Vaginal odor is a term used to describe any unusual smells that come from a woman’s vagina. There are several common and uncommon causes for this condition, including the presence of certain bacteria and fungus species. Consumption of B vitamins has some potential side effects, but these effects don’t include the onset of vaginal odor.
The Basics
Glands in the vagina and the adjoining cervix naturally produce small amounts of fluid that wash away old cells from the vaginal interior. By performing this cleansing activity, the neutral-smelling fluid — which can have a clear or milky appearance — helps maintain a healthy vaginal environment. In most cases, bad smells associated with the vagina actually come from external areas near the vagina, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. In some cases however, changes within the vaginal environment lead to the onset of unpleasant or “fishy” odors.
Vaginal Odor Causes
The most common cause of vaginal odor is the overgrowth of bacterial species that normally live inside the vagina, MayoClinic.com reports. Doctors refer to this overgrowth as bacterial vaginosis. Additional common potential causes include poor hygiene, forgetting or retaining a tampon, yeast infections, the presence of sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, infection with a bacteria species called Trichomonas vaginalis and the presence of a condition called pelvic inflammatory disease. Less common causes of vaginal odor include vaginal cancer, cervical cancer and an abnormal access point between the vagina and rectum called a rectovaginal fistula.
B Vitamin Side Effects
B vitamins, also sometimes called B-complex vitamins, are a group of eight nutrients that get dissolved and used inside your body in the presence of water. Members of the complex include riboflavin, thiamin, pyridoxine, niacin, folic acid, biotin, pantothenic acid and vitamin B12. Consumption or overconsumption of most B vitamins carries no side effect risks, Colorado State University notes. If you take too much niacin however, you can develop symptoms that include irritability, nausea, cramps and changes in your normal liver function. If you take too much folic acid, you can inadvertently hide the effects of a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Considerations
The most common bacteria species indicated in cases of bacterial vaginosis is called Gardnerella vaginalis. Odor associated with vaginosis typically has a fishy smell and is most prominent after you wash with soap or have sex. Vaginal odor associated with vaginosis, Trichomonas infection, gonorrhea and chlamydia often comes with an increased discharge of vaginal fluids, which can have a watery consistency and yellowish, white, gray or greenish color. Consult your doctor for more information on the causes of vaginal odor and the potential side effects of using B vitamins.
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