Most women experience feminine issues from time to time. Unfortunately, the fact that they're common doesn’t make them any less embarrassing. Feminine odor is especially frustrating, because it can leave you feeling unclean and gross, even if that’s not the case. There are lots of causes for feminine odor, but here are the top five culprits.
Bacterial v-aginosis
Bacterial v-aginosis (BV) sounds like a big scary term, but it’s actually very common. In fact, BV is the most common cause of v-áginal odor, according to the Mayo Clinic.
What stress does to your body
Every v-ágina is filled with naturally occurring bacteria, and BV is simply an overgrowth of that bacteria. According to Mary M. Galenberg, M.D., OB-GYN for the Mayo Clinic, most women in their reproductive years will experience at least one case of BV. The cause is unknown, but unprotected s3x and frequent douching can put you at a higher risk. Other symptoms include itching, soreness and discharge.
Some cases of BV will go away on their own, but Planned Parenthood recommends that all women with BV symptoms visit their doctor for treatment to prevent rare but serious complications. Treatment for BV is usually as simple as a course of antibiotics.
