What's That Smell? It's Not Ovulation But An Infection

To the ladies and women out there who like me are very keen about how we smell "down there" I mean the big V and in this article, I am going to be referring to the Vagina as V as we run through the gist. Often we do mistake the discharge during ovulation for infection, and at other times we judge ovulation pain for infection and discomforts.

Most women do so much to keep their clean to the extent that some don't even know they've crossed the lines and in the long run they invite germs and help to develop infectious microbes in her jamb runs system.

Others pay little attention to their Vs until sex wants to happen or the bikini party is about to go down. Please note this article is not to condemn anybody but to shed a little light on understanding our Vs and all that happens with her better.
Let's get started with some facts you need to note about the Vagina

i. There are many bacteria living in the vaginas which make up what is called The Vagina Flora.
Ii. These bacteria regulate the pH level of the Vagina. Lactobacilli bacteria are responsible for the odor of the V and the pH level.
iii. Every woman's V has a distinct natural odor that is unique to them and this is very normal.
iv. The smell or odor from the vagina can vary depending on one's lifestyle, diet, exercise, sexual intercourse, or health challenges like an infection.
v. Most importantly, the discharge from the V helps to clean out the vagina, deters intruding germs, and also keeps it healthy.

Now that we know vaginas have distinct smells and always produce secretions to maintain their health. Can we say all discharges are normal? Or that they are signs of ovulation?

How can you tell if a discharge signals infection?

Let's get down to it without stressing our brains out.
What is Ovulation?
Ovulation is a period in a woman's cycle where a matured egg is released from the follicle of the female ovary into the fallopian tube. This is the time when the V feels moist and the cervical mucus goes from a dry, thick, and white texture to a clear, slippery, or even stringy discharge. This texture or consistency signals an egg had been released and the clear slippery discharge plays an important role in helping the sperm swim up easily to fertilize the egg released in the fallopian tube.

Other signs to help you know you're ovulating are basal body temperature before you get up from bed (this also varies, some women may experience a little rise in temperature after ovulation has ended); Tender breasts, Appetite change; Mood Swings; Bloating, Increased sexual urges.

The discharge during ovulation is normal, and the V smells sweeter as OB/GYN Alan Lindemann reveals to Romper site. Some women concur with this while others can't tell the difference, especially women who rarely ovulate.
Now when should the discharge from the Vagina become something of concern?

Molly O'Shea M.D speaking on the U by Kotex Website said "After you ovulate, the mucus gets thicker and slightly whitish in color and will be more vinegary in its smell"...in an article by embrywomenshealth, the V's discharge " looks yellowish-white as it dries on the underwear" now those are looks of healthy discharge during and after ovulation.

The times when the discharge from the vagina should be of concern are;
1. When the Vagina secretion gives off a foul and fishy smell, and the color of the discharge becomes greyish from the normal white to creamy color then you may be having Bacteria Vaginosis.
This usually comes with itching and pain around your genitals especially when you're urinating.

2. When there is a greenish-yellow discharge followed by itching, burning sensation, and soreness around the V such as the vulva. Then you are to worry about Trichomoniasis infection.

3. If the areas around the Vulva (Mon pubis, labia majora, labia minora) itch, feels irritated or experience a burning sensation during discharge- which often looks like cottage cheese- it could be a result of Yeast infection medically termed Candidiasis.

Lauren Streicher, M.D, associate professor of Obstetrics/ Gynecology at Northwestern university stated " the health Vagina odor should be slight...." there shouldn't be a strong odor and it shouldn't smell like zoo or fish"

What are the possible causes of vaginal infections then?
Apart from Sexually Transmitted infections such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Herpes, etc through unprotected sex with an infected person or multiple sex partners.

*Chemicals like soap, detergent, sprays, douches, perfumes, and Vee-wash can irritate the Vagina and may lead to infection.

*Unbreathable clothing such as nylon/synthetic underwear that can absorb moisture which encourages the growth of bacteria can also cause infection.

* Irritation or injury to the tissues of the Vagina can lead to cracks or sores that will be prone to infection upon contact with germs or irritant particles from toilet tissue papers, or underwear.

The best way to treat these infections is by seeking medical attention. Self-medication or not too sure prescription are not advised strictly on waec runs 

Take home
We know that ovulation is the release of a matured egg from one of the follicles of the female ovary. The discharge becomes clear, slippery, or stringy and the texture feels sticky like egg white. When discharge smells fishy, foul, or itchy followed sometimes by soreness, burning sensation, or irritation, infection is not far away. Tight underwear especially synthetic ones can encourage excess bacteria growth, tissues, sprays, detergents, douches, and unprotected sex can lead to infections.