STD PREVENTION & CHECKLIST

Dear DL,

This is super embarrassing, and I don't know who to talk to about this. I'm scared to talk to my parents. They don't even know I'm having sex with my boyfriend. I'm totally humiliated. About a week ago I noticed a fishy smell coming from my vagina. I didn't think much of it, and just tried to take more showers and clean myself more. I decided to write you when my boyfriend noticed it. He tried to be nice about it, but I still feel completely embarrassed. I am discusted with myself and do not want to leave my room. My boyfriend wanted me to douche, and I tried it. It helped for like a day or two but then the fish smell came back. I am not having sex with my boyfriend anymore because of it. I'm so depressed and need an answer to why I have this odor. I am a clean person. It just doesn't make any sense.

Thanks for writing in. Let me start off by saying, a lot of women go through this. It is nothing to be ashamed or embarrased of. Also, I am not a doctor. I can only speculate what I think you may have. You should make an apointment as soon as possible with your health care provider and get checked. Here are some most common causes of fishy vaginal odor, and some tips on how to ditch the smell.

1. BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS

The most common cause of an unpleasant, or fishy odor, is an infection. Doctors are still uncertain of what causes Bacterial vaginosis (BV). BV is typically transmitted through sexual intercourse, and is treated with antibiotics. Symptoms of BV include:

-FISHY ODOR.

-GREY or WHITE THIN DISCHARGE.

-BURNING WHEN YOU PEE or WHILE HAVING SEX.

2. TRICHOMONIASIS

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite. Most women do not experience any symptoms, but the some that do experience:

-FROTHY DISCHARGE THAT IS GREEN OR YELLOW IN COLOR.

-DISCHARGE THAT HAS A FISHY ORDOR.

-BURNING DURING SEX OR URINATION.

3. YEAST INFECTION

Yeast infections are very common among women, and often causes a thick white or yellow discharge to appear. The discharge may also have a fishy smell, and you may experience soreness, itching and burning as well. A yeast infection is typically treated with an anti fungal medication that can be purchased over the counter.

4. SWEAT

Sweat can cause unpleasant smells in the in your vagina. These ordors are caused by sweat glands (apocrine glands), in your vaginal area. Belive it or not, you have the same type of glands located in your armpits. The more sweat you produce in this area, the stronger the ordor will be. If you wear tight clothing or underwear, trapped sweat in your groin may be causing the fishy odor.

5. PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), is a disease caused by bacteria, and is typically transmitted throughh sex. PID is often the late-stage result of an STD, like chlamydia or gonorrhea. Most women don't realize they have the disease until they start having chronic pain or difficulty getting pregnant. When symptoms do finally start to show, women often experience:

-FISHY ODORS

-PELVIC PAIN

-FATIGUE

-PAINFUL URINATION

-PAINFUL SEX

-FEVER

-HEAVY DISCHARGE

6. THE FOODS YOU EAT

As the saying goes, you are what you eat. The foods you eat can actually affect your vaginal odor. Foods that have strong scents, like pepper, chilies, garlic, blue cheese, fish onion, broccoli and cabbage can cause strange odors. If food is causing the fishy vaginal smell, try eliminating them from your diet to see if the smell improves.

HOW TO GET RID OF VAGINAL ODOR

You can get rid of vaginal odor different ways. Some are naturally, other's are over-the-counter, and some have to be done with perscription strength. First things first, consult a doctor before trying any over the counter method. Antibiotics or a perscription may be required to clear the infection.

1. DON'T DOUCHE

Douching in never a good idea. Forcing water or a cleaning agent into your vagina can destroy healthy bacteria or push an infection up into your uterus. It's best to avoid feminine sprays as well.

2. DON'T WEAR TIGHT UNDERWEAR

Tight underwear and clothing can trap sweat and bacteria, which can create a strong sfishy odor. Wear looser-fitting underwear and clothing for prevention.

3. NO WASHING WITH HARSH SOAP

Strong scented soaps can irritate the vagina and sometimes cause infections. Always wash with a mild soap.

4. EAT YOGURT

Yogurt contains natural beneficial bacteria that can help keep away yeast infections. It will keep the balance of good and bad bacteria at healthy levels. Make sure the yogurt contains live and active cultures.

On a final note, please make sure you are being responsible. Having sex is a part of life, but sex also has consequences such as pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Pack it, wrap it, and strap it before you tap it! Always use protection such as condoms. Birth control and condoms even work better together. Although nothing is ever 100% safe, you are safer using protection than you would be without. Once you are sexually active, it's important to have your yearly examination performed by your gynecologist. Young women are especially vulnerable to chlamydia and HPV. HPV IS SEROIUS and can lead to cervical cancer. The more partners you have when you're young, the higher your risk will be later on in life. Be safe and see a doctor. You are not alone, and there are so many women going through the same thing.

#STD #SEX #FISHYODOR