Dear Jacqui,
I have always had vaginal discharge. Sometimes it's just a creamy white discharge but other times is has a very awful odor as well. I have been to my doctor numerous times to find out what I have but the tests always come back negative.

It is very embarrassing and my sex life with my boyfriend is not as good as it should be because of this. What should I do? And do you know of a specific test my doctor should be doing?
Jennifer

Dear Jennifer,
Discharge can have very different causes; a recurrent or continuous low-grade infection, either bacterial or a fungal. In each case the doctor has to do a microscopic analysis to identify what's going on. For some reason or other bacterial vaginosis is often overlooked. It could be the source of your problem. Have you discussed the tests your doctor has done and his conclusions? You have a right to know and should request a copy of your medical history.

Secondly, has your general health been checked? Sometimes vaginal discharge can be associated with a general health condition.

Thirdly, was your boyfriend ever checked? It's quite common that you might pass the infection back and forth. Often there are no visible symptoms in a man, only in the woman.

Finally, you might be allergic to a specific product you use that irritates your vaginal lining. Are you taking bubble baths? Do you use soaps or any products containing fragrance or deodorizing ingredients in the intimate area? Do you douche? Many products containing additives, flavors, fragrance, herbs or vitamins may actually destroy your healthy pH which protects your vaginal environment.

Start using a mild, pH balanced soap or body wash such as Very Private which actually contains an ingredient that helps protect your vagina from irritation.Add plenty of lukewarm water, always. Don't use a washcloth, use cotton puffs that you throw away after use. Wear pantyhose with cotton liners. Never douche or use vaginal deodorants.

And, for an outside chance, you may actually have no infection at all, simply a natural reaction after orgasm. Many women feel a discharge associated with odor after intercourse. The presence of semen in the vagina causes the release of a group of "amines." The fluid feels like discharge and the odor can be a little "fishy." It is a natural occurrence.

If that is the case, I suggest you use a drop of perfume and rub it into your skin at the very uppermost area of your pubic hair to trick your nose. (please, not inside your vaginal lips or anywhere near the vaginal tissue.)

Jacqui





	"My sex life is not as good as it should because of my discharge" Dear Jacqui, I have always had vaginal discharge. Sometimes it's just a creamy white discharge but other times is has a very awful odor as well. I have been to my doctor numerous times to find out what I have but the tests always come back negative. It is very embarrassing and my sex life with my boyfriend is not as good as it should be because of this. What should I do? And do you know of a specific test my doctor should be doing? Jennifer Dear Jennifer, Discharge can have very different causes; a recurrent or continuous low-grade infection, either bacterial or a fungal. In each case the doctor has to do a microscopic analysis to identify what's going on. For some reason or other bacterial vaginosis is often overlooked. It could be the source of your problem. Have you discussed the tests your doctor has done and his conclusions? You have a right to know and should request a copy of your medical history. Secondly, has your general health been checked? Sometimes vaginal discharge can be associated with a general health condition. Thirdly, was your boyfriend ever checked? It's quite common that you might pass the infection back and forth. Often there are no visible symptoms in a man, only in the woman. Finally, you might be allergic to a specific product you use that irritates your vaginal lining. Are you taking bubble baths? Do you use soaps or any products containing fragrance or deodorizing ingredients in the intimate area? Do you douche? Many products containing additives, flavors, fragrance, herbs or vitamins may actually destroy your healthy pH which protects your vaginal environment. Start using a mild, pH balanced soap or body wash such as Very Private which actually contains an ingredient that helps protect your vagina from irritation.Add plenty of lukewarm water, always. Don't use a washcloth, use cotton puffs that you throw away after use. Wear pantyhose with cotton liners. Never douche or use vaginal deodorants. And, for an outside chance, you may actually have no infection at all, simply a natural reaction after orgasm. Many women feel a discharge associated with odor after intercourse. The presence of semen in the vagina causes the release of a group of "amines." The fluid feels like discharge and the odor can be a little "fishy." It is a natural occurrence. If that is the case, I suggest you use a drop of perfume and rub it into your skin at the very uppermost area of your pubic hair to trick your nose. (please, not inside your vaginal lips or anywhere near the vaginal tissue.) Jacqui Copyright 2001 Brandwynne Corporation. All rights reserved.

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