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Health Line
16 hours ago
- General
- Health Line
What Causes a ‘Fishy' Vaginal Odor and How Is It Treated?
A fishy or unusual vaginal odor isn't always a cause for concern. But if you're experiencing itching, pain, or other unexpected symptoms, it could point to an underlying condition like bacterial vaginosis. A healthy vulva and vagina may smell a bit like blood or copper, somewhat salty or sweet, or musky. A fishy odor may even happen from time to time with no underlying cause. In many cases, changing into a fresh pair of underwear after a bath or shower is enough to restore your usual odor. An odor that lingers after a thorough wash or occurs alongside other unusual symptoms could warrant an appointment with a doctor or other healthcare professional. Vaginal discharge, for example, is typically clear or slightly cloudy with a sticky, stringy consistency. In the days before menstruation, it might be closer to white than clear. Discharge tinged with gray, yellow, or green could point to an underlying infection, especially when coupled with an unpleasant odor, itching, or burning. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) A lingering change in odor, particularly a foul or fishy scent, is most commonly caused by BV Your body naturally contains a wide variety of bacteria, and your vulva and vagina are no exception. Although the body can usually maintain this delicate balance of bacteria, unexpected fluctuations can increase the risk of infection. BV can develop in response to an overgrowth of certain bacteria. However, the exact cause is unclear. You may be more likely to develop bacterial vaginosis if you: Other symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include: thin vaginal discharge that's gray, white, or green strong vaginal odor after sexual activity pain during or after penetrative sex pain or burning during urination itching in or around the vagina Trichomoniasis ('trich') Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite. People who have penises are generally asymptomatic, whereas people who have vulvas often experience symptoms. In addition to a foul or fishy vaginal odor, trichomoniasis can cause: increased vaginal discharge foamy or frothy discharge white, yellow, or green discharge pain during or after penetrative sex pain or burning during urination itching in or around the vagina redness around the vaginal opening Dehydration If you tend to notice the odor after you urinate, it could be a sign of dehydration. Urine is primarily water, with a small percentage of urea and other waste. If you aren't well hydrated, waste may be more pungent than usual. Urea, for example, is a byproduct of ammonia. It's often associated with a chemical-like smell, though some may describe it as fishy. Sweat Sweat-related body odor is often described as skunky, but this is ultimately subject to interpretation. Consider your recent activity levels — anything from lugging groceries up the stairs to lifting weights in the gym — and when you last washed up or changed your clothes. Your overall temperature, the fit and fabric of your clothes, and the weather outside can also contribute to genital sweating. Hygiene So-called 'feminine' hygiene products, like scented sprays and suppositories, can temporarily disrupt your overall vaginal pH. This can result in inflammation and irritation that may, in turn, lead to the overgrowth of odor-causing bacteria. Practices like douching and steaming can also alter the vagina's natural microbiome, increasing your risk of injury or infection. Sexual activity Solo or partnered play, with or without vaginal penetration, can also spur an unexpected change in scent. Condoms and lube, for example, can affect your vaginal pH. So can the exchange of bodily fluids. Sex toys and other erotic aids can also introduce bacteria, particularly when shared or improperly cleaned. Bacterial vaginosis and other underlying infections can exacerbate these symptoms, making your post-sex smell more pungent than usual. Trimethylaminuria In rare cases, a fishy odor may be the result of an inherited condition called trimethylaminuria. Your body naturally produces trimethylamine (TMA) when breaking down certain foods. The strong-smelling chemical generally breaks down into a less fragrant compound, allowing your body to excrete TMA without notice. People who have trimethylaminuria are unable to process TMA as expected. This can cause your breath, sweat, urine, or vaginal secretions to smell rotten or fishy. The smell may intensify with hormonal fluctuations, including menstruation and menopause. When should you consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional? If you've had a prior bacterial vaginosis infection, you might be comfortable using an at-home test to assess your current symptoms. You might also feel comfortable using an at-home STI test to check for trichomoniasis. This usually involves taking a urine sample to send to a lab. A healthcare professional will likely reach out to discuss a positive result. If you're uncomfortable with at-home testing or unsure of your symptoms, it's important to consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional. The following symptoms typically require medical intervention: strong vaginal odor after sexual activity gray, yellow, or green vaginal discharge foamy, frothy, or increased vaginal discharge soreness, burning, or itching Your clinician will ask you questions about your symptoms, your medical history, and recent sexual activity to help identify the potential cause. They'll likely perform a pelvic exam to check for inflammation and other abnormalities. Your clinician may also swab inside the vagina to take a fluid sample for lab testing. They may also ask you to provide a urine sample. If you aren't experiencing symptoms but have concerns about your scent, consult with a gynecologist or other healthcare professional. They can answer any questions you may have and may be able to set your mind at ease. What treatment options are available? Although bacterial vaginosis can resolve on its own, antibiotics can help speed the process along and alleviate your symptoms. A healthcare professional may prescribe: metronidazole, which can be applied topically or taken as a pill clindamycin, which can be applied topically, inserted as a suppository, or taken as a pill tinidazole, which is taken as a pill secnidazole, which is taken as a powder mixed with food Some over-the-counter products are marketed as effective treatments for bacterial vaginosis, but it's important to note that the Food and Drug Administration has not approved any over-the-counter method for use. Trichomoniasis will not resolve without treatment. Your clinician will likely prescribe the oral antibiotic metronidazole. Generally speaking, odor related to sweat, dehydration, and vaginal irritation can be managed with certain lifestyle changes. Limiting time spent in damp or wet clothes, washing more frequently, and staying hydrated can help. Lifestyle changes may also help with trimethylaminuria. Consult with a healthcare professional to learn more. What can you do to prevent unwanted vaginal odor? Practicing good hygiene is the best way to prevent unwanted vaginal odor. Depending on your activity level, this may look like bathing or showering every day, every other day, or just a few times per week. Warm water is all you need to cleanse your vulva, but you can also use a mild, fragrance-free soap. Stick to the external bits — your vagina is a self-cleaning machine. Internal 'cleansers' like douches are more harmful than helpful. When it comes to menstrual hygiene, keep an eye on the clock. Different products have different guidelines for the length of use. You may need to change your pad, tampon, cup, disc, or menstrual underwear more frequently. Wash your hands before and after changing menstrual hygiene products. If you use a reusable method, be sure to check out the manufacturer's guidelines for care. Avoid spending extended periods of time in sweaty clothes, particularly damp underwear or swimsuit bottoms. Wash up, pat yourself dry, and change into something dry as soon as possible. Opt for breathable materials, like cotton, when selecting underwear. You might also consider sizing up on pants, shorts, and other bottoms for a looser fit or selecting clothes with an airy silhouette. Adopting safer solo and partnered sex practices can also make a difference. Much like menstrual hygiene products, condoms, lubricants, sex toys, and other erotic aids have different guidelines for use. Regular STI testing can help you stay on top of your status and, if needed, start treatment sooner rather than later. The bottom line Your vulva — which includes your labia and vaginal opening — smells differently throughout your menstrual cycle. Different forms of physical activity, recent food intake, and overall hydration can also affect your unique scent. As long as you aren't experiencing other unusual symptoms, a change in smell may not be a sign of anything more. If the odor intensifies or lasts for more than a day or two, it could be related to an underlying infection or other health condition.
Health Line
6 days ago
- General
- Health Line
Can I Have a Normal Liver Function Test with Cirrhosis?
Yes, it is possible to have a normal liver function test if you have cirrhosis, but this is rare. Cirrhosis is a condition that causes scarring and damage of the liver, which can prevent it from digesting food and removing waste from your body. Liver function tests (LFT) are blood tests that can assess how well your liver is functioning and detect any damage. However, in some cases, LFTs may show normal results despite the presence of cirrhosis in the liver. This can occur during the early stages of cirrhosis, when the liver has severe scarring or damage, but the body is still able to compensate for its decreased function. This is known as compensatedcirrhosis. It typically results in unnoticeable or mild symptoms, such as nausea and fatigue. A person can have compensatedcirrhosis for years and not feel unwell or see any signs of liver damage. What other methods can help detect cirrhosis? While LFTs may not always detect cirrhosis, there are several other tests that can pick up on potential liver damage. This includes: Medical history. A healthcare professional can identify your risk of developing cirrhosis by asking about your medical history, including if you have autoimmune disorders, have been exposed to hepatitis viruses in the past, or have a history of excessive alcohol consumption. Physical exam. When performing a physical exam, a healthcare professional may encounter potential signs of liver damage, such as a swollen or tender abdomen, yellowing of the eyes, or skin changes. Complete blood count. A complete blood count can pick up on reduced liver function. Ultrasound. A healthcare professional can pick up on potential signs of liver damage during an ultrasound. Liver biopsy. A liver biopsy involves taking a small sample of tissue from the liver, which can confirm a diagnosis of cirrhosis. However, this method is reserved for instances where there is a high suspicion of cirrhosis, but other tests have been inconclusive. If you think you may be at risk of developing cirrhosis, but are not noticing any signs, consider speaking with a healthcare professional. They can perform some tests to identify any potential damage.
Health Line
23-05-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Low Impact Exercise Options for Seniors
Older adults have many options for staying physically active without sacrificing their joints. Walking, cycling, and yoga are just a few low impact exercises that may offer benefits. As you get older, your body changes. With it, your fitness needs change. Certain activities, like running, can place stress on your musculoskeletal system. For many people, this may mean those activities are no longer comfortable, enjoyable, or, in some cases, safe. But getting older doesn't mean you need to stop moving. Low impact exercises can enhance strength, promote flexibility, and build cardiovascular fitness without placing excessive stress on your joints. Plus, physical activity offers various mental health benefits. In this article, we discuss some options for low impact exercises, along with considerations for picking the right activity for you and staying safe while doing it. Exercise considerations for older adults Every person will have different exercise needs. Factors such as fitness level, age, and health status can all play a role in determining what the most suitable form of exercise is for an individual. The goal should be to find an exercise that you enjoy, gets you moving, doesn't stress your joints, and is convenient for you. If you have any questions, you can speak with a healthcare professional for advice. You might also consider working with a trainer who has experience with older adults, if you have access to one. Low impact exercises Most of these options for low impact exercise offer great flexibility. They don't require much specialized equipment, and you can perform many of them in your home. Walking Walking has many potential health and antiaging benefits. According to a 2023 research review, these include improvements in areas such as: cardiovascular health mental well-being sleep cognition all-cause mortality If you're trying to decide how much to walk, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines on activity can be a good starting point. The CDC suggests getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week. For walking, this could mean doing 30 minutes of brisk walking 5 days per week. Alternately, the authors of the research review suggest aiming for 6,000 to 8,000 steps per day. Chair exercises Chair exercises are simple, convenient fitness routines that involve using a chair to perform exercises geared toward stretching, building strength, and enhancing mobility. A 2021 study found that chair exercise programs can improve the functioning of your arms and legs. Yoga Yoga is a practice that combines physical movement with breathwork and meditation. It involves doing gentle stretching while holding poses that engage the core and other large muscle groups. Many yoga poses can be modified for beginner practitioners or those with mobility challenges. If going through a traditional yoga routine feels daunting, chair yoga could be a good place to start. Strength training Strength training is great for building muscle. Many activities fall under the umbrella of strength training, including those involving weights, elastic resistance bands, and even your body weight. Research from 2019 suggests that strength training can help older adults stay independent and preserve their quality of life by: counteracting muscle loss reducing physical vulnerability helping manage chronic conditions building resilience In fact, the CDC recommends that older adults do two strength training sessions per week. Cycling Cycling is a low impact activity that can get folks moving and exploring the outdoors. Today many manufacturers make comfortable, lightweight bicycles designed for older adults. And electric bikes (e-bikes) make riding easier than ever. A 2023 review of cycling in older populations found that its benefits include better joint mobility, cardiovascular health, and mental well-being. Tai chi Tai chi is a traditional Chinese practice that combines flowing movements with mindfulness. It is a relaxing, low impact activity that offers a variety of potential benefits. A 2021 review found that regular tai chi practice can improve areas such as: balance pain management brain function sleep immune function You may find group classes in community centers, parks, or gyms, or you can follow along at home with online videos. SilverSneakers Certain Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans offer fitness benefits through a program called SilverSneakers. These benefits allow members to access gyms and exercise classes specifically designed for older adults. Classes are in-person or online and focus on maximizing fitness benefits while being low impact. Classes include: swimming yoga strength training tai chi dance aerobics fall prevention Staying safe while exercising As an older adult, staying healthy is key to a successful exercise program. Even with low impact exercises, there's a risk of burning out or developing overuse injuries. Here are some quick tips to consider that can help you create and implement a sustainable exercise program: Start slow: Allow your body time to adapt to any new stimulus by building up slowly and not overdoing it in the beginning. Listen to your body: If you feel particularly fatigued or sore, it may be time for rest and recovery. If in doubt, speak with a healthcare professional for advice. Speak with a trainer: Certain activities, like resistance training and yoga, require exact form to do them properly. A trainer or instructor can be a helpful resource, especially when you're learning a new exercise. Fuel properly: Your muscles need energy for activity, so try to eat nutritious foods and stay hydrated during your workouts.
CTV News
07-05-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Paging Dr. Paul: Common Illnesses
Paging Dr. Paul: Common Illnesses We check in with Dr. Paul Roumeliotis to discuss three common viruses and what you need to know.
