All our body gives off odors, vagina included. But how do you know if these are normal?

The answers of Jean-Marc Bohbot, gynecologist, infectiologist, Director of the Alfred Fournier Center (Paris) and author of the book "Microbiote vaginal: the pink revolution", to be published by Marabout (January 17, 2018).

Intimate smell: you learn to differentiate between "good" and "bad"

Above all, you have to know the difference between a physiological odor and an abnormal smell.

"The vagina naturally has an odor, and it is specific to each woman, some may be disturbed by it, but they must be aware that the genital area is provided with special glands that actually emit odors" says Dr. Bohbot.

They evolve during the cycle and therefore according to the hormonal impregnation: after ovulation, after the period of menstruation or during sexual arousal for example. The vagina of a 20-year-old woman does not smell like a postmenopausal or pregnant woman.

"In our current society, we refuse more and more body odor and we tend too much to use chemicals to hide or eliminate," protests our expert.

A smell of "rotten fish": bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis

Of course, a flagrant lack of hygiene may be the first cause of foul smelling. But if all goes well on this side, then it is undoubtedly an infection related to an imbalance of the vaginal flora, caused in the majority of the cases by the taking of antibiotics or bad practices of intimate hygiene .

The most smelly of them? Bacterial vaginosis.

To better understand his training, it must first be remembered that the vagina has its own microbiota. Its flora is colonized by a multitude of bacteria: "good", which are called Lactobacilli and which protect the vagina from infections while maintaining its good level of acidity; and "bad"

Problem: when the flora is out of balance, the number of "bad" germs multiply, decreasing the amount of "nice". And in the case of bacterial vaginosis, which is specified it is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI) , we usually find the bacteria Gardnerella vaginalis or Atopobium vaginae on the dock.

A new flora is formed and begins to produce aromatic amines, pestilential substances with very evocative names: cadaverine and putrescine. The vagina then emits an extremely bad smell, similar to that of a rotten fish.

"Very annoying and virulent daily, it is even more after sex, says Dr. Bohbot.In fact, aromatic amines become more and more volatile and smelly as the vaginal acidity decreases. And as the sperm is very alkaline, as soon as there is ejaculation, cadaverine and putrescine feast. During this period, wearing condoms is therefore advisable.

Be careful, if bacterial vaginosis is benign in non-pregnant women, it can be very dangerous in case of pregnancy such as fetal infections, low birth weight, prematurity or spontaneous abortion (natural onset of childbirth before term).

Another possible infection: trichomoniasis. This non-viral sexually transmitted infection, which affects men and women, is caused by a parasite called Trichomonas Vaginalis. It manifests itself, among other things, by foamy losses of yellowish or greenish colors quite thick, sometimes accompanied by foul odors (but still less "violent" than those of a bacterial vaginosis, according to our expert). Although widespread, it can go unnoticed in 50% of women who have it.

How to get rid of bad vaginal odor?

As a first step, it is necessary to consult a doctor to know if one is affected by one of these two pathologies. He can then prescribe samples to establish an accurate diagnosis. If it is a bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis, then it will prescribe antibiotic treatment.

But Dr. Bohbot warns us: "We know that antibiotics are effective at 80% more or less short term to treat bacterial vaginosis, ie within a few days the problem is solved. But we know that there is 30% recurrence at 3 months and 66% at 1 year, so it is also essential to rebalance the vaginal flora with probiotics. "

Intimate hygiene: we do not do anything!

To avoid infections as much as possible, it is necessary to learn the basics of good personal hygiene (and to ban all dangerous or counterproductive practices).

Vaginal shower, excessive use of deodorants or intimate wipes, permanent wearing of panty liners or using ingredients straight out of our closets (yogurt, lemon ...) are all causes of an imbalance of the vaginal flora and hence the development of infections (or even secondary infections).

"All these gestures and chemicals may weaken the mucous membranes and block natural secretions, explains our expert.The vulva, as it is a fold, must necessarily remain moist.There is a natural lubrication and hydration which helps to avoid a lot of inconveniences.The perfumes are allergenic and on fragile skin like that of the vulva, they can cause serious irritations. "

And we prefer to warn you: washing 15 times a day is useless either. We do a maximum external hygiene twice a day, always with a dedicated washing product because the water alone can destroy the hydrolipidic film of the skin. Above all, antiseptic products are not used, which can disrupt the vaginal flora and increase the risk of infection.

Finally, we draw a line on the cigarette. "Women who smoke are more likely to develop infections, tobacco decreases the amount of hormones in the blood and vagina which limit the growth of lactobacilli," warns Dr. Bohbot.