Say Goodbye To Vaginal Odour With These Simple Tips

If you're concerned about vaginal odour, you're not alone. It's a common issue that many women struggle with. Maybe it was during your teenage years when you were first starting to get your period. Or maybe it's something you've dealt with throughout your adult life. Either way, it's always an embarrassing and inconvenient issue.

The good news is, that there's likely a simple explanation for your vaginal odour. In this post, we'll dive into the most common causes of vaginal odour and give you some tips on how to address them.

Got Vaginal Odour? Here's What Might Be Causing It

Vaginal odour is one of the most common questions that OB-GYNs get. But there's no need to be embarrassed—it's a very common issue. There are many different causes of vaginal odour, and below are the common possible reasons:

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) - Vaginal odour: fishy

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition that happens when there’s an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. This can cause the vaginal pH to become imbalanced, which can lead to itching, burning, and other symptoms. Although BV is usually harmless, it can sometimes lead to more serious problems like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

There are many different kinds of bacteria that live in the vagina, and they’re constantly changing. Normally, there’s a balance of good and bad bacteria. But when there’s an overgrowth of bad bacteria, it can cause BV.

Vaginal Candidiasis - Vaginal odour: yeasty

Candidiasis is a fungal infection that can affect any part of the body but is most commonly found in the mouth, throat, GI tract or vagina. The infection is caused by a type of yeast called Candida, which is normally present in the body in small amounts. However, if the body's natural balance is upset, this yeast can grow out of control and cause an infection.

Vaginal candidiasis, also known as candida vulvovaginitis or vaginal thrush, is a common condition that affects women of all ages. The most common symptom of vaginal candidiasis is itching, but other symptoms may include burning, redness, and cottage cheese-like discharge.

Trichomoniasis - Vaginal odour: pungent and fishy (similar to BV)

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a single-celled protozoan parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. Although the infection is usually asymptomatic in men, it can cause vaginitis in women, with symptoms that include itching, burning, and abnormal discharge.

The parasite is typically spread through sexual intercourse, but can also be transmitted through contact with contaminated objects such as towels or toilet seats.

You’re on your Period - Vaginal odour: Metallic

For many women, having menses is a monthly occurrence that comes with certain symptoms. One of these symptoms is a metallic odour that is caused by the presence of iron in the blood.

UTIs and other urinary issues - Vaginal odour: Ammonia

Urine could be the source of an ammonia-like vaginal odour. This can happen if you have a urinary tract infection (UTI). An ammonia-like odour can occasionally be a sign of an unnoticed incontinence problem.

Tampon has been left unchanged for far too long - Vaginal odour: Rotten/ Metallic

If you notice a rotten or metallic odour coming from your tampon, it's time to take it out. This smell is a sign that the tampon is starting to break down and can cause serious health problems if left in too long.

Say Goodbye to Vaginal Odor with These Remedies

If you are concerned about vaginal odour, you must address the underlying cause in order to eliminate it. Maintaining good hygiene is essential for avoiding health issues and unusual odours.

Wash Regularly

Regular cleaning is essential, but don't overdo it. The vagina is extremely acidic, which naturally kills bad bacteria. Warm water is all that is required to wash it away. Unsuitable soaps may aggravate the situation by altering the environment in a way that promotes bacterial growth.

Wear Loose-Fitting Bottoms and Cotton Underwear

Women who wore tight-fitting underwear found that they were more likely to have higher levels of vaginal odour. It could be due to the tighter underwear constricting the airflow to the vagina, which can cause an increase in moisture and bacteria growth.

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Excess weight can cause changes in hormone levels, which can lead to an increase in sweat production and trapped moisture. These conditions create the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive, leading to vaginal odour.

Taking Proven Probiotic

Probiotics are live microorganisms that are beneficial to human health. Different types of probiotic strains can offer different benefits, so it’s important to choose the right one for you. For example, saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 has been shown to be effective in treating and preventing vaginal infections, such as candida infections and bacterial vaginosis. This help reduces vaginal odour by restoring the natural pH balance of the vagina.

Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar

Vinegar has been used for centuries as a cleaning agent. Its acidic properties make it effective at killing bacteria. And that's why some women swear by using vinegar to get rid of vaginal odour.

To use vinegar as a vaginal odour remedy, simply mix 1 part vinegar with 2 parts water pour it into the bath tub or apply it to the affected area with a cotton ball. Do this once or twice a day until the odour goes away.

If you don't like the smell of vinegar, you can also try apple cider vinegar.

Vaginal Odour: When to See a Doctor?

A vaginal odour that necessitates a doctor's visit is frequently accompanied by other vaginal symptoms. If you are experiencing itching, burning, discharge, irritation, or pain, please consult your doctor.

Conclusion

With a little care and attention, you can maintain good vaginal health and avoid any unpleasant smells. So, don’t be afraid to take charge of your own body and give yourself the gift of a fresh and healthy vagina.

Related read:

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Get Smart About Your Cataracts: Know Your Cataract Lens Options

Are you facing a cataract? Every day, thousands of people do.

Cataracts are often a gradual process that starts with little signs and symptoms. The first sign might be fuzzy vision or changes in colours. Over time, the clouding of your lens can create a blurry image, making it difficult to see clearly. This condition can lead to difficulty reading, driving, and other activities that require good sight.

Cataract surgery is an effective method of removing the cloudy lens that forms in the eye over time. Despite this, there are many types of cataract lenses available on the market, so you may wonder which is the right one for you.

What Exactly is an Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implant?

An intraocular lens (IOL) is a small artificial lens that replaces the natural lens of the eye during cataract surgery. The IOL has similar focusing power to the natural lens; without it, very thick glasses would be required after cataract surgery.

IOLs, like prescription spectacles or contact lenses, can be made with varying focusing powers. Before cataract surgery, precise measurements of your eye will be taken to help determine the best power IOL for your eye.

The Different Types of Lenses for Cataract Surgery

Choosing the right types of lenses for cataract surgery is important to ensure a successful and safe procedure. There are three main types of lenses used in cataract surgery: monofocal, multifocal, and progressive lens. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to choose the type that will best suit your needs.

1. Monofocal IOLs:

Monofocal IOLs are the most common type used in cataract surgery.

They produce a clear image in one focus point. It can be set to focus for close work, medium range, or distance vision, depending on your visual requirements.

Most people prefer clear distance vision, which is ideal for driving, walking, and seeing people from a distance. Reading or close work usually necessitates the use of eyeglasses.

2. Multifocal IOLs:

These lenses have multiple focal points, which means they can improve your vision in both near and far distances. They're ideal for people who want to keep their distance vision and read print without having to adjust their glasses. Multifocal lenses includes bifocal, trifocal and progressive multifocal.

Bifocals provide two focal points: close-up and faraway. The close-up focus is for reading or using small print, while the faraway focus is for seeing objects in the distance. Trifocals give three focal points: close-up, intermediate distance, and faraway. The intermediate distance focus is for things up to about six feet away, while the faraway focus is for things at a greater distance. Progressive multifocals offer more than one focal point throughout their range of use.

3. Toric IOLs:

Toric lenses are not as commonly used as other lens types, but they can be a good option for people with astigmatism. Astigmatism is a common eye condition in which the shape of the eye's retina is not perfectly round. This can cause blurry images and distorted vision.

What's in an Intraocular Lens?

The majority of IOLs are made of acrylic, silicone, or other plastics. These materials are inert and do not react with your eye or harm its natural structures. IOLs are coated with a special material that shields your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) light.

Keep Your Eyes Open for These 7 Post-Cataract Complications

Cataract surgery has little side effects, but the following are possible:

• Blurry vision - It is very common to have blurry or unclear vision in the days, and sometimes even weeks, following cataract removal. Most of the time, this is caused by normal swelling in the eye as a result of surgery.

• Dry eye - Almost all patients experience some level of eye dryness following cataract surgery. When your surgeon makes the incisions needed to reach your lens, a small number of nerves on the surface of your eye are cut. These nerves are part of the feedback loop that tells your eye to produce tears for lubrication.

• Discomfort - Many people complain that they have sand in their eyes or that their eyes are scratchy after surgery. This is a normal sensation caused by the small incision in your eye, and it should go away in about a week.

• Glare and halos - After cataract surgery, many patients experience "unwanted visual images," also known as dyphotopsia. Positive dysphotopsia manifests itself as glare, halos, and light streaks. They are more common at night or in low light, and they are more common with multifocal lenses.

• Light sensitivity - Light sensitivity is to be expected after cataract removal due to eye dryness. However, if your eyes squint or close when exposed to light, this could be a sign of eye inflammation.

• Red eye - It is very common to have a red or bloodshot eye after surgery. In most cases, it is caused by inflammation and/or a ruptured blood vessel, also known as a subconjunctival haemorrhage.

• Floaters - After cataracts are removed, you may experience floaters, which are small dots or lines in your field of vision. These are the shadows cast by small clumps of vitreous gel, the clear gel that fills your eye.

Although the complications listed above are usually minor and tend to recover in 2-3 months time. However, if you are not feeling well as a result of the symptoms you experienced, you should see your opthomologist immediately and not to wait further.

Things to Consider in the First Two Weeks After Cataract Surgery

• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities.

• Do not swim or use a hot tub to help prevent infections.

• Try not to rub your eye(s) after surgery.

• Avoid wearing eye makeup and using face cream or lotion.

• Avoid environments with high levels of dust, wind, pollen, and dirt to avoid eye irritation.

• Wear sunglasses in bright sunny day. This may be necessary for up to a year following cataract surgery.

• Consume antioxidant eye supplements such as bilberry extract to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress following surgery.

Conclusion

It is important to be informed about your cataract lens options and to have a conversation with your doctor to decide which option is best for you. There are many factors to consider when making this decision, and your doctor will be able to help you navigate through the process.

Related read:

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Milk Thistle, Silymarin or Silybin: What's the Difference?

Your liver is one of the hardest working organs in your body. It's responsible for filtering out toxins and waste from your bloodstream. So when it becomes overloaded, it needs a little help.

Milk thistle has been used for hundreds of years as a natural way to support liver health. But what is the difference between milk thistle, silymarin and silybin?

Milk Thistle, Silymarin or Silybin: Which is best for you?

If you're looking for a natural way to improve liver function, milk thistle may be the answer. This herb has been used for centuries to treat liver problems, and recent research has shown that it can be effective in treating a wide variety of liver diseases.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is a plant that has reddish-purple flowers and is native to the Mediterranean region. The plant has been used for centuries to treat liver and gallbladder problems. Milk thistle is thought to work by protecting the liver from damage and helping to regenerate new liver cells.

Milk Thistle plant

Silymarin

Silymarin is a mixture of flavonoid compounds that are commonly extracted from the fruit and seeds of the milk thistle plant. Silymarin has become a popular supplement's active compound due to its purported ability to protect the liver from damage and improve its overall function.

While there is still much research to be done on the potential health benefits of silymarin, preliminary studies have shown that this antioxidant compound may help to protect the liver from toxins, reduce inflammation, and stimulate new cell growth. Additionally, silymarin has been shown to improve the function of enzymes involved in detoxification processes in the liver.

Silybin

Silymarin, as previously stated, is a large compound extracted from the milk thistle plant. It is a complex of flavonoids that can be broken down into many smaller parts, one of which is called silybin. Silybin is the most powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammation agent of all the components. In short, Silybin is the major active component of silymarin.

Liver: The Unsung Hero in Our Body

Few people know that the liver is the largest internal organ in the human body. The liver is responsible for a variety of functions within the body, all of which are essential to keeping us healthy. These functions can be broadly grouped into five categories: filtration, metabolism, storage, synthesis, and secretion.

• Filtration is one of the most important functions of the liver. The liver filters blood coming from the digestive tract, removing toxins and other harmful substances before they can enter circulation. The liver also produces bile, which helps to break down fats in the digestive process.

• Metabolism is another crucial function of the liver. The liver breaks down nutrients from food into energy that can be used by the body.

• It also regulates levels of glucose in the blood and stores vitamins and minerals.

• The liver synthesizes proteins and produces cholesterol and other lipids needed by the body.

Unfortunately, the liver is also susceptible to damage from a number of different sources. Alcohol abuse is one of the most common causes of liver damage, but other factors such as low testosterone, sleep deprivation, obesity, viral infections, and certain medications can also cause problems.

Silent Consequence of Consistent Liver Damage

The silent consequence of consistent liver damage is that it often progresses to a more advanced stage before symptoms are noticeable. This means that by the time someone experiences symptoms of liver damage, the condition is often quite advanced and difficult to treat.

Liver disease progression

1. Inflammation. At this early stage, your liver becomes enlarged or inflamed.

2. Fibrosis develops when an inflamed liver begins to scar.

3. Severe scarring has formed on your liver during the cirrhosis stage.

4. End-of-life liver disease (ESLD). The damage to the liver has progressed to the point where it can only be reversed with a liver transplant.

5. Liver Cancer happens when there are development and multiplication of abnormal liver cells and can occur at any stage of liver failure, though people with cirrhosis are more vulnerable.

Milk Thistle Protects the Liver

Milk thistle and its extracts are safe and effective liver supplements. The protective active component in milk thistle is rapidly depleted by the liver due to the liver's constant activity 24 hours a day, for those with impaired liver health may need to take a high and repeated oral dose for optimal results.

One should also consider the silybin content of the liver supplement. A high dose of standardised 80% silybin in a liver supplement has higher potency for its antioxidants, detoxification, and improved liver functions. It may be a better option to choose a product with high silybin rather than taking raw milk thistle powder.

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