Can poor hygiene cause smelly discharge?

Bacterial vaginosis is a very common occurrence for women in their reproductive years and is the primary reason for the vaginal odor in most cases. Poor hygiene can be one of the major causes of vaginal odor.

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Why do I have discharge that smells really bad?

Bacterial vaginosis is an overgrowth of bacteria typically present in the vagina. It's a common vaginal condition that can cause vaginal odor. Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection, also can lead to vaginal odor. A yeast infection usually doesn't cause vaginal odor.

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Why do I have smelly discharge but no infection?

Streicher says. The smell is usually caused by old blood, which has a bad, zoo-like scent when it oxidizes, Dr. Shepherd says. It can also change the pH of your vagina (which should be between 3.5 to 4.5), allowing it to become a breeding ground for different bacteria or an infection.

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How do I get rid of the odor down there?

Following certain hygiene practices and avoiding behaviors that disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina can help reduce vaginal odors.
  1. But First, Healthy vs. Unhealthy Odors. ...
  2. Learn Proper Vulva Hygiene. ...
  3. Wear the Right Clothing. ...
  4. Don't Wait to Shower. ...
  5. Stay Hydrated. ...
  6. Use Tampons or Menstrual Cups. ...
  7. Try a Probiotic.

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Why do I smell even after showering?

ODOR AFTER A SHOWER IS DUE TO LINGERING BACTERIA

In addition to bacteria, oftentimes there is deodorant residue and other impurities that are trapped in the underarm pores and within the hair if you have armpit hair.

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Five Tips When Dealing With Vaginal Odor

34 related questions found

Why are my knickers always wet and smelly?

Bacterial infections:

Excessive panties are always wet vaginal discharge can be caused due to bacterial vaginosis. The discharge is thin, grey coloured and smells like a fish. It also causes itching around the vagina. Having multiple sexual partners and frequent douching are the common causes of bacterial infection.

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Can anyone else smell my discharge?

Many women become concerned that other people can detect the odor around their vulva and vagina. In reality, women are most sensitive to their own odor, and it's very unlikely that others who don't have intimate contact with them can smell it.

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Should I be worried if my discharge has a smell?

There are many different types of smells that can come with discharge. If the smell is fishy, rotten, or very strong, it could be a sign of infection. You should check in with a healthcare provider. If the smell is earthy, sweet, or reminiscent of body odor, it may be normal.

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Should I worry about smelly discharge?

Anyone with unusual or smelly discharge — from any part of the body —should see a doctor. The cause is often an infection. Depending on the type, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics, antifungal medications, or antiviral medications.

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What does bacterial vaginosis smell like?

Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include: an unusual vaginal discharge that has a strong fishy smell, particularly after sex. a change to the colour and consistency of your discharge, such as becoming greyish-white and thin and watery.

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Why am I getting BV all the time?

Many papers have linked BV with sexual behaviour; a recent change of sexual partner,7 and multiple partners compared with one partner10 increasing the risk.

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Can other people smell my fishy?

You are most sensitive to your own natural odor, and it's very unlikely that anyone else around you can smell it. However, an unpleasantly smelly odor can be a sign of an infection that needs to be treated right away, especially if it's accompanied by an unusual discharge.

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Why does in between my thighs smell?

Inner thigh odor is caused by a variety of factors, including excessive sweating, fungal infections, poor hygiene, and hormonal changes.

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Does shaving pubic hair reduce odor?

The research shows that body hair by itself is not a cause of bad body odor. But everyone is unique. Some guys report smelling better after their shave their armpits, body hair, or pubes. They feel that it makes them sweat less and smell better.

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Which medicine is best for smelly discharge?

To treat bacterial vaginosis, your doctor may prescribe one of the following medicines:
  • Metronidazole (Flagyl, Metrogel-Vaginal, others). This medicine comes as a pill or topical gel. ...
  • Clindamycin (Cleocin, Clindesse, others). ...
  • Tinidazole (Tindamax). ...
  • Secnidazole (Solosec).

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How do I know if I smell bad?

Smell your armpits, feet, and groin area.

If you think you have body odor but you're not sure, take a whiff of your underarms, your feet, and your genitals. If you smell something, then chances are, you probably have B.O. Try doing a sniff test toward the end of the day, or whenever you feel the sweatiest.

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Why does it smell down there everyday?

In most cases, vaginal scents are very normal, and odor alone is not a symptom of a problem. The vagina and the area around it (groin skin, vulvar, etc.) contain healthy bacteria that are a part of our microbiome and include sweat glands. These can produce an odor that varies for each person.

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How do I permanently stop BV?

How can I lower my risk of BV?
  1. Keeping your vaginal bacteria balanced. Use warm water only to clean the outside of your vagina. ...
  2. Not douching. Douching upsets the balance of good and harmful bacteria in your vagina. ...
  3. Not having sex. Researchers are still studying how women get BV. ...
  4. Limiting your number of sex partners.

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Why do I get BV every time I sleep with my boyfriend?

It may be that BV-associated bacteria from some men's microbiomes can directly impact the onset of BV in women when they're transmitted to the vagina during intercourse or that the penile bacteria may disrupt the natural balance of vaginal bacteria in ways that could induce BV over time.

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Can bacterial vaginosis go away on its own?

At times, BV will go away without treatment. However, treatment can help avoid the increased chance of some serious health risks associated with BV, including: Getting or transmitting HIV; Delivering your baby too early if you have BV while pregnant; and.

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How do you test for bacterial vaginosis?

Tests for bacterial vaginosis include:
  1. Wet mount. A sample of vaginal discharge is checked for bacteria, white blood cells, and unusual cells called clue cells. ...
  2. Whiff test. A sample of discharge is checked to see if a strong fishy odour is created when a special solution is added. ...
  3. Vaginal pH. ...
  4. DNA test.

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What is the whiff test?

The whiff test is a test for the fishy odor that occurs in bacterial vaginosis (previously called Gardnerella vaginitis and nonspecific vaginitis). A drop of KOH is mixed with some vaginal discharge. A positive test is abnormal and consists of a characteristic fishy odor.

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