Your vagina is a very sensitive part of your body. Your reproductive health depends on the health of your vagina too. One of the most closely guarded parts, your vagina is also most often one of the most neglected parts in terms of grooming.
Sharda, 32, had quite the normal life. She was married, sexually active and quite hygienic. That’s why, when she began observing that she had increased vaginal discharge. Dismissing it off as a trivial thing, she continued with her routine. One day at work, she could smell something foul, like a fish market. Thinking of it as a damp smell from somewhere, it’s only when she visited the washroom that she realized the smell she had been laughing about was in fact, coming from her vagina.
In a state of panic, once back home, she took a bath and washed her vagina with some perfumed soap in the hope of getting rid of the smell. While it worked temporarily, the discomfort increased.
Not taking any more chances, she visited her gynecologist, who, upon examination, told Sharda that she had something called Vaginitis.

When there is an infection in your vagina, or even an imbalance in the bacterial population that resides in there, it results in inflammation, itching and even a spike in vaginal discharge. When that happens, it results in a condition called Vaginitis.
The symptoms, just like Sharda experienced, could be an increase in discharge that smells foul, or even itching. When you itch your sensitive parts, it can lead to bruising, aggravating the condition even more. There are other symptoms like discolored discharge, painful urination, pain and discomfort during intercourse and sometimes even bleeding.
Like mentioned, vaginitis is a very common problem, yet many women neglect it till the discomfort becomes unbearable. Here are a few things that you can do to prevent the onset of this problem.
Avoid soaps, deodorants, or other harsh products to groom your vagina. These products, as said before, can cause your pH balance to go haywire.
While these steps will help you address the prevention part of it, in case you have any symptoms, it is essential that you visit a gynecologist and talk about it. It is a wise choice to avoid self-medication as only a qualified gynecologist will be able to diagnose the issue and prescribe medications or treatments. Do not suffer in silence. Our doctors at the Birthplace are here to help you, so do not hesitate to ask for help.

Vaginitis is a common condition caused by an infection or irritants. Over-the-counter anti-fungal or yeast medications can help with mild infections. In the case of severe infections, you need to consult a doctor and get a prescription for antibiotics. Atrophic vaginitis can be treated via hormone therapy.
Vaginitis causes abnormal vaginal discharge, itching, irritation, and a foul odour. The symptoms can be mild or severe enough to affect one’s sleep and sexual activities. In some cases, there can be swelling of the vagina area or labia, a rash on the vulva, or sores.
No, if left unattended, vaginitis can worsen and cause complications like pelvic inflammatory disease. It can also increase the risk of contracting STIs. If you have vaginitis, it is advisable to consult your doctor, get thoroughly checked, and receive a prescription for suitable medications.
The smell can vary according to the cause of the vaginitis. A strong fishy odour can be due to a bacterial infection. If it smells rotten or foul, it could indicate trichomoniasis, and a sweet beer-like smell can indicate a yeast infection.