor feminine hygiene is a basic step that all women can control. Keeping the vaginal area clean by washing with soap and water must be done daily. Also remember to always wipe from front to back when cleaning after a bowel movement. If you sweat excessively then more than once a day is necessary to make sure to prevent bacteria from growing. The growth of these bacteria is the cause of vaginal odor when proper hygiene is not maintained. If you have a problem with excessive sweating ,then you can apply a feminine powder or corn starch to absorb the moisture as well as keep your pubic hair short and trimmed.
During a woman's monthly cycle the acidity of the vagina changes producing more secretions than normal. This may contribute to the odor. Extra care with cleanliness and frequent changes of tampons and napkins during this time should eliminate the unpleasant smell. Sexually transmitted diseases can be a major contributor to vaginal odor. This could include gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, genital warts and others. STD's are highly contagious and should be treated by your gynecologist immediately.
Infections are very common causes of vaginal odor. The most common are yeast infections, pelvic inflammatory disease and bacterial vaginosis. The different types produce very specific odors. A yeast infection has an odor that can be compared to cheese or beer, and the bacterial infection is more offensive and has a strong fishy odor. Yeast infections can be treated with over the counter remedies. If that does not clear it up then you'll need to see your doctor. Bacterial infections will definitely require a doctor's visit and will most likely need antibiotics. Cancer is the least likely cause of feminine odor but make sure you talk with your doctor to eliminate the possibility.