Dear Jacqui,
I'm a 56 years old and have a noticeable vaginal ordor. I do bath daily and keep fresh underwear on. By the end of the day, however, I feel very unclean. Is there a product that can help with this problem, and is it safe to use everyday? Do you think this is a normal complaint from women my age?

Anna

Dear Anna,
I assume that you have or are going through menopause. At these times when hormone levels drop, women experience all kinds of symptoms they have not known before. Hormonal changes can easily change the composition of body odors. As we mature, the vaginal environment becomes less acidic, that's why women at that stage in their lives are much more prone to vaginal irritations and infections. Bacteria and fungus does not do well in acidic environments.

It is possible the odor is caused by a low-grade vaginal infection. Both yeast infections as well as bacterial vaginosis have a distinct "smell" and are often overlooked. I suggest you review your hygiene routine. Never use scented soaps in the vaginal area, no douching, no vaginal sprays and refrain from sitting in scented bubble baths. These ingredients often destroy the healthy pH of your vagina which is there to protect you against infection.

It is safest to wash with a pH balanced non-scented soap or body wash such as Very Private pH balanced Body Wash. It is very mild and contains an ingredient which helps protect against vaginal irritations. Also remember, that during the menopause years our body has less moisture, especially in the vaginal area. So all odors are more intensified.

Finally, is your odor most noticeable after sexual activity? If so, you might be one of the women who have a reaction to semen. This happens quite often. The presence of semen after ejaculation causes a particular group of "amines" to be released which indeed have a "fishy" odor. If that is the case, I suggest you rub a drop of your favorite perfume into the uppermost area of your vaginal hair so you can "trick" the nose (please be sure not to use the fragrance between the vaginal lips or anywhere in and around the vaginal tissue). If the odor persists, it is possible that an undiscovered infection is the culprit inwhich case you should see a gynecologist, just to be safe.

Jacqui





	"Is there a product to help with my vaginal odor?" Dear Jacqui, I'm a 56 years old and have a noticeable vaginal ordor. I do bath daily and keep fresh underwear on. By the end of the day, however, I feel very unclean. Is there a product that can help with this problem, and is it safe to use everyday? Do you think this is a normal complaint from women my age? Anna Dear Anna, I assume that you have or are going through menopause. At these times when hormone levels drop, women experience all kinds of symptoms they have not known before. Hormonal changes can easily change the composition of body odors. As we mature, the vaginal environment becomes less acidic, that's why women at that stage in their lives are much more prone to vaginal irritations and infections. Bacteria and fungus does not do well in acidic environments. It is possible the odor is caused by a low-grade vaginal infection. Both yeast infections as well as bacterial vaginosis have a distinct "smell" and are often overlooked. I suggest you review your hygiene routine. Never use scented soaps in the vaginal area, no douching, no vaginal sprays and refrain from sitting in scented bubble baths. These ingredients often destroy the healthy pH of your vagina which is there to protect you against infection. It is safest to wash with a pH balanced non-scented soap or body wash such as Very Private pH balanced Body Wash. It is very mild and contains an ingredient which helps protect against vaginal irritations. Also remember, that during the menopause years our body has less moisture, especially in the vaginal area. So all odors are more intensified. Finally, is your odor most noticeable after sexual activity? If so, you might be one of the women who have a reaction to semen. This happens quite often. The presence of semen after ejaculation causes a particular group of "amines" to be released which indeed have a "fishy" odor. If that is the case, I suggest you rub a drop of your favorite perfume into the uppermost area of your vaginal hair so you can "trick" the nose (please be sure not to use the fragrance between the vaginal lips or anywhere in and around the vaginal tissue). If the odor persists, it is possible that an undiscovered infection is the culprit inwhich case you should see a gynecologist, just to be safe. Jacqui Copyright 2001 Brandwynne Corporation. All rights reserved.
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