Is there anything you can eat to make your vagina smell good? + More questions about sexual health are answered
There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to sexual health because… between Google and TikTok, there’s always someone ready to play the expert. From whether you can have good sex after a hysterectomy to whether probiotics really do anything for your vaginal health – and everything else in between – based in Pretoria
Gynecologist Dr. Sebolelo Mojaki sheds light on some of those questions that you and your friends tried to answer for yourself the last time you met.
READ MORE: The 4 most common questions women ask about their sexual health
Is it true that sex drive increases with age in women – what are the biological reasons for this?
You probably won’t notice a dramatic difference in your libido as you enter different decades of life. Factors that affect your libido tend to arise as you go from 20 to 40 and beyond. Learn more about how libido changes with age, including typical times when sex drive may decline, treatment options, and when to contact a doctor.
What should my vagina smell like?
Spicy, fermented or sour. These are perfectly healthy adjectives to describe the vaginal odor produced by your normal bacterial flora. Good bacteria help keep your vagina healthy by producing lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and other substances to keep harmful bacteria away.
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Why do some women ovulate and not have period pain?
Ovulation pain is usually felt on one side of the pelvis, either left or right, depending on which ovary releases the egg. It may feel like a stinging or popping sensation and may last for a few moments or longer. Other conditions that can cause pain similar to ovulation include: endometriosis, ovarian cysts, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, scar tissue after surgery near the ovaries, and an ectopic pregnancy. Stress, anxiety, excessive exercise, and significant weight loss can also disrupt your menstrual cycle.
Should I take probiotics daily for my vaginal health?
There is no consensus on whether probiotic supplements are effective for vaginal health, and some experts consider them a waste of money. Antibiotics are the recommended treatment for conditions related to vaginal imbalance. However, some research suggests that probiotics may be helpful in certain situations:
- After taking antibiotics
- For recurrent bacterial vaginosis
- For women who want to try a probiotic, some studies suggest that those containing Lactobacillus rhamnosusGR-1 may be beneficial
Before taking probiotics, you should consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
READ MORE: Your most pressing “down there” questions, answered by experts
Can I eat something to make my vagina smell good?
There is no evidence that eating large amounts of fruits such as pineapple or banana significantly changes the smell or taste of a vulva.
What type of vaginal discharge is normal?
Normal vaginal discharge is usually clear, white, or off-white and may be thin, sticky, elastic, thick, or sticky. It may have a slight odor but should not be strong or unpleasant. The amount of discharge may vary from person to person and may change throughout your menstrual cycle. Here are some other characteristics of normal vaginal discharge:
- It may increase two weeks before menstruation.
- It may change or increase with some contraceptive methods.
- It does not cause itching or irritation.
- It may appear yellow when drying on underwear or panty liner.
Can I still have good sex after a hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy should not affect your ability to enjoy sex. It usually does not affect the feeling in the vagina or a woman’s ability to have an orgasm. However, if your ovaries were removed during the procedure, it could affect your sex drive due to hormonal changes.
