IT is a term that describes computer systems, software, hardware and networks. It also includes the professional management of these systems. Organizations with an IT department are called Information Technology departments.
The word puss came from the Old Norse puus, meaning “pocket pouch.” It has a similar sound to the cat word kitty.
Vaginal discharge
A little vaginal discharge is normal and has many important jobs, including keeping your vulva clean and healthy. It can help flush out cells from the vulva, absorb excess water and keep bad microorganisms in check so you don’t get an infection. It also helps your baby (or sperm) grow and develop in the right way.
The amount of discharge changes during your menstrual cycle and can vary between girls. If you have a lot of vaginal discharge, it might be a sign of an infection. Your doctor will ask you questions about your lifestyle and symptoms, such as pain or itching, and may do a pelvic exam or a vaginal swab to test for an infection.
Discharge can look clear or opaque, or it can be slightly yellowish or whitish-yellow. It can even be frothy. The odor of vaginal discharge is usually mild, but if it smells strong or foul and has a strange color, it might be a sign that something is wrong.
Most girls have at least a little bit of vaginal discharge, and it may appear on toilet paper or in their underwear. Discharge typically has a mild, musky odor. It can also smell a bit yeasty, like sourdough bread, because of the bacteria called lactobacilli that live in the vulva. Sometimes, the odor can be more metallic, especially when you are menstruating, because period blood contains iron.
The size, texture and color of vaginal discharge can change throughout your menstrual cycle or as you age. If you have more than usual discharge or it’s a different color or smell, talk to your healthcare provider.
The vulva is the area of your body that includes the vaginal opening, inner lips or labia majora and minora (inner and outer lips) and the clitoris (clit). Your vulva ends in a hole called your anus. A thin membrane called a hymen usually surrounds the hole and can be stretched by sex, exercise or inserting a tampon. A hymen can also be broken by a blow to the abdomen or pelvic injury.
Vaginal odor
The vagina is an incredible ecosystem that balances a delicate pH level and helps prevent infection through healthy bacteria. That ecosystem is thrown off sometimes by changes in the body, like periods, sex and even exercise. While normal, these changes can lead to an unusual odor, like a fishy smell or one that resembles bleach. If this occurs, it may be time to see a gyno.
A tangy, fermented or musty odor is often a sign of the bacteria in the vagina working to maintain the acidity levels of the area. The odor may be mild to moderate, depending on your hygiene habits. If the odor is strong or lasts a long time, it could be an indication of an infection. The odor can be caused by yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis (BV), and other issues. It may also be a sign of a urinary tract infection or a fungal condition.
If the odor is mild and doesn’t linger, it’s likely nothing to worry about. Your vagina will naturally smell different during certain times of the month, as well as during pregnancy and menopause. This can be due to hormone changes that alter the pH level of the area, as well as the type of discharge you have.
An odor that smells similar to body sweat, or has a bleach-like stench, can be a sign of a urinary infection. It can also be a sign of a serious condition, such as a kidney infection or cancer.
A fishy odor is most commonly associated with bacterial vaginosis, a common vaginal infection. This can be caused by a shift from the good to bad bacteria in the area. Other symptoms of BV include white or gray discharge, burning when you pee, and itching around the vulva. It can also be a sign of sexually transmitted infections, such as trichomoniasis or gonorrhea.
Vaginal dryness
The healthy vagina produces a thin layer of fluid that lubricates the inside walls and keeps them tight and elastic. When this fluid decreases, it can cause pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse, a higher risk of yeast infections or urinary tract symptoms. Vaginal dryness is also common during perimenopause and menopause. The loss of estrogen that occurs during these periods can lead to a dry and scaly vaginal lining and reduced libido.
Some medications can cause dryness in the vagina, including birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy. These medications interfere with the body’s production of oestrogen and progesterone, which are involved in producing and nourishing the fertile uterine lining. If you have been taking these medications, it may take a few weeks for your vagina to return to normal.
Over-the-counter lubricants can help reduce the irritation and discomfort caused by vaginal dryness. Make sure to choose a lubricant that is water-based and does not contain glycerin, petroleum jelly or other ingredients that can irritate the sensitive vaginal area. You can also find a variety of vaginal moisturizers that are specially designed for this delicate area and available without a prescription. Many women prefer to use a lubricant with their partner during sexual intercourse to promote blood flow and vaginal secretions.
A medical condition called Sjogren’s syndrome can also cause vaginal dryness by preventing the body from producing enough moisture. If you have this condition, talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options.
Another common reason for vaginal dryness is menopause, which often occurs after age 45. During this time, the body stops producing oestrogen, which can cause the mucous membranes in the vagina to become dry and brittle. This symptom can occur alone or alongside other symptoms like hot flashes, irregular menstrual bleeding and a reduced libido.
Some women are uncomfortable discussing their vaginal dryness with their doctors, but this problem can be easily treated and does not require medical attention in most cases. The most effective treatments are lubricants, moisturizing creams and estrogen therapy. Depending on your doctor’s recommendation, you may benefit from using an over-the-counter vaginal oestrogen cream or tablet or a prescription hormone medication like prasterone (dehydroepiandrosterone), which can be taken orally or as a vaginal insert.
Vaginal infection
A vaginal infection can be caused by bacteria, fungi or even parasites. The infections can cause a lot of different symptoms, including itching and irritation in the vulva or genital area. They can also lead to changes in the color and amount of vaginal discharge. Infections can be hard to identify, especially since they often share the same symptoms. Having a doctor examine you and take a sample of the vaginal discharge can help.
Yeast infections (also called vaginitis) can cause itching and burning in the vulva or genital region. They’re caused by an overgrowth of a fungal organism called Candida albicans. This fungus normally lives in the gastrointestinal tract and sometimes the vagina. But when conditions in the intestines or vagina change, it can grow out of control and cause yeast to build up. The most common signs of a yeast infection are a thick white clumpy or curd-like vaginal discharge, and itching around the vulva and vagina.
Bacterial vaginosis, or BV, is another condition that can cause a girl to have a lot of vaginal discharge. BV is not as serious as a yeast infection, but it can be annoying to have a lot of discharge. It is usually caused by a decrease in the number of “friendly” bacteria in the vulva. This can be a result of pregnancy, birth control pills or hormonal changes like menstruation. Bacterial vaginosis can also be a result of using lubricants or other feminine hygiene products that are too harsh for the genital area, such as vaginal douches or deodorants. It is also possible to get BV from using tight-fitting clothes that increase sweating in the genital area.
Other infections in the vulva and genital area can include a urinary tract infection (UTI) or trichomoniasis, which is a sexually transmitted disease that’s spread by having sex with someone who has it. A UTI is more common and can have similar symptoms to a yeast or BV infection, so you should always see your ob-gyn to be sure what’s wrong. Some people are more likely to have vaginal infections, including people with diabetes mellitus or those who have a weak immune system due to a chronic illness such as HIV or AIDS.