What to Do When Your Vagina is Having an "Off" Day
What is That Feeling?
We’ve all been there—some days, your vagina just doesn’t feel right. It could be an itch, a strange smell, or even a burning sensation. So, what does it mean when your vagina is having an off day, and what should you do about it?
Understanding an Off Day for Your Vagina
First and foremost, don’t panic. The most common cause of vaginal itching, burning, or that fishy odor is something called vaginitis. Vaginitis refers to inflammation or irritation of the vagina, often due to a change in pH levels.
A Happy Vagina
To understand what makes your vagina unhappy, let’s first talk about what keeps it happy. During your reproductive years (after puberty but before menopause), estrogen helps maintain your vagina’s pH balance. This balance is crucial because your vagina hosts a natural flora of bacteria that keep it clean and healthy. Similar to the beneficial bacteria in your gut, these vaginal bacteria are essential for a happy and healthy environment. This is why douching or cleaning the inside of your vagina can disrupt this natural balance, potentially altering the pH and harming your natural flora.
Staying hydrated, using gentle, pH-balanced products, and talking to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or other treatments can help maintain vaginal health during perimenopause and menopause. Understanding these changes can also help in identifying when your vagina is just having an off day versus when it might be something more persistent.
What Makes Your Vagina Unhappy?
As you transition through perimenopause and menopause, changes in estrogen levels can impact your vaginal health. Lower estrogen can lead to vaginal dryness, irritation, and changes in pH balance that lead to vaginitis.
A common cause of vaginitis is bacterial vaginosis (BV). BV is not a sexually transmitted disease (STD); it’s simply an overgrowth of your normal vaginal flora. This imbalance can cause a fishy odor or abnormal discharge, though many people with BV don’t notice any symptoms. If you do have BV and it bothers you, your doctor can prescribe treatment.
Another frequent culprit is a yeast infection. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe, including burning, itching, pain during urination, and a discharge that resembles cottage cheese. Yeast infections are very common and treatable. If you suspect you have a yeast infection but can’t see your doctor right away, over-the-counter treatments can help. If you can visit your doctor, they can prescribe an effective treatment in a single pill.
Trichomoniasis is another cause of vaginitis and is the most common non-viral STD in the U.S. More than half of those infected don’t have symptoms, but those who do may experience itching, burning, abnormal discharge, and bleeding after sex. Trichomoniasis can linger without symptoms for a long time, so if you are diagnosed with it, it doesn’t necessarily mean you recently contracted it. Fortunately, it’s easily treatable by your doctor, so don’t hesitate to seek medical advice if you suspect you have it.
When to See Your Doctor
If you’re unsure about what you’re feeling or are worried about an STD, the best course of action is to see your doctor. Don’t hesitate to reach out and get the help you need.
Remember, it’s normal to have occasional off days, but persistent symptoms should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Taking proactive steps can ensure your vagina stays healthy and comfortable through every stage of life.
