The vagina is the peculiar muscular channel within the bodies of women that sits between the urethra and the rectum. It is the female tract that serves three main purposes; the passage way in childbirth, secretion of cervical mucus and sexual intercourse. The vagina is unique in many ways; it is approximately 10 centimeters long, it widens and self-moistens at times of sexual arousal and it needs to stay at an acidic PH level of 3.8 to 4.5 in order to maintain good health.
The vagina is a self-cleaning valve that exhibits many different odors throughout the day, night and month; a healthy vagina may smell somewhat iron like on days of menstruation, sweaty after a strenuous workout, slightly off when secreting cervical discharge and subtle throughout the day and night.
Signs of an Unhealthy Vagina:
One of the first indications that a vagina is unhealthy is the emitting of offensive fish smelling odor and/or the presence of oddly colored discharge. A persistent fishy smell is a telltale sign that the PH levels within the vaginal structure is off and some sort of disorder is present. There are a few different reasons why the vagina may produce odors such as this, spanning from mild to serious. Below are a few causes of fishy smelling vaginal odors:
Main Causes of Fishy Smelling Vaginal Odor:
- Bacterial Vaginosis: Bacterial Vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection among women of child bearing age and one of the top causes for fishy odor. This infection occurs when there is an overgrowth in bad bacteria due to upset in healthy PH levels. The main cause of an upset vaginal PH is over cleaning; many women try to mask the normal odors of the vagina withexcessive douches, feminine perfumes, harsh soaps and other “vagina cleaners” which upsets the PH levels and causes bad bacteria to grow.
- Improper Hygiene: While the vagina is self-cleaning, women still have to practice proper hygienic care in order to keep things smelling great down there. Improper hygiene can cause sweat to accumulate and encourage bad bacteria to form.
- Wearing Tight Underwear: Wearing tight underwear can stop the vagina from breathing normally which can cause excess sweating and unpleasant odors.
- Sexually Transmitted Disease: A fishy smell can also be an indication of a sexually transmitted disease such as chlamydia or herpes. These diseases usually come with other symptoms such as pain, sores and odd colored discharge.
Prevention is of course the number one cure to fishy smelling vaginal odors. Below are a few natural tips to preventing foul smelling vagina:
How to Prevent Fishy Smelling Vaginal Odor:
- Eat Healthier: Drinking lots of water and following a diet rich in fruits, veg, nuts and grains is essential for managing overall internal PH. Eating healthier and staying away excess sugars, sodium and other unnatruals will maintain proper vaginal flora and keep things smelling great.
- Take Probiotics: Probiotics features cultures that encourage the growth of healthy bacteria. Probiotics can be found in yogurt and certain fruits and vegetables, it is also available in the form of supplements.
- Wear Condoms: Asking your male partner to wear condoms during intercourse is an obvious as doing so will protect you against sexually transmitted diseases.
- Wear Breathable Underwear: Certain types of synthetic underwear can stop the natural flow of circulation in the nether region, so wearing natural breathable underwear such as pure cotton will keep the flora happy.
- Visit the Gynecologist Regularly: While many women are not in a rush to see their obgyn doctor, it is important to visit regularly to make sure that everything is working in tip top condition.
- Wash with Mild Cleansers: For the most part, the vagina doesn’t need much more than a mild cleaner and warm water to maintain good quality hygiene care. Avoid douches and other invasive cleansers.
- Practice Proper Hygienic Care: Proper vaginal hygiene includes trimming excess hair as odors can get trapped in unruly pubic mane, wiping front to back after urinating and eliminate waste and showering regularly and rinsing well.
- Treat Infections Right Away: It is important to diagnose and treat infections right away in order to get rid of foul odors and to avoid upsetting the reproductive organs and causing more serious problems.
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