Feminine Odor... if not infection then what?!
Question: I have never had a concern about my female area smelling badly before but a few months ago I suddenly noticed that I was getting a stronger smell down there. Within a week or two it became so strong that I felt as though others could smell it when they were around me. I know I could smell it all day no matter what I tried to do to help it!
I went to my dr. and asked. Was tested for STD's, bacterial infection, and yeast infection. Nothing came up suspicious. Please help! Its not going away and the only time I get relief from the embarrassing odor is during my period!
Answers: I have never had a concern about my female area smelling badly before but a few months ago I suddenly noticed that I was getting a stronger smell down there. Within a week or two it became so strong that I felt as though others could smell it when they were around me. I know I could smell it all day no matter what I tried to do to help it!
I went to my dr. and asked. Was tested for STD's, bacterial infection, and yeast infection. Nothing came up suspicious. Please help! Its not going away and the only time I get relief from the embarrassing odor is during my period!
Women can, indeed develop an odor even if there is no infection. It can be caused by a pH imbalance that allows the bacteria which cause odor to have an easier time growing. It can also be cause by a number of natural causes.
Over douching- or not douching at all, sexual intercourse, and post period retained menstrual blood can be contributors. Using some of the feminine cleansers from China have been found to contain either too alkaline or too acidic a vaginal cleanser, worsening the problem. Fortunately, the best douches are homemade and lots cheaper.
Ask your doctor what solution he/she thinks is best to douche with. Some like a light vinegar solution or vinegar and salt ( just a small amount to make saline) There are also prepared powders like one called Trichotene (that tends to remind one of what Listerine smells like) to put in a douche to rinse yourself inside and out with. RESTRAINT with douching is important. Do not exceed what your doctor recommends.
Wash the exterior of your body - the inner and outer labia with a gentle cleanser such as dial antibacterial soap & water or even keep some baby wipes with you for use every time you are on the toilet. Cleanse gently inside and outside each of the lips.
Don't wear any tight pants, DO wear all cotton crotch panties, and you may find a panti liner helps, but change it often. The idea is to keep yourself as dry as possible in your peri & vaginal area.
Keep your doctor apprised of any changes. Watch for any changes in mucous and report these. Avoid tampons completely until this is resolved 100%.
Good luck!
you could be pregnant or dont have anought active bacteria eat yougert
It sounds like bacterial vaginosis, I think you should get a second opinion from another doctor! This is actually quite common, it can be caused from many things like starting a new exercise regime or bathing suit irritation. Get another opinion, it sounds like you need some antibiotics to clear it up and get your ph balance back right.
It could be that you are ovulating.
we all have odors and at some times of the month, we notice them more than at other times...
i find that shaving my pubic hairs really helps as i guess they lock in some of the odor...i feel much cleaner...there is feminine powder out there you can put on your panties in the am...it makes you feel fresher too!
I would have your doctor(s) test you for a hormonal imbalance. If your hormones are out of whack, it could cause you to have extra discharge with a more pungent smell.
make sure you are washing thoroughly around your pubic area although not actually inside the vagina. if you are currently doing this, try switching to a different type of soap, as the chemicals in some seem to react with the normal chemistry of a woman's body and give it an odor. also, I would definitely recommend getting a second opinion from another doctor or gynecologist.
this happens to all of us. don't be too paranoid though. the whole world can't smell your vagina. you only think they can. (:
Well, lots of different things can cause this. If you were tested for lots of things including bacterial vaginosis, it might just be in your head, honestly. Women's vulvas are supposed to have a little bit of an odor. Your sexual partner will love it! If it's really extreme, just be sure you're washing thoroughly every day with a mild soap. And be sure you're washing your buttcrack, too! Sometimes the smell is coming from there.
Honestly, you're probably smelling the normal, natural scent that is caused by sweat and normal secretions in the area. It's very likely that nobody else can smell it - you might think it's super-strong because you're so worried about it, but it's really unlikely that anybody can smell it.