Women have a normal white vaginal discharge along with healthy bacteria that protect the vagina from infection. A healthy discharge will look clear to milky in color and will have a “vagina-like” smell. The vagina is not meant to smell like a rose garden but the vagina has a familiar scent which many do enjoy. Depending on the time of month the vaginal discharge can change in consistency and smell. In between periods, typically around Day 14, you may notice a clear-slippery odorless discharge that is normal and suggests ovulation.
Cervix ovulating
The key is to know what your “normal” smells like. All of us with a vagina usually know that awkward feeling if a new and strange smell comes our way. The vagina is especially sensitive to different changes in your daily environment. Anything that affects this delicate balance will affect the smell, type of discharge and its consistency.
Factors that affect the normal pH balance of the vagina include:
- Antibiotic use
- Douching
- Spermicides
- New sexual partners
- Sexually intercourse frequency
- Sex toys
- Hormonally imbalances such as pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause
These factors can not only cause a weird odor but can also create other uncomfortable symptoms.
Symptoms may include:
- Vulvar itching, burning, redness and swelling.
- Vaginal discharge that can be white, yellow or grey and can be thin, thick or lumpy.
- Vaginal odor may or may not be present.
A strong foul, fishy vaginal odor with a thin, grayish-white discharge is classic for a bacterial infection but it can also occur with other organisms.
Vagina infected with Bacterial Vaginosis/Gardnerella
Different types of Organisms include:
- Candidiasis
- Bacterial Vaginosis/Gardnerella
- Trichomoniasis
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
If you experience any of these symptoms it is important that you see your healthcare provider to have a series of vaginal cultures taken to find out what organism is involved. Many of you will go to the drug store and buy over-the-counter medication for a yeast infection if there is any kind of vaginal discharge or itching. Unfortunately, this can make the symptoms worse and delay a proper diagnosis and treatment. Vaginal cultures can and should confirm what organism is causing your disruptive symptoms so the best treatment can be prescribed. Before you start putting yogurt into your vagina, its best to take a trip to your healthcare provider to check things out properly.
