Why does vaginal odor appear? * Clinic Diana in St. Petersburg

The feeling of cleanliness and freshness in the genital area is an important sign of a woman’s health. Discharge from the genitals in the absence of pathologies does not have a pronounced aroma. The appearance of an unpleasant odor in the genital area is an alarming symptom.

Medical gynecologists will help you find the cause and get rid of the foul odor of vaginal discharge and prevent complications.

Causes of unpleasant odor

The content of the article

Normally, the fluid secreted by the uterine glands cleanses the vaginal canal and becomes a breeding ground for normal microflora. The basis of the vaginal microflora is Dederlein bacilli (lactobacillus) and opportunistic flora. Changes in the composition of the biocenosis lead to the development of pathologies that cause a strong odor from the vagina. By the specificity of the aroma, you can determine the type of disease.

This symptom often appears against the background of complete external well-being. When answering the question of why there is an unpleasant odor from the vagina, gynecologists cite the following reasons:

Poor hygiene of intimate organs.
Failure to comply with hygiene requirements leads to the movement of bacteria from the anus to the vagina. Pathogenic microflora provokes inflammation in the genitals. The process is accompanied by a bad odor and specific secretions;
Weakening of the immune system.
Against the background of weakened immunity, pathogenic bacteria, which are part of the natural flora of the vagina, multiply. The proliferation of harmful bacteria is accompanied by the spread of infection and odor from the intimate area;
Hormone imbalance.
The endocrine background of a woman affects the composition of the vaginal biocenosis. Hormonal imbalance creates favorable conditions for the growth of pathogenic microflora. This in turn provokes inflammation and pathological discharge;
Diseases of the genital organs.
Gynecological diseases are often accompanied by an unpleasant odor from the vagina. This is one of the main signs of infection or the development of inflammation. The most dangerous sexually transmitted diseases are syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia. Pathologies often cause complications in the form of scars on the cervix and disruption of the patency of the vaginal canal. Due to scarring of the tissues of the genital organs, problems with conception appear.

Why does vaginal discharge smell “fishy”?

When visiting a gynecologist, women often complain of a fishy odor from the genital tract. The fishy aroma intensifies during sexual contact and the use of intimate hygiene products. Most often, this symptom is associated with the development of gardnerellosis.

The gardnerella bacterium is part of the normal microflora of the vagina. When favorable conditions are created, it begins to actively multiply, causing inflammation in the genitourinary organs. The smell appears as a result of the interaction of bacterial growth products with sperm proteins.

Optimal conditions for the development of gardnerellosis are created in the presence of the following risk factors:

weakening of the immune system;
changes in hormonal levels during menopause;
frequent miscarriages, medical abortions and curettage;
disturbance of intestinal microflora;
failure to comply with the rules of genital hygiene;
frequent douching;
refusal of condoms, frequent change of partners.

A bad fishy odor is also observed with chronic thrush. The cause of this disease is the activation of fungi of the genus Candida.

Both diseases are accompanied by a change in pH balance, which also leads to the appearance of a rotten fish aroma. This symptom cannot be ignored, since diseases tend to progress.

Why does my vagina smell like onion?

When a woman notices that her private parts smell like onions, anxiety arises. This is a specific aroma that is uncharacteristic for healthy representatives of the fair sex. If there is an unpleasant onion smell coming from the vagina, the doctor will suspect active fungal growth. These microorganisms are present in the sexual microflora in limited quantities. But changes in a woman’s hormonal background contribute to the proliferation of fungal flora.

Hormonal changes are observed in the following conditions:

pregnancy period;
the appearance of the first menstruation;
the onset of menopause;
abortion;
pathologies of the endocrine glands;
uncontrolled use of hormonal drugs.

Exposure to stress also affects intimate microflora.

During such periods, a bad onion odor may appear from the genitals. The aroma intensifies after intimate contact. Such symptoms are a reason for an urgent consultation with a gynecologist. A specialist will help you quickly restore the vaginal biocenosis.

Treatment

Help before diagnosis

Scanty, white, odorless vaginal discharge is considered physiological and does not require drug therapy. Women need to carefully monitor their hygiene, avoid hypothermia and wearing tight synthetic underwear. If there is heavy foul-smelling white discharge, the patient should contact a gynecologist as soon as possible to find the cause of the symptom and select the optimal treatment. Before the diagnosis is verified, the use of any medications is undesirable.

Conservative therapy

Effective treatment of diseases accompanied by vaginal discharge includes medications and physical therapy. To cleanse the genitals and relieve inflammation, baths with decoctions of oak bark and chamomile are prescribed. Antihistamines are used to relieve itching and swelling. Etiotropic and pathogenetic therapy is carried out using such groups of drugs as:

Antifungal agents
. Medicines in the form of vaginal suppositories can quickly and effectively destroy the causative agents of mycotic infections. For extensive candidal lesions, therapy is supplemented with systemic drugs.
Antiseptics
. Suppositories with chlorhexidine and drugs of similar action help cleanse the vagina of pathogenic microorganisms. Douching with antiseptic solutions and herbal decoctions is prescribed.
Lactobacilli
. In order to influence the pathogenetic mechanisms of the appearance of discharge, special vaginal suppositories with beneficial bacteria are included in the treatment regimen. The suppositories are designed to restore microflora.
Anti-tuberculosis drugs
. In case of damage to the genital tract caused by Koch's bacillus, specific etiotropic treatment is necessary. Antibacterial agents from several pharmaceutical groups are commonly used.

In most cases, careful adherence to the recommendations of the attending physician allows you to quickly eliminate white vaginal discharge; treatment of genital tuberculosis takes longer. In the future, to prevent the resumption of pathological secretion, it is important to take medications that disrupt the composition of the vaginal flora with caution. You should take care of maintaining your immune system - get enough rest, eat well, and avoid stressful situations.

Why does my vagina smell sour?

Sometimes patients complain of vaginal discharge with the smell of sour milk. The genital tract is inhabited by lactobacilli, which create an acidic pH environment in the vagina. Therefore, a sour odor may appear in the intimate area as a result of the activity of lactobacilli.

Normally, the sour aroma goes away on its own 2-3 days after it appears. To remove the odor, hygiene procedures with intimate gel are used. If the sour aroma remains, you need to seek help from a gynecologist.

It is very important to pay attention to the presence of other alarming symptoms:

burning;
itching in the perineum;
swelling of the labia;
unusual discharge from the genitals;
redness of the external genitalia.

Often the cause of a sour aroma is candidiasis, which develops as a result of the proliferation of Candida fungi. With this disease, the patient experiences a cheesy discharge.

Sexually transmitted diseases

This group includes a large group of sexually transmitted infections:

- Chlamydia is characterized by the release of secretions with a strong, foul odor. Pathogens disrupt the vaginal microflora. The disease manifests itself as pain in the sacrum and abdomen. Symptoms are accompanied by a general poor condition due to intoxication of the body. - Trichomoniasis is characterized by the release of a white, foamy fluid. An untreated infection occurs with the addition of bacteria. At the same time, the secretion changes color and becomes yellow. In addition, there is a fishy smell. — Gonorrhea is characterized by copious liquid discharge in the form of white mucus. At the stage of clot appearance, the disease is confused with candidiasis. The disease occurs with a burning sensation during urination and a purulent odor.

Important! Diseases considered to be sexually transmitted infections. Both sexual partners are subject to treatment.

Why does urine smell bad?

If a woman's perineum smells like urine, it may be due to poor hygiene. However, the true reason often lies in the psychological state of the patient. Stress, anxiety, and a woman’s internal complexes can cause nervous disorders and disrupt the functioning of the genitourinary system. Against the background of such conditions, stress urinary incontinence develops.

Urine leakage can also be caused by pelvic organ prolapse. This condition often develops during menopause due to decreased estrogen production. A lack of sex hormones causes weakening of the pelvic floor muscles and prolapse of the bladder. This pathology is more often observed in obese women.

In both cases, urine involuntarily leaks from the bladder during physical and emotional stress. Small portions of it can penetrate the vagina when coughing, sneezing, sports activities, or emotional activity. The joint work of a gynecologist and a urologist will help solve the problem.

Why does the vagina smell of semen?

After unprotected sex, the aroma of seminal fluid may remain in the genitals for several days. This is a normal condition for a healthy woman. However, the appearance of such a symptom without sexual intercourse indicates a disturbance in the composition of the microflora. This condition is not dangerous for reproductive health, but correction of the vaginal microflora is necessary.

There are cases when the aroma of semen is accompanied by irritation of the mucous membranes of the vulva and uterus. Such symptoms are a clear sign of infection. Therefore, you need to contact a gynecologist to make a diagnosis and prescribe therapy.

Why does my vagina smell bad like garlic?

An unpleasant odor in itself is not considered a disease, but signals changes in a woman’s body. Changes in intimate odor are associated not only with gynecological diseases. Often, vaginal discharge changes when you change your usual diet.

For example, eating garlic in large quantities can cause the smell of this product to appear in the perineum. Substances contained in garlic are excreted from the body through secretory glands (sweat, salivary, etc.). The genitals also contain glands that secrete fluid and mucus. Therefore, a similar unpleasant aroma may emanate from the vagina after eating strong-smelling foods.

Careful frequent hygiene of the intimate area, as well as limiting the consumption of garlic, will help solve the problem.

Why does my vagina smell like acetone?

The characteristic pungent aroma of acetone from the vagina is an alarming sign. As a rule, the first disease that a doctor suspects is diabetes. With this pathology, the level of ketone bodies in the blood increases, the breakdown of which is accompanied by the unpleasant odor of acetone. To check the suspected diagnosis, the gynecologist will prescribe a glucose test and a consultation with an endocrinologist.

Other conditions can provoke the appearance of the smell of acetone:

lack of fluid in the body;
low carbohydrate diet;
violation of metabolism and digestion of food;
diseases of the urogenital tract;
hormonal disbalance.

Treatment with drugs

Drug therapy depends on the diagnosis. For inflammatory and bacterial infections of the urinary system and reproductive organs, the following groups of drugs are used.

Antibiotics

Broad-spectrum or narrowly targeted medications are prescribed based on the results of bacterial culture of the discharge.

Drugs of choice in injection and tablet form:

Ceftriaxone;
Norfloxacin;
Gentamicin;
Doxycycline;
Levofloxacin.

The dosage and method of administration are determined by the doctor. The main side effects are impaired bowel movements, bloating, flatulence, and lack of appetite.

In gynecological practice, Clindamycin and Terzhinan are used. Side effects - irritation of the genital organs, burning, itching.

Antibacterial agents in tablets and suppositories.

For pathology of the urinary system, the following is prescribed:

Nitroxoline;
5-Nok;
Furamag;
Biseptol;
McMiror;
Canephron, Trinephron, Phytolysin - plant based.

The main side effects are disruption of bowel movements and intense yellow coloration of urine.

For diseases of the reproductive system, antibacterial suppositories are prescribed:

McMiror;
Betadine and its analogues;
Hexicon;
Chlorhexidine;
Neo-Penotran;
Metrogyl is a vaginal gel.

Side effects include the risk of burning, itching at the injection site, and minor bleeding due to the use of suppositories.

Anabolic and hypoglycemic medications

If diabetes mellitus is detected, the endocrinologist will prescribe insulin to relieve the acute condition. Then a transition to other hypoglycemic agents is possible. The drug of choice is Glucophage, Insufort, Glycomed.

The main side effects of this group of drugs are changes in taste habits and digestive disorders.

Probiotics

Against the background of diseases and during their treatment with antibacterial agents, intestinal dysbiosis develops, so taking probiotics is required:

Bifidumbacterin;
Linux;
Acipol;
Yogurt.

Preventing bad vaginal odor

The main method of preventing odor from the genital tract is regular visits to the gynecologist. The doctor will notice the development of the disease in time and help prevent serious complications.

Doctors also recommend:

monitor changes in diet;
observe the rules of intimate hygiene, especially during menstruation;
choose underwear made from natural fabric according to size;
do not use panty liners;
do no more than 1 douching per month;
use intimate gels only during ovulation and menstruation;
choose barrier contraception;
avoid casual sex.

Only a doctor can determine exactly why there is an unpleasant odor coming from the vagina. Gynecologists at the Diana Clinic conduct a comprehensive examination - examination, smear for microflora, blood test for sexually transmitted infections, pelvic ultrasound. The results allow you to quickly make a diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment. This allows you to get rid of the unpleasant symptom within a few days.

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Diagnostics

The presence of a woman with copious white secretions coming from the vagina, especially with a noticeable sour odor, is an indication for visiting an obstetrician-gynecologist. A diagnostic search involves a comprehensive physical and instrumental examination of the genital tract to determine the cause that provoked the white discharge, as well as clarifying laboratory methods. The most informative ones are:

Gynecological examination.
The technique is aimed at studying the condition of the mucous membrane of the reproductive organs; during the examination, areas of hyperemia or destruction of the epithelium, a dense cheesy coating surrounded by an inflammatory border are determined. The speculum examination is necessarily complemented by a digital vaginal examination.
Endoscopic methods
. Detailed visualization of the epithelium of the cervical mucosa during colposcopy makes it possible to detect erosions and other suspicious changes. To clarify the cause of the discharge, it is necessary to conduct a Schiller test and a vinegar test. If there is possible damage to the uterus, hysteroscopy is required.
Sonography
. Ultrasound of the pelvic organs is a standard non-invasive method that effectively detects signs of inflammation of the uterus and appendages, and large tumors. In doubtful cases, diagnostic laparoscopy may be prescribed.
Lab tests
. As a screening, an analysis of vaginal microflora and bacteriological culture of discharge is recommended. If there is a cheesy discharge with a distinct acidic odor, the smear is examined under a microscope to detect candida. If there is a probable tuberculosis infection, specific tests for mycobacteria are done.

A comprehensive gynecological examination includes determining the level of estrogen and progesterone in the blood on different days of the menstrual cycle. If there are difficulties in diagnosis, X-ray visualization of the internal organs of the reproductive system with contrast is performed - hysterosalpingography. According to indications, consultations with other specialized specialists are prescribed.