The vagina is a passage to all the great things in life like sexual pleasure and becoming a mother, but being extremely sensitive it also hosts many diseases and infections. We know that you wouldn't doubt the health of your vagina unless you have a painful blister. But a few subtle signs like an unusual odour or a discharge can signal something seriously amiss with your private part. So ladies, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you can tag your vagina unhealthy.

1. You Have a Yellow Discharge Coming Out

A cottage-cheese like discharge with a yellow or a white consistency may signal a yeast infection. Plenty of factors such as taking antibiotics, an unbalanced pH, wearing tight underwear or clothing, and an unhealthy diet containing sugars can be responsible for an overgrowth of yeast. Yes, you can take over-the-counter pills to beat yeast infection but recurring infection also means that you need to cut down on sugar and add plenty of probiotics in your diet. Vagina Highlighter, Vajacial + 4 Bizzare Vagina Trends from Social Media That Need to Stop Right Now!

2. You Keep Getting UTIs

You might need to give your vagina a break if you suffer from frequent bacterial infections and UTI. It could be because you are in an unhealthy relationship or your partner might be having other partners and bringing problems back to you. So take a pause, stress out less and eat healthily. Your vagina will be back to shape in no time. Warning: If you don't shower after working out, or constantly forget to pee after sex, you might be upping your chances of a urinary tract infection. From Vaginal Steaming To Waxing, 6 Things You Should Never Do To your Vagina. 

3. There Is a Strong Fishy Smell

Every time you sit to pee, do you feel a foul smell filling up nostrils and immediately know that it is coming from your vagina? It is a sign. A healthy vagina has its own fragrance, but if you get a fishy odour with a white discharge, it could be a sign of bacterial vaginosis that is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria and an imbalance of pH in the vagina. While bacterial vaginosis can be treated with antibiotics, making a few healthy tweaks in your diet can help beat the odour. A strong odour could also signal an STD, so get yourself tested immediately.

4. Your Vagina Is Dry Like A Dessert

One of the biggest signs of an unhealthy vagina is vaginal dryness. Menopause is one of the biggest culprits of an unhealthy vagina that can cause skin flaking and irritation both inside and outside the vagina. This can lead to uncomfortable intercourse as well.

5. It Looks Red and Swollen

A swollen vagina could be a sign of a vaginal infection, cyst or an STD. With your physician's help, determine the cause and treat it properly. A red, swollen vagina is never a good thing, so get yourself checked out soon. Sometimes those swellings could also turn into painful blisters, which is a major sign of a sexually transmitted disease like herpes. So get yourself immediately tested. Here's Why Is Your Vagina Swollen After Sex?

Cleaning your vagina regularly is key to prevent the dirty bacterial build-up and the offensive odours that build throughout the day. So if you notice any of these changes in your vag, see your doctor immediately.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 18, 2019 06:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).