Women may worry if they have some vaginal odor, but it does not necessarily mean that there is a health problem. The worry is if the vaginal odor has a bad smell or gives off a “fishy” smell, accompanied by a colored discharge that can be yellow or grayish white. The common cause for the fishy smell and discharge is Bacterial Vaginosis.
BV (Bacterial Vaginosis) is not as some people think a sexually transmitted disease (STD). BV can be present when there is an excessive level of bacteria in the vagina, although there is usually an amount of healthy bacteria present naturally.
Similar symptoms may also be triggered by different medical conditions, for example cancer of the vagina or cervix, as well as being caused by certain STD’s, such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease or Gonorrhea. So it is important to contact your doctor to get a proper diagnosis. If you are expecting and experiencing vaginal odor or discharge, again consult your doctor immediately. Women that are pregnant with BV can go into early labor, get an infection of the amniotic fluid and also of the uterus post-birth.
To diagnose BV your doctor will perform a pelvic exam and take samples of the vaginal discharge. A test will be performed to look for the bacteria that is associated with this condition. Bacterial Vaginosis can sometimes clear up on its own without treatment; but treatment is recommended to prevent complications.
The exact cause of BV is not known, but some of the factors listed below have been linked to increasing the risks of developing BV:-
- Vaginal douching
- Smoking
- New or multiple sex partners
The normal treatment for Bacterial Vaginosis are usually two different antibiotics: metronidazole or clindamycin. These antibiotics can be taken by women who are expecting. A more natural aid for Bacterial Vaginosis is Destinol.
Prevention of BV is an alternative to treating your symptoms and there a few easy changes you can make to achieve this:-
- Wear loose cotton clothing allowing for air circulation. Tight clothes may cause irritation and increase chances of BV
- Good hygiene is important. Clean the vagina daily using normal soap and lukewarm water; avoid using soap with chemicals or dyes that may cause irritation
- Exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet
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