5 Causes of Feminine Odor

Fixing the root cause

Though feminine issues are quite common, it does not make them less embarrassing. Issues with feminine odor can make you feel unclean even if you are not. Following is a discussion of the five most common causes of feminine odour.

  1. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

BV is among the most common of all causes. Basically, the vagina contains bacteria that occur naturally. BV is a condition in which there is an extra growth of the bacteria.

The causes are unknown. However, other factors like frequent touching and unprotected sex could cause the odour. Symptoms for this also include discharge, itching and soreness.

BV may just vanish eventually but it can also be cured with antibiotics.

  1. Yeast infections5 Causes of Feminine Odor

Yeast infections are similar to BV but they have a thick and white discharge.

There are various vaginal as well as oral anti-fungal medicines that are available for yeast infections.

 Symptoms:

Yeast treatments are very simple but since most of them are quite messy, it is best to use these treatments during nights rather than the day.

If you experience any of the symptoms or if the treatment you are undergoing seems to be ineffective, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

  1. STDs

Certain STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) also are a reason for feminine odor. Gonorrhea and chlamydia are two of the sexually transmitted diseases’ that are a cause. The two can be treated easily but if they are left untreated they may lead to serious complications. The common symptoms for these two diseases are discharge that resemble pus, odour and painful urination.

If you notice any of this, consult your doctor immediately and remember to use protection during intercourse.

  1. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

5 Causes of Feminine OdorPID is the later stage of STDs like chlamydia. PIDs occur when the bacteria causing STDs enter the uterus through the vagina. PIDs do not have symptoms generally and are noticed only when you experience trouble in getting conceived or if you have chronic pain. In case symptoms occur, they may be painful urination, painful intercourse, fatigue, fever, heavy discharge, odor and pelvic pain.

PID could be treated through antibiotics but it might leave scar tissue which has effects that may be long lasting like infertility and chronic pain.

  1. Poor hygiene

Odour can also be caused by poor hygiene. Ensure that you have a thorough wash every day, as it is natural for the vaginal area to smell as they have sweat and oil glands.  Use mild soaps that are free of fragrance and wipe well after visiting the restroom.

There are plenty of products available that claim to fight odour but it is best to keep away from all of them as these fragrant creams, cloths, douches and sprays cause twice the more trouble that resolving the problem. They may cause irritation and are also responsible for removing few bacteria which are actually required to be present to keep the vagina healthy.

Tip: Try the cotton crotch under-wears which help to remove moisture and thus stop odour.