Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is infection and inflammation of the female reproductive organs, caused most often by a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. Infection may travel up through the vagina and cervix to involve the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and surrounding tissues. While PID may occur at any age, sexually-active adolescents and young women are most likely to suffer from it. Treatment with antibiotics is usually effective in curing the disease. If left untreated, long-term complications may include chronic or persistent pelvic pain, infertility (difficulty in falling pregnant) and increased risk of ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy developing outside the uterus usually in the fallopian tube).
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Missing a period causes many young girls and women a lot of distress, especially if they are sexually active and not planning to have a child. In most cases, your missed period may be due to pregnancy. If you are sexually active and have missed your period, you need to run a pregnancy test immediately.
At other times, you may miss a period for other reasons – some minor upsets in your health or lifestyle or it could be linked to serious medical disorders.
Bacterial vaginosis is the medical term for a bacterial infection in the vagina. The vagina harbors many naturally occurring species of bacteria in a controlled environment. With a balanced pH and a constant level of moisture, the vaginal tissue remains intact from any bacterial invasion. However under certain circumstances, a bacterial overgrowth can occur. Alternatively, foreign bacteria may gain entry into the vagina and infect the cavity.
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A foul smelling vaginal odor affects many women and may occur with or without any discharge. Often associated with overgrown pubic hair and poor hygiene, a smelly odor from the vagina may be indicative of a medical disorder that requires treatment in order to be corrected. In these cases, vaginal douching, removing the pubic hair and even good personal hygiene will have a limited effect in reducing the smell.
Vaginal odor is often associated with a “fishy” odor. However a range of other odors may also be present, like a “chemical” odor associated with high concentrations of ammonia, as well as damp and musty odors. It is important to identify if the odor is emanating internally, often carried to the outside by vaginal discharge, or if it is only present on the outside, from the vulva or surrounding areas.