Sometimes, due to menstruation, the vaginal odor changes, which means that it can become more intense while you have your period. These types of changes are normal, but if you notice a bad vaginal odor or discomfort that is out of the ordinary, it is necessary to face the consequences and take action.
Sometimes this bad smell during menstruation is accompanied by other symptoms, such as genital itching, burning sensation or changes in flow. These symptoms are indicative that there may be a vaginal infection.
In that case you will have to go to the gynecologist, but we are going to talk about some of the common causes of bad vaginal odor, as well as a series of recommendations that you can follow to avoid suffering from this problem.
Most common causes of bad vaginal odor
It is common that there are changes in the smell of the intimate area that are not typical of the menstrual cycle, and that may be due to a vaginal infection. The most frequent causes that give rise to bad vaginal odor are the following:
Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is a common condition and is the most common vaginal infection in women between the ages of 15 and 45. This occurs when there is an imbalance between good and bad bacteria.
The smell that occurs due to this problem is similar to fish and is often noticed after having sex. In addition, it is common for it to be accompanied by other symptoms such as white or grayish vaginal discharge; burning when urinating; pain, itching and burning in the vagina and vulva.
Yeast infection
Vaginal candidiasis is a common vaginal infection and affects between 70 and 75% of women at least once in their life. It is caused by this fungus and the smell it transmits is sweet, and may be partly reminiscent of beer.
In addition, it is usually accompanied by a thick or watery discharge; burning when urinating and having sex; and discomfort, pain, itching, irritation…
Trichomonas’s
This is a sexually transmitted disease or STD. In addition to bad vaginal odor, other symptoms may appear, such as itching or pain when urinating or having sexual intercourse; and a discharge that is yellowish, greenish, or grayish in color.
Inadequate intimate hygiene
Incorrect or inadequate cleaning of the genital area can cause an imbalance that causes poor intimate hygiene.
It is important to keep in mind that when cleaning the genitals, you must also clean the anal area. A mistake is to focus on cleaning the vulva, but the indicated area is also necessary.
Wearing very tight or wet underwear
Wearing very tight or wet clothing helps expose the genital area to warm temperatures and more humidity than usual. Both conditions cause the fungi to multiply, which can end up causing an infection that can lead to bad vaginal odor.
If in addition to the vaginal odor, other problems are perceived in the form of discomfort, it is advisable to go to the gynecologist as soon as possible. It is essential to always receive the proper diagnosis and treatment in case of infection so that some complications are avoided, especially if it is the first time it has happened to you; or if it has happened to you several times.
Instructions to avoid bad vaginal odor
If you want to know how to avoid vaginal odor, it is important that you follow the following recommendations, thanks to which you will also be able to prevent vaginal infections. To do this, you must follow the following recommendations:
- Take care of your intimate hygiene. To avoid bad odor and infections, you should wash your intimate area daily, including the anal area as well. After going to the bathroom, it is essential that you always wipe from front to back, so that you will prevent bacteria from the anal area from reaching the vagina. On the other hand, you should not douche unless your doctor recommends it. These types of products can alter the vaginal flora and give rise to infections and other discomforts.
- Use specific products. It is necessary to use specific soaps for the genital part, since they are specially designed to balance the pH and avoid problems in such a delicate area of the body. These types of products guarantee proper hygiene.
- You should change your underwear daily or whenever it becomes damp or wet. In addition, it is recommended that it be made of cotton, since it is a fabric that favors greater perspiration.
- In the event that you use pads, tampons, menstrual cups or panty liners, you should change them frequently and always take into account the maximum use time indicated by the manufacturer.
- It is advisable to use a condom during sexual intercourse; and after having these sexual relations, it is advisable to wash the intimate area with a specific product.
