Did you ever notice a strange smell from your intimate area? A strong, even fish-like odor that left you feeling a bit uncomfortable? This could be due to a bacterial imbalance also known as bacterial vaginosis (BV).

Did you know that almost all women will suffer from vaginal discomforts at some point in their lives? If you are currently experiencing itch, discharge or redness; don’t worry you are not alone.

The uncomfortable symptoms following the infection become almost unbearable when combined with the menstrual blood, cramps and irritability that often encompasses being on a period. Learn more about vaginal yeast infections and what to expect if the infection strikes during your period.

When the vaginal flora gets disrupted (by use of antibiotics, intensive washing, vaginal dryness etc.) or due to other factors (such as hormonal fluctuations), candida can overgrow and cause discomforts such as itching, irritation, pain and discharge.

One of the most common vaginal discomforts is vaginal thrush, also known as vaginal yeast, candidiasis or just candida. Thrush symptoms include a thick white discharge, usually described as being similar to cottage cheese, strong redness and itching in the vulvo-vaginal area.

Vaginal infections can be caused by many factors. One common cause of these infections is using antibiotics. Learn more about how antibiotics can disrupt vaginal balance and how to prevent vaginal discomforts as a side effect of antibiotic therapy.

Vaginal discharge is a fluid secreted by glands located in the vagina and vulva. Discharge protects the vagina from infection, cleanses it, and provides lubrication during sex.

It is not uncommon for women to experience far more vaginal discomforts during pregnancy than at any time before or after that. The changes that our bodies go through during pregnancy and breastfeeding are mostly governed by hormonal levels, and have an impact on every aspect of our lives.

Pregnancy is a period of changes and expectations. Our bodily functions focus on nursing the new life inside us, and prepare us for giving birth, breastfeeding and childcare. Even though it can be enjoyable, it is far from a worry-free period.

If you’ve ever experienced intimate discomforts such as discharge, itching, burning, pain or odour, you probably suffered from a vaginal infection or vaginitis. The most common infections are bacterial vaginosis and thrush (yeast infection), both considered to be an imbalance of the vaginal flora.

Bacterial vaginosis and vaginal thrush are the two most common vaginal complaints. For many years thrush had been better understood and more readily treated than bacterial vaginosis, which led to a common misconception that any unusual discharge, itching and pain in the intimate area is caused by Candida.

There has been a lot of recent social media interest in whether or not tampons are damaging to health. Read on to find out more.