Vagina smells like B.O!

For about a year now I've been having a strange smell from my vagina. It's ALWAYS there no matter what. Even right after I shower, unless I wash a lot with soap then it goes away for a few minutes but comes right back! I can't smell it just normally, but if I smell the crotch area on my underwear or even pants it's really strong! It's so strong that if I put on a clean pair of underwear and then take them right off they already smell like it instantly. The smell is hard to explain.. this is gonna sound really gross but it smells like taco meat! You know? That b.o. smell? It makes me feel so  gross and I don't know what to do. I have no other symptoms like itching or burning so I don't think it's an infection... but I've noticed when I wash with bar soap it smells like fish, that's a symptom of BV, but I have no other symptoms of BV that besides that! What is this and how can I fix this? I'm only fourteen too.

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
The best idea is to go to see your doctor for a check up.  You may possibly have bacterial vaginosis, or sometimes a foreign body such as a small piece of toilet tissue can be lodged in the vagina and cause inflammation and discharge.  Also, after the changes associated with puberty, certain body areas normally have stronger odors.  The crotch and underarms are the obvious areas.  If you don't have an infection, there are some feminine spray products that you might find helpful.
Good luck!
Dr B

[yaryari]

If you don't think you have BV the best way to know for sure is to go to your gynocologist.  They will test you and give you prescription if needed.  Only 14 yrs of age you will have to infom your mo so that she can take you to an appt.  It may be possible to have an STD if your sexually active.  Symptoms should not be ignore the symptoms will get worse if not cured.  Good luck.