A vaginal odour will not go away regardless of any actions taken to rid the smell. A vaginal odor only occurs because it has been given reason to. The vagina is an odorless organ of the body, so the odour in question will have risen through something other than what you believe is naturally a smelly vagina. Before going further you are not on your own with a vaginal smell, and furthermore, neither should you be embarrassed too. Common issues connected to the cause, are, sweaty genitals and poor hygiene, however both treatable with warm water and soap.
Of course if these are not the cause, then soap and water will have no effect. Let us look at the more serious reasons for vaginal odours. Knowing about vaginal infections will help you determine differences, which in return can help you prevent and treat them appropriately.
Thrush infection is a vaginal infection caused by yeast called Candida. Candida albicans is yeast like organism that lives naturally in small amounts in your mouth, gastrointestinal tract and skin. The body's natural defense against fungal and yeast infections is the production of friendly bacterial flora that keeps it in check. Candida live on the skin and round the genitals. These are usually safe. The immune system and the safe bacteria that also live on the skin and in the vagina usually stop Candida from flourishing. Candida is known for multiplying and settling in warm, moist, airless parts of the body, hence the vagina being an ideal spot.
Thrush Symptoms & treatments
The vagina/vulva can swell, itch and feel sore along with a burning feeling and a yeasty-smelling discharge. These are usually treated with
- Pessaries
- Creams
- Oral capsules - all purchased from a chemist or got on prescription.
Bacterial Vaginosis - BV treatments
In abbreviation BV - bacterial vaginosis is caused by an overgrowth of assorted bacteria? It is a vaginal infection associated with several bacteria.
BV Symptoms: Show change in vaginal discharge and creates an offensive smell. Discharge after infection is normally seen as off white or grey color. One embarrassing symptom connected to BV is a fishy odour. Unlike the Thrush infection, women are not known to suffer from itching and soreness.
Most effective and a regularly prescribed medication for treating bacterial vaginosis is, Metronidazole
The custom dose is 400 mg twice a day for a week. A single dose of 2 grams is an alternative. Not as strong or influential as the 400mg, so a strong possibility it may reduce effectiveness. This particular treatment is not agreeable with some patients. Metronidazole is known to cause sickness in some of the ailing. The odds against this happening are lessened if Metronidazole tablets are swallowed with food. Side effects may differ for each individual. The person with safe answers about Metronidazole tablets is your GP.
Unfortunately if your problem is not either one of the two vaginal infections, and an STD (Sexually transmitted disease) then this is also treatable. Of course if left untreated then the more serious your condition can turn. The quicker you have yourself checked over - the quicker treatment can begin.
Genital herpes in each patient can vary. Symptoms of genital herpes during a first episode usually appear within 2 to 10 days after infection and last an average of 2 weeks up to a month.
Some early symptoms can include:
- Itching and burning
- Leg pain
- Pain in the genital site
- Vaginal discharge
- Pressure felt in the abdomen
Sores or lesions blow up at the site of the infection. They can develop inside the vagina or on the cervix in women, as well as in the urinary passage in both men and women.
An early episode of genital herpes can also include symptoms:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Urinary pain
- Swollen glands round the groin.
After an attack of genital herpes the skin or mucous membranes, the virus travels to the sensory nerves at the end of the spinal cord where it remains inside the nerve cells in an inactive state. Symptoms of seriousness as such should not be ignored because it can put your health even more at risk. STDs can cause death if left to heal them self. Sexually transmitted diseases do not heal without medical help.
Early STD infections need treatment before furthering and upping to another level. The more level climbs involved the more dangerous the condition becomes.
Gonorrhea often called "the clap," is caused by the Neisseria gonorrhea bacteria, affecting moist body parts i.e. vagina, penis, eyes, throat, and rectum. It is easily spread through sexual activity including oral, vaginal, and rectal sex. Prevent ugly symptoms by wearing a condom. The symptoms of genital gonorrhea differ in both male and female. In women the cervix is mainly affected, spreading to the uterus and fallopian tubes if not treated.
Other symptoms may include:
- Irregular bleeding
- A burning sensation when peeing
- Vaginal discharge
- Irritation outside the vagina
If other unusual symptoms occur that gives you reason for concern then you must seek medical help. Although we speak of vaginal odour, open cankerous sores in relation to other conditions can smell.
Usual treatments suggested for gonorrhea include:
- Cefixime 400 mg taken by mouth in a single dose
- Ceftriaxone 125 mg IM in a single dose
- Ciprofloxacin 500 mg taken by mouth in one dose
- Ofloxacin 400 mg orally taken in a single dose, plus 1g of Azithromycin
- Doxycycline 100 mg taken by mouth twice daily for 1 week
Medicinal antidotes for conditions /disease will never always agree with "everyone," and in some cases of these suggested medications , - then alternative pharmaceutical treatments are used.
If protection is used and safe sex practiced, then who needs to worry about "alternatives."
