"What is a healthy vaginal area?"

Dear Jacqui,
What is a healthy vaginal area? Should it have any odor or discharge? Lilly

Dear Lilly,
After washing, the vaginal area usually has only a very faint odor. During arousal and/or after sexual activity the odor can be different and more pronounced. Also, odor varies from person to person, just as the skin of two people does not smell the same, and it can be different at certain periods of the month.

Many women experience heightened body odor during their menstruation, both under their arms and in their vaginal area. Regarding your second question about discharge. Many women notice a slight vaginal discharge, which, again, can vary during different times of the month or not be present at all.

If the discharge is more abundant and has a smell, it there are other symptoms such as itching or burning during urination, then there is a possibility that an infection is present.

Since I don't know your age, I would nevertheless suggest that a yearly check up with a gynecologist is advisable, especially since you are concerned about your discharge. Often our feelings are more right than wrong. If you worry, give yourself the gift of feeling safe.

Jacqui

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