Yeast Infections and Other Causes of Vaginal Odor

Vaginal odor is usually musky and inoffensive. Under certain circumstances, though, it can become quite unpleasant. Often it is referred to as a “fishy” odor. There are many causes for vaginal odor.

In yeast infections, yeast proliferates in the vagina when the acidity of the area becomes too low. This may or may not produce a disagreeable smell. With proper treatment, the infection will go away quickly and the vaginal odor will disappear along with it.

Bacterial vaginosis is a case of organisms, which naturally occur in the vagina growing too rapidly. This usually comes with itching, irritation, and a gray or white vaginal discharge. This can be treated with antibiotics, although antibiotics can lead to yeast infections. It seems that getting rid of vaginal odor is not exactly simple.

People who are not careful about their hygiene can also end up with vaginal odor. There are several ways to prevent this. Washing the area with mild soap and water, and avoiding regular douching are two ways. Changing pads or tampons often during menstruation helps too. Cotton underwear are best to prevent vaginal odor and also yeast infections.

A less common reason for vaginal odor is losing a tampon. A tampon can actually be unwittingly pushed up into the upper part of the vagina. If the tampon is forgotten, it will cause an odor. It may seem unlikely, but it has happened.

A medical condition called a rectovaginal fistula can cause fecal odor in the vagina. This is caused when an abnormal opening is created between the rectum and vagina during the trauma of childbirth.

Then, there are many diseases that lead to vaginal odor. Sexually transmitted diseases such as Chlamydia, gonorrhea, or genital herpes can be to blame. Trichomoniasis is a parasitic infection that is also sexually transmitted and can cause vaginal odor.

Problems in the uterus can cause vaginal odor. Endometritis is an inflammation of the uterine lining which can cause an odor. Also, puerperal fever, an infection of the uterus after childbirth, can cause it.

Even diseases of the fallopian tubes can cause vaginal odor. Pelvic inflammatory disease is one of these. Salpingitis, an infection whose genesis is usually in the vagina or uterus, can also cause vaginal odor.

Most alarming of all, very serious diseases can cause vaginal odor. These include cancers. They may be vaginal, cervical, uterine, or colorectal, but they all can cause vaginal odor.

In simple cases, such as a yeast infection, vaginal odor is not much of a problem. However, if there are other symptoms, one should not hesitate to seek medical attention.