Ammonia Smelling Discharge
Vaginal discharges do not often have a very strong odor. Certain changes can occur and lead to issues like ammonia smelling discharges. A number of factors including menopause and the way the undergarments are washed can cause this condition. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the condition.
Ammonia Smelling Discharge Symptoms
A strong smelling vaginal discharge is the primary symptom. It may be an isolated symptom, but it can also occur with any of the following:
-
Vaginal Itching
-
Whitish, clumpy discharges
-
Brown or greenish discharge
-
Vaginal Dryness
Some of the most common causes of ammonia smelling vaginal discharges include:
-
Menopause. Several changes occur in a woman’s body during menopause. Those changes can affect the vaginal discharges causing a strong ammonia scent. A women undergoing menopause should report these symptoms to her healthcare provider for proper management.
-
Diet. There are certain foods that can affect how bodily discharges smell. These can include foods like asparagus and broccoli.
-
Urinary Tract Infections. Bacterial presence in the urinary tract can also affect the way that the vaginal discharges smell.
-
Using Bleach to Launder Underwear. Washing underwear with bleach is a common practice. But, if the underwear has not been rinsed properly it can still carry the smell of the bleach. This scent can be mistaken for the smell of the discharges and not identified as the smell of the panties themselves.
-
Yeast or Bacterial Infections. Vaginal yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis can cause foul smelling discharges. They are usually accompanied by itching. Some women complain of pain as well.
Ammonia Smelling Discharge Treatment
Treating this symptom is going to depend on what is causing it. Some of the common treatments include:
-
Regular Washing With a pH Balanced Wash – this is prescribed to menopausal women. In addition to hormone replacement therapy, which can help with the other signs of menopause, regular washing can help keep the ammonia scent away.
-
Increase Fluid Intake, this helps keep the body hydrated and also helps to prevent the concentration of urine.
-
Thoroughly Rinse Underwear and Avoid Using Bleach to Clean Them. There are a number of gentle fabric soaps that do not leave harsh smelling residue on the cloth and also prevent skin irritation.
-
Antibiotic Medication. This is given for patients suffering from bacterial Vaginosis and yeast infections.
Women can also observe that diet changes or omitting and lessening the amount of food may be a cause of the changing vaginal odor. Maintaining a balanced diet with enough carbohydrate and protein is also necessary.