Center for Young Women's HealthYour friend is right. Douching (cleaning your vagina with just water, vinegar or a pre-packaged liquid) isn’t necessary and can actually be harmful. A woman’s body naturally makes a fluid … read more
Articles Tagged: bacterial vaginosis
I am a virgin but I always have a smell and discharge in my vagina. What should I do?
Most girls will have a vaginal discharge after puberty which can be thick and sticky, especially during the middle of their menstrual cycle or during ovulation. During ovulation, vaginal discharge … read more
What causes it to smell “down there” (my vagina)?
Every female has a natural vaginal scent that can change throughout her menstrual cycle. A strong odor however, can be a sign of an infection, particularly if she is sexually … read more
Does having bacterial vaginosis or BV cause future fertility problems later (trouble getting pregnant)?
Yes. If you don’t get treated, BV can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can damage your reproductive organs, making it difficult to become pregnant later. The good news is there … read more
Trichomoniasis (Trichomonal Vaginitis; “Trich”)
Trichomoniasis is a common type of vaginal infection (vaginitis). It occurs in both teens and adults. What causes trichomoniasis? Trichomoniasis is caused by a single-cell parasite called a trichomonad. Unlike … read more
Bacterial Vaginosis
Women at any age can have Bacterial vaginosis or “BV” – even occasional teens and women who have never been sexually active. However it is much more common among girls … read more
How is bacterial vaginosis contracted and how do you get rid of it?
I know someone who got bacterial vaginosis. How is it contracted and how do you get rid of it, especially never having intercourse? Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by an … read more