What You Smell
All healthy vaginas
have a smell that changes throughout a woman’s cycle. There are several types
of bacteria (flora) in the vagina that help to keep it healthy and at the right
pH (acidity) level. Your vagina’s pH level changes in response to a range of
factors such as where you are in your cycle, stress, activities, foods you’ve
eaten and more. As the pH level changes, you’ll notice short-term shifts in the
vagina’s smell, most of which are perfectly normal.
An unusual,
unpleasant smell can indicate a problem. If you detect a foul, fishy or musty
odor that doesn’t go away, you should see your health care provider. The most
common causes are bacterial vaginosis (BV), an infection caused by an imbalance
of flora, and trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a
parasite. Both of these can be treated with antibiotics.
We advise against using douches, soaps and other scented products to change your vagina’s natural smell. These
products can change the pH level of your vagina, increasing the risk of
infection, and masking a potential problem. Your vagina does not require washing,
and the external vulva area should be regularly and gently cleaned with warm
water and mild, unscented soap.
What You See
Your vaginal
discharge also changes in color and texture throughout your menstrual cycle. At
the beginning and end of your cycle, the discharge is likely white and sticky.
It tends to thin out and become clear and watery as you near ovulation or if
you are sexually aroused. During ovulation, it becomes stretchier and stickier.
Just before and after your period, you may experience spotting, which is due to
brownish or red blood in the discharge.
The discharge is one of the mechanisms the vagina uses to clean itself and is perfectly natural. The amount differs by person and can be affected by several factors, including birth control and pregnancy.
However, if you notice the color of your discharge changes to dark yellow, green or gray; if it
becomes unusually
thick or lumpy; has a foul smell or is accompanied by pain; you should see your
women’s health professional. In addition to the two infections mentioned above,
it could indicate a yeast or another type of infection, one of several STDs or pelvic inflammatory disease, all of which
require treatment.
How You Feel
The final way your
vagina can communicate a problem is through how it feels. Itching, burning and
pain all require evaluation by a women’s health provider, especially when
accompanied by a foul odor or changes to your discharge as described above.
Talk to your provider as well about pain during sex or when urinating.
We also recommend
you take note of any bumps, lumps, rashes or irritations in the vaginal area
when you are showering or seated on the toilet. Many of them are perfectly
normal and range from things such as harmless cysts, varicosities (small,
swollen veins), ingrown hairs, skin tags or other skin conditions. However, if
you experience pain or other symptoms, or they don’t go away within a week or
two, you should see a health professional to rule out anything more serious,
like STDs or cancer.
It Never Hurts to Ask
As you can see, what
your vagina might be telling you can be quite a lot; you just have to pay
attention. If you do, you will learn to understand what is normal for you,
which makes it more likely you’ll “hear” when there might be a problem.
As we always say,
there are no silly questions, so if you are concerned about any signs or
symptoms that seem unusual, call us to schedule an
appointment.
