Vaginal Odor Treatment - Is Your Excuse for Having a Smelly Vagina the Same as Other Women's
Posted: Friday, November 21, 2008
by Kacycarr
http://www.spotthepimple.com
Why do women believe they have a vagina that smells when it does not? How can an odorless organ of the female body, "yes odorless," emit odour. Now it`s established the vagina is not smelly, are you aware that it is also self cleaning. The reason for so much confusion among women is they are sidetracked by their own beliefs, meaning, if a woman smells unpleasantness round the vagina she naturally, "as you do," think it`s the vagina causing this. It is actually causes which give reason for the genitals to secrete nasty odors. One major worry for women is if a smell is clearly present then they want to know how it came about and what the "specific" cause. You know your own body and if any unnaturalness concerning the private parts is detected then blame can lie with several factors. The first issue we look towards is poor hygiene. You can be the cleanest person but still suffer a vaginal odour. If stale urine and vaginal discharge or menstrual flow is not thoroughly rinsed away after washing it can clog and matt in pubic hair. If personal residue is not rid completely it can cause embarrassing odors.
Cleaning the vagina/vulva needs nothing more than a mild non scented soap and warm water. Keep to this way of bathing and avoid if possible products containing particular chemicals. Some chemicals in contact with the vulva may strip it of its natural oils. If the expected amount of natural oils decrease it can leave it dry irritated and prone to infection. Chemical based products of the bad sort can be seriously dangerous if they reach the urethra (urinary tract infection.) Some chemicals upset the natural PH of the vagina and if this happens then it causes an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria, genital mycoplasmas, and gardnerella vaginalis, with reduced or absent lactobacilli.
Aside from odor as a known symptom of particular vaginal infections, vaginal discharge is another. If you see a change of color and the amount you lose and thickness in your discharge, have your doctor examine you.
Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an overgrowth of various bacteria; however not an infection solely connected to one bacterium sort. It is diagnosed through evident symptoms i.e. white-grey fishy smelling discharge. Vaginal discharge is the primary symptom of BV. Unlike Thrush BV does not normally cause itchiness and soreness. Thrush infection not only a female infection but man`s too and is caused by yeast called Candida. (Male Issues viagrahouse.com) Typical symptoms are thick white discharge, itch and soreness around the vagina and vulva. There is nothing to fear in relation to BV treatment - which is civil and respectful to the body. Having said that some patients may suffer from side effects, of course this would depend on the individual and medicines involved.
Metronidazole comes in tablet form and if prescribed then it normally clears BV infection in about 7-8 of 10 cases. .What of the 2 /3 it doesn't, ` then your doctor may consider changing medication or up the dosage.
Points to note about metronidazole include:
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A metronidazole dose is normally 400 mg twice a day for a week. A single dose of 2 grams is an alternative, however not as effective and can cause extra side-effects.
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Vomiting is common if taking metronidazole. This is less likely to happen if the tablets are taken after food. A metallic taste is a regular side-effect.
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Avoid alcohol if taking metronidazole. The interaction with alcohol can cause vomiting and other issues.
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New mums who breast feed need to know that metronidazole can get into breast milk. Not known to affect breastfed babies, however if in doubt check it out. Speak with your doctor. With baby's welfare in mind - the standard weekly course with the lower dose is preferred so baby is not subjected to a large dose. If the large 2-gram single dose is necessary then take after last breastfeed.
Whatever type vaginal odour is causing you concern; you need to put up with it, that is till your GP has given his or her prognosis. Treating something with inappropriate medication can cause serious complications than that of a prescriptive drug not agreeable with your body. Side effects from "familiar" drugs may not be quite as harsh as the effects you could experience by wrongly treating a mild health matter with a severe disease stabilizer.