Causes of Vaginal Odour – What Does Abnormal Vaginal Discharge Look Like

Is vaginal odour a popular topic talked about among women aside from men, babies and bingo if you like? It could be, if not for personal pride getting in the way, or that of embarrassment. Because we women differ in many ways, it is not uncommon for some to conceal their problem. If we were to be more open on the matter making it a topical subject, then a lot can be learned from another's suffering. This may sound sad; however it is fact that by doing this, it can provide relief and give support to those concerned over their vaginal odour. Remember a problem shared is a problem halved.

To put your mind at rest, there are two things you need to remember, one, you are not the only woman with a smelly vagina, and two, "you don't have a smelly vagina" how can this be you may well ask. Well because the vagina is an odourless organ of the body means, any odour from these quarters has to be caused by another source.

To clear up any confusion, let us clarify the reason for giving you the false impression that it is the vagina that smells. Odours do develop in and around the genital area, but only because of causes. Finding the cause should be your number one priority if you are looking to rid the odour. Vaginal odours can be caused by various matters i.e. sweating; not having bathed your private parts properly or the more common motive is that of a vaginal infection.

A vaginal Infection is normally where more than one bacteria, yeast or protozoal organism is found. The vagina usually contains large numbers of organisms called Lactobacillus (or acidophilus). A change in vaginal discharge normally signifies you have a vaginal infection. Noticeable changes can include colour, heavy loss, foul smell and itchiness. Inflammation burning or redness around the vagina is also other regular symptoms connected to an infection.

Normally, vaginal discharge has no smell and causes none of the above symptoms.

Bacterial vaginosis, women suffering from the bacterial vaginosis have a great number of organisms called Gardnerella vaginalis as well as many other organisms. Bacterial vaginosis can cause the vagina to smell and perhaps show an increase in the amount of discharge release. Discharge normally appears loose white or discoloured.

Candida vaginitis Is a yeast infection, and in contrast to bacterial vaginosis may show much larger amounts of thicker white discharge or none at all. Candida vaginitis symptoms include itching, irritation, inflammation or redness.

Trichomonas vaginitis infection often causes a flow of heavy discoloured smelly discharge. Itching can occur but is less likely than with a yeast infection like Candida vaginitis.

When seeking advice or treatment to rid your vaginal odour, it must come from no other than that of your doctor. Symptoms of a vaginal infection can be very similar to many other types of disease or conditions, so it is important for your GP to check you over to eliminate other causes, should they "not" be related to your vaginal odour.

Your doctor can usually make a prognosis in the surgery. Often, just medical background history and clinical presentation is enough for he/she to determine the condition

Treatments for Vaginal Infections will vary due to causes and severity.

Metronidazole (Flagyl, Protostat) is a regular form of treatment normally prescribed for Bacterial vaginosis. Metronidazole is orally taken. Like most other types of medication, side affects are common i.e. vomiting or a dodgy stomach. Other medication like clindamycin (Cleocin) is also taken by mouth. Vaginal creams and gels can be used to ease symptoms of itch and irritation.

A yeast infection is normally treated differently, with creams and suppositories. These are located then into the vagina. Some yeast infection treatments are sold without prescription (miconazole (Monistat) and clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin or Mycelex-G) over the chemist counter.

If you feel embarrassed or afraid over this issue, then there is no need to be, because it is all a natural process of the female body. The biggest majority of women at some time in their life will suffer a vaginal infection. Should there be no cure to rid vaginal odours, then sure enough this gives reason to fear and fret.

Proof that vaginal treatments work will come to the fore while watching the millions of women from all around the world who strut with heads held high.