A healthy vagina is home to a variety of microscopic organisms. Normally they live harmoniously in an acidic environment that prevents the overproduction of any one species and fights foreign invaders.

Vaginal infections however can cause a change in the smell and other unpleasant side effects.

Here we will look at some common vaginal infections that change the smell of the vagina and give some common sense advice on keeping your vagina healthy.

Vagina infections and the smell of the vagina are affected by lifestyle, diet, weight etc.

Vaginal infections can be prevented and your vagina can have a healthy smell by following the tips below:

1. Diet

Eat a healthy diet cigarettes alcohol and drugs should be cut down, as should heavily spiced foods, junk food and red meat.

Try and eat as naturally as possible and drink lots of water.

2. Cleanliness

Odor-producing bacteria can thrive on the vulva and must be cleaned off to prevent vaginal inflections.

For most women find that washing the genital area daily with a simple, fragrance-free soap keeps them clean and fresh.

Since your vagina essentially self-cleans, douching is unnecessary. In fact, douching upsets the delicate balance between good and bad bacteria in the vaginal ecosystem.

Because infections such as yeasts are found in the intestine, It is important after going to the toilet to wipe front to back vaginal area first, rectum after.

During sex it is very important to avoid contamination of the vagina with organisms from the bowel, or rectum.

3. Clothing

To prevent vaginal infections make sure your clothing "breathes," avoid tight garments and fabrics containing a high percentage of synthetic fibers.

Keep in mind also that tampons and diaphragms left too long in the vagina can create a very strong unpleasant odour.

4. Use condoms

Finally, if you don't know your partner well, Use condoms and a spermicide to prevent infections.

Below we have outlined 3 common vaginal infections, their symptoms, causes and treatments:

1. Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) accounts for around half of all vagina related health visits.

About half of all women with BV vaginal infections have no obvious symptoms. The most common symptom is a thin, white to grey discharge with an offensive fish like smell.

Because the odour is strongest when the discharge is exposed to an alkaline substance such as soap or semen, it will be at its strongest in the shower / bath, or after sex.

BV is normally treated with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor and a visit is essential if you feel you have it.

2. Yeast Infections

Although yeast infections are probably the most common type of vaginal infection, many women never visit their doctor.

Some simply recover naturally; others treat themselves with anti-fungal vaginal creams available without prescription.

Classic symptoms of yeast infections include:

Vulvar itching, irritation in the area and redness.

If the urinary opening becomes inflamed, urination will probably be more frequent and may be uncomfortable.

If the infection is severe, the vulva will swell and fine breaks, called fissures will form. Vaginal discharge will become thicker and whiter.

Yeast infections are the result of excessive growth of a family of fungi that normally live and in the vagina.

The most common of these infections is vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), which is usually caused by a fungus named Candida albicans.

There are two types of VVC:

Uncomplicated, a mild to moderate infection that responds well to therapy and recurrent Which, is more severe and often occurs in women who have diabetes or are infected with less treatable forms of yeast, such as Candida glabratia.

Recurrent VVC,normaly occurs more than four times a year and needs longer initial treatment about two weeks and follow-up therapy for 6 months or more.

Certain factors are common causes such as nylon and lycra clothing that traps heat and moisture.

Other common causes include: Obesity, pregnancy, diabetes and suppression of the immune system during chronic illnesses, the use of oral contraceptives, and eating large amounts of sugars, starch, and yeasts.

If you do have a yeast vaginal infection, your doctor will ordinarily treat you with either prescription or nonprescription antifungal creams and suppositories referred to earlier.

3. Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis, or "trich," is a sexually transmitted vaginal infection suffered by millions of women.

While infection with trichomoniasis can be intensely uncomfortable, it is not a serious threat to health.

The symptoms are normally vulvar and vaginal burning and itching. The burning may be most apparent after intercourse.

In addition, there may be vulvar swelling and frequent and uncomfortable urination. There is a heavy vaginal discharge, usually yellowish or green, which may or may not have an offensive odor.

The trichomonad is a minute parasite. It has three tails at its narrow end and swims with them and the white blood cells of the body follow.

These blood cells literally surround a trichomonad and kill it by eating it. Symptoms occur only when the body's natural defense are swamped by with sheer number of reproducing trichomonads.

Trichomoniasis is usually easily diagnosed by a quick trip to your doctor and antibiotic treatment cures it more than 90 percent of the time.

Finally

The important point is if you have a vaginal infection don't be embarrassed, visit a health professional, who will give you the necessary treatment and cure the problem.