Sign # 2 : Vaginal Odors
Every woman has a personal, intimate scent unique to her - and it's generally magnified during sexual arousal as well as during ovulation and, sometimes, menstruation.
In fact, some studies have shown that it is this natural scent of
"reproduction" that throws a man back to his most primal mating instincts, causing him to feel more "turned on" to women when she is the most fertile.
What's Normal: Under healthy circumstances, a vagina should have no offensive odor - but that doesn't mean you won't smell something. In addition to your personal biochemical scent, most healthy women will also notice a faint "salty" or slightly "musky" odor.
Red Flags: Look for a "fishy" or foul odor in your vagina, sometimes described as a bitter or sour smell. Also note any pungent odors which seem obvious, such as overly salty or oily. Pay special attention to any disturbing odors that appear directly after intercourse. All these signs can be the start of a vaginal or pelvic infection. Also be on the lookout for what can only be described as a vague smell of freshly "baked bread" - which often signals a yeast infection.
Also important: Remember that what may seem like a vaginal odor could actually be coming from an area outside your vagina, such as your groin, where many women can sweat profusely, particularly during hot weather. In addition, certain foods can also change the scent of your urine (sometimes making it smell "stronger" or more
"ammonia-like") which in turn may make it seem as if your vagina is eminataing an odor when it's not. Remember, these smells do not indicate a vaginal problem and should be confused with true intimate odors.
What This Means To You: Most often a vaginal odor that does not disappear with good hygiene is usually the sign of some type of infection - vaginal conditions you can read more about in the section on V Zone problems located on this web site.
In the meantime, you should also check the presence of any accompanying discharge, as this can help narrow down the possible causes of the odor itself.
But with or without discharge, do bring the odor to your doctor's attention. Also remember that all abnormal odors and discharges should be diagnosed by your doctor during an appointment and not just over the phone. When you do see your doctor, make certain not to "cover up" your odor by using any scented body care products. Instead, wash with plain, warm water and dry well. Remember, you want your doctor to smell what you smell!
Sign # 3 : Genital Skin Condition and Color
Sometimes, the earliest signs of a V zone problem can be seen in how your vuvla looks and feels - particularly in regard to itching or changes in skin texture or color.
What's Normal: The skin on both the inside and outside of your vagina should be smooth, free of bumps, dark or light spots, blisters or rashes. The color on the inside of your outer lips should be a fairly uniform shade of light pink, or in women of color, a slighlty darker, salmon-color pink. The deeper inside you look, the darker the skin will be, up to a medium red. All this is considered normal.
You should also check the area just outside your vagina, particularly at your panty line - where your thighs meet your groin. It should be free of any swelling as well as bumps or lumps.
Red Flags: Bumps; rashes; redness; itching; lumps; lesions; white or light patches - particularly inside your vulva; dark patches or areas of very red or reddish-purple tissue; areas that burn or are painful to the touch; significant changes in pubic hair, such as obvious thinning.
What This Means To You : For most women these "red flags" are usually the result of simple dermatologic problems, and can be caused by any number of environmental factors. These include the fabric or style of your panties, or even your laundry detergent. In a few instances, these same symptoms could also be the sign of minor infection or even a biochemical imbalance such as a thyroid disorder - and even more rarely, a more complicated disease such as genital warts or even rare forms of cancer.
The Key : Never try to diagnose your problems on your own. Instead use this information to open a dialogue with your own doctor - and be certain to always mentions any changes in genital skin color and condition during your gynecological exam.
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