According to MayoClinic.com, up to 75 percent of all women experience at least one yeast infection at some point in their lives. Although some level of the causative fungus, Candida albicans, exists in a healthy vagina, overpopulation of Candida...
The vagina is a self-cleaning organ that maintains a healthy balance of bacteria and makes mucous to wash out foreign substances. A healthy vagina does not have an unpleasant smell. Vaginal odor may occur for many different reasons. Infections,...
Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (yeast infection) is caused by an overgrowth of a fungus found in the healthy vagina. Under normal conditions, the vagina has a balance of yeast and bacteria, which helps to keep the environment clean and moist. However, a...
A normal, healthy vagina secretes odorless discharge. Smelly discharge is a sign that something is wrong. Most commonly, odors from vaginal discharge are caused by vaginitis or vaginosis, an inflammation of the cells lining the vagina (vaginal...
At one time or another, most women will experience doubt or concern about maintaining genital hygiene. Myths and superstition surrounding the female reproductive and sexual organs transcend time and cultural boundaries, shrouding them in mystery....
The glands in a healthy vagina produce mucus. Normal vaginal mucus is slightly acidic and is comprised mostly of water, mucin and albumin, a water-soluble protein found in the tissue of mammals. Lactobacilli, beneficial bacteria, flourish in a...
An overgrowth of the bacteria Candida is the primary cause of yeast infections, which can occur at any age and in various bodily locations. Yeast thrives in moist and warm environments, and can grow in nail beds, the lower abdomen, the feet and...
Fibroids are noncancerous tumors that develop in the uterus. Uterine fibroids are the most common type of pelvic tumor and are relatively common. According to the National Institutes of Health, one in five women may have fibroids during their...
Vaginitis is inflammation of the lining of the vagina (vaginal mucosa), which can have many causes. Atrophic vaginitis occurs when the levels of the hormone estrogen drop, altering the normal environment of the vagina and causing dryness, itching,...
Bacterial vaginosis, or BV, is a bacterial overgrowth that leads to uncomfortable vaginal symptoms, including itching and discharge with odor. While the primary treatment for BV is antibiotics, other treatments include use of probiotics to...
Vaginal yeast infections are so common that you can purchase medication over the counter to treat them. Some women may never experience a yeast infection, while others deal with them over and over. The tiny organism that causes the infection,...
Bacteria in the vagina is not a situation to be avoided at all costs. In fact, some degree of vaginal bacteria is normal, healthy and even necessary. Women's Health.gov reports that a healthy vagina contains a balance of "good" bacteria called...
Bacterial vaginosis results when the normally predominant aerobic bacteria in the vagina, Lactobacillus acidophilus, is replaced by an over-population of the usually low-level resident anaerobic bacteria like Gardnerella vaginalis and Mycoplasma...
The moist, slightly acidic environment of a normal, healthy vagina supports a population of bacteria, protozoa and yeast living together in balance. Factors such as exposure to allergens, harsh chemicals, or infectious agents can alter the normal...
According to the McKinley Health Center of the University of Illinois, a healthy vagina emits normal secretions that regulate and keep it clean. These discharges can range from clear to yellowish or cloudy white. McKinley Health Center also states...
A healthy vagina hosts several types of bacteria living in a balanced state. When the balance tips and certain anaerobic (non-oxygen dependent) bacteria predominate, you might notice irritating vaginal symptoms. Bacterial vaginosis can be sexually...
It is not uncommon to worry if other people can smell your vaginal odor, but the concern is usually unwarranted. TeensHealth, a service provided by the Nemours Foundation, assures women " that under normal circumstances, no one ever smells...
Vaginal yeast infection is a fungal infection of the vagina, most commonly due to the yeast known as Candida albicans. Candida albicans is a microorganism that is normally present on the skin and vagina and contributes to the normal "flora" of...
All women experience some vaginal discharge. A healthy vagina produces these secretions to cleanse and regulate itself, according to the McKinley Health Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Normal discharge is usually cloudy...
Gardnerella is one of the most common bacterial vaginal infections to afflict women of child-bearing age, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Like other types of vaginitis, gardnerella results in distinct...
Vaginal odor can be an embarrassing and distressing problem. A variety of dietary fixes have been recommended as home remedies, like cranberry juice or certain types of tea, but there is not enough evidence to support that these work. As always,...
Yeast infections are unpleasant and uncomfortable, but they're not uncommon. According to the CDC, about 75 percent of adult women have had at least one genital yeast infection during their lifetime. Despite its misnomer, yeast infections aren't...
Bacterial vaginosis describes a type of vaginitis that produces a redness or swelling of the vagina often accompanied by discomfort, vaginal discharge and itching. A healthy vagina contains several different types of bacteria. Bacterial...
The vaginal lining, also known as the epithelium or mucosa, is a normally thick, moist, folded surface of mucous membranes that collapses on itself. Beneath the mucosa, muscular and fibrous tissue allow the vagina to expand or contract and to...
The pH of a liquid determines its acidity. By measuring how many protons, or hydrogen atoms, a chemical releases into a solution, you can determine how acidic the solution is. Acidity is measured on a pH scale, ranging from 0---highly acidic---to...
Most women will suffer form external vaginal itching at some point in life. It is a common problem with many different causes. Many women feel embarrassment over external vaginal itching and may hesitate to seek help for it from their doctor or...
Bacterial vaginosis is a common type of vaginal infection caused by bacterial overgrowth. The vagina normally contains some symbiotic bacteria that maintain healthy pH levels and control the growth of other microorganisms. However, long-term use...
Strong vaginal odors are commonly caused by an abundant growth of organisms normally present in the vagina. The odors can also be caused by a yeast infection, sexually transmitted diseases or even a forgotten tampon. Still, even healthy vaginas...
Vaginal yeast infections can result when the normally harmless yeast-like fungus Candida albicans grows unchecked in the body. This unpleasant condition causes numerous symptoms, including vaginal itching, burning, soreness and discharge....
