I always clean down there, have good hygiene but my vagina is always very sensitive to everything and it’s had an odor. I have gone to the doctor about having yeast infection and using ointment but nothing is working. Is there anything else I should be doing?

Thanks for your question and good job for seeing your doctor! It’s always a good idea to see your health care provider when something isn’t right about your body. Most girls and adult women have vaginal discharge or fluid that typically changes in amount and consistency (thin to thick) during their menstrual cycle. This fluid naturally cleans and moistens the vagina and is normal. However, when the discharge changes color/and or it smells different, it can be a sign of inflammation and infection or “vaginitis”.  The three most common causes of vaginitis are: yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis,  and each one requires a different treatment.  If you are sexually active, other possible causes are sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Some girls/women like you are sensitive to certain products (that their vagina comes in contact with) such as: bubble bath, bath bombs, soaps, toilet paper, condoms, and some menstrual products (ex. tampons, pad and panty liners) and clothing such as underwear that has been washed or rinsed in scented laundry detergent or fabric softener.  You can lessen the chance of vaginal irritation by using unscented soaps and menstrual products. Avoid harsh detergents and fabric softener when washing your undergarments and double rinse. Never douche or use feminine hygiene sprays.

Bottom-line, contact your doctor and let him/her know you still have symptoms. You may have a different problems and need to take a different medicine. Read more here: https://youngwomenshealth.org/2012/11/20/vaginal-infection/

Our health guides are developed through a systematic, rigorous process to ensure accuracy, reliability, and trustworthiness. Written and reviewed by experienced healthcare clinicians from Boston Children's Hospital, a Harvard Medical School teaching hospital and consistently ranked as a top hospital by Newsweek and U.S. News & World Report, these guides combine clinical expertise, specialized knowledge, and evidence-based medicine. We also incorporate research and best practices from authoritative sources such as the CDC, NIH, PubMed, top medical journals, and UpToDate.com. Clinical specialists and subject matter experts review and edit each guide, reinforcing our commitment to high-quality, factual, scientifically accurate health information for young people.