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How to know if the smell of my vagina is normal? Signs of a problem

 How to know if the smell of my vagina is normal?  Signs of a problem

Sexuality continues to be surrounded by many myths, including those related to the female intimate area. If you have always wondered: how do I know if the smell of my vagina is normal? We help you solve it and know the signs of a problem.

Female sexuality is surrounded by many misconceptions, especially when it comes to our vulva and vagina. Just mentioning its characteristics unleashes confusion. And it is that, just as not all vulvas are the same, it is not real that it is more hygienic to wax them or that they should smell like flowers.

What does a healthy vagina smell like?

Contrary to popular belief, it is normal for the vagina to have an odor. The female intimate area should not smell like perfume, however, nor should it have a very strong or unpleasant smell. In general, its smell is mild but characteristic and changes depending on the person, in addition to there being factors that influence its alteration.

Despite these differences, a healthy vagina has a slightly acidic, yogurt-like odor caused by microorganisms that make up the vaginal flora, such as lactobacilli. It can sometimes turn slightly sweet and, during menstruation, slightly metallic.

But if this metallic odor persists after your period or is very strong, see your doctor. Finally, although less pleasant, it is possible to give off a smell of sweat, due to the combination of sweat from the groin and vaginal bacteria. Although it does not indicate a medical condition, it is important to maintain good hygiene.

Of course, the vaginal odor will not be the same all your life. The specialized site Medical News Today explains that hormonal changes, such as those of pregnancy, menopause and even in your menstrual cycle, can alter it, without worrying.

¿Cómo saber si el olor de mi vagina es normal? Señales de un problema

In fact, sexual intercourse changes it too, especially if there is an interaction between semen and vaginal fluids or after the use of certain lubricants that change your pH.

What are the warning signs of bad vaginal odour?

Although the vagina may have a distinctive odor, when it becomes very strong, ammonia-like, fishy, ​​or foul-smelling, it can indicate a health condition that needs to be treated, especially when accompanied by other symptoms.

These symptoms include itching, irritation, redness, abnormal discharge, pain or burning when urinating.

The main cause is bacterial vaginosis, a type of vaginal infection that is caused by an excessive increase in bacteria that are usually found in the vagina. This has been associated with unprotected sexual intercourse, the use of vaginal douches, or the natural absence of lactobacilli.

In addition to a fetid fishy odor, Mayo Clinic specialists explain that you can present: itching, gray, white or green discharge and burning when urinating. If you identify yourself, go to the doctor for treatment.

Other causes behind an abnormal vaginal odor are:

* Poor hygiene. Although it is not recommended to wash the inside of the vagina with soap, bathing daily, washing your vulva (external part), changing your underwear daily and cleaning yourself correctly when urinating and defecating, helps reduce the risk of odor.

* Trichomoniasis. This sexually transmitted infection is caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. It may have no symptoms, but other times it causes irritation, itching, burning, redness in the genitals, burning when urinating, unusual colored discharge, and a bad odor.

* Buffer retained. When the odor is very strong, to the point of hurting your nose, it can reveal a tampon that has not been changed in a long time. See your doctor if you suspect this situation or if the odor is excessive.

* Rectovaginal fistula. Some people may have an abnormal opening between the rectum and the vagina, allowing stool to leak into the vagina. Injury during childbirth, inflammatory disease, radiation treatment or cancer in the pelvic area, and complications after surgery in the pelvic area can cause it.

* Cancer. Although less common, it is important to know that both cervical and vaginal cancer can cause an abnormal vaginal odor or foul-smelling discharge. If after ruling out other causes, the problem continues, it is important to rule out both cases.

Especially if you also have bleeding after sex, between periods, or after menopause, bloody and watery vaginal discharge, pelvic pain or pain during sex, a lump or mass in the vagina, painful urination, or an urge to urinate. urinate often.

Why not use douches or vaginal deodorants?

Although the vaginal odor is natural, in case it seems strong, abnormal or you have doubts, it is important to go to your gynecologist. Using vaginal douches or intimate deodorant only manages to cover up the problem slightly, but in the long run it could do you more harm.

The United States Office on Women's Health stresses that douching is not recommended, as it can alter the balance of vaginal flora and the natural acidity of the vagina, causing an overgrowth of harmful bacteria that lead to candidiasis vaginal or bacterial vaginosis.

Even if you already have an infection, it could push bacteria to areas like your uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Our body eliminates unwanted substances and cleanses the vagina naturally, therefore these products are not necessary.

The best way to keep your intimate area clean is to wash your vulva or the external part with warm water and, if your skin is not sensitive or you suffer from frequent vaginal infections, you can use a neutral soap, without perfumes or dyes.

As for intimate deodorants, you should also avoid them, as they can irritate and change the vaginal pH, making you more vulnerable to infections.

Now that you have a better idea of ​​how to know if the smell of your vagina is normal and the signs of a problem, begin to reconcile yourself with your sexuality and the characteristics of your intimate area... And if you notice something abnormal, go to the doctor immediately .

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