Vaginal Odour Problem

[Alicebvt]

I work in a busy office amongst male and female coworkers. During this summer, I began to notice a strong vaginal smell when I arose from my chair. My job requires me to sit all day on my bum, and I am "blessed" with a naturally wet bottom. The odor is very distinctive and almost like swiss cheese, pungent and very noticeable. (I am horrified to tell you all this, sorry!!!). I can detect this smell usually when I am ovulating, but at other times as well. I'm married and have 2 children, am sexually active, but my gynaecologist has not detected yeast infection, trichomonas, or BV, nor do I have dysplasia or any other problems that she has informed me about. I have received only sheepish shrugs and dismissals about the smell, which is intermittent, but very noticeable at times. I am so embarrassed that my mates at work can smell me, but I am not sure. Just extremely self-conscious. I wear cotton knickers, never douche, and have recently switched from pantyhose to stockings. I have no itching, irritation or burning, just creamy to clear discharge (I have had a lot of so-called 'normal' wetness since puberty). I wonder if my weight has anything to do with this. Please help. I am 1.65 m in height and weigh 200 lb. Any advice would be appreciated. THANKS!

[IWantToBeAMom]

You said you never douche.  Now might be the time to start.  Something gentle, and not everyday.  Maybe every 3rd morning in the shower before you go to work.  Maybe every other morning during your "strong" time.

[Reallyworried]

Hi alice....I just wanted to say that everybody is different, and that maybe you could carry with you some scented wipes in your purse, as long as they don't irritate you and everytime you go to the bathroom use one to refresh yourself, and to wear a really thin panty liner that is scented and change it every so oftend. That way the odor is not staying on your underwear and is on the liner and use the wipes in between. Just an idea. Hope this is helpful :)

[greenpixie]

According to a health book from Kaiser, it sounds like you might have vaginitis.  Sympotms are unusal discharge and odor.  I know you said you've been told your discharge is normal, but why the odor?  Basically vaginitis is a change to the chemical balance of the vagina.  It can be from something major like STDs or as little as douching or using tampons.  I personally would not douche as I think it causes more harm than good.  Maybe you could keep a few wet washcloths in a ziplock bag.  You could clean yourself whenever you got to the bathroom.  Just get a larger purse so you can be somewhat discreet.  Be careful of using soaps too and make sure you always wear cotton panties.

[Alicebvt]

Thanks for the advice. I purchased an OTC single use douche and used it last night. I actually did feel fresher (I had just had intercourse yesterday morning). I used to douche soon after I married but stopped on advice of my gyn following a series of chronic vulvovaqinitis due to candidiasis. I haven't had the "cheese clumps" or red vaginal lips or itching for several years now, thank goodness, but the odor is still the same.

My current theory is that I went on a dose pak of cortisone for a knee injury and it seems like I smelled stronger at about that time. The odor is like when I am aroused (which is very frequently; attributed to the medication maybe?)only much more picquant and noticeable. Unfortunately my vulva and panties still have that interminable wetness and smell. It is not fishy, more acidic and almost like ones fingers smell after handling a sharp cheese. It's not bad, just strong. Oh well, I will keep trying. Thanks for your kind advice all of you.

[Alicebvt]

Thank you to you as well! I already use the vaginal wipes, but I can't use any perfumes or scented ones, including the scented bathroom paper or pads or tampons on orders of my physician. I am just wondering if my body is changing. I am 46 and very sexually active, perhaps more so than at any time. I still think it could be my hypertension Rx or the oral cortisone. The odd thing is that my husband actually likes my increased odour of late! Men. During cunnilingus, he seemed to be enjoying himself rather well, as I did. I do have a very acute sense of smell, and I believe that I may be pre-menopausal, as I tend to perspire and feel hotter in the breast and abdomen. I have performed a self examination of my vulva with a mirror and light each day and have seen no evidence of abormal discharge or inflamed mucosa. I had a Pap smear in July at about the time I began to feel self conscious of my bottom, and it came back classI. It really is not as bad as when I wore nylon pantyhose without knickers (the crotch would become sodden and I think that contributed). I am of a mind to call my gynaecologist and see if she feels I need HRT orally or by creme. Sorry to rant, but I was so embarrassed today when a mail clerk bent over my desk and looked at me funny. Paranoid? Maybe! LOL!!Thank you all for listening.

[IWantToBeAMom]

You can make your own douches too, to help save on cost.  Just cut the very top off of one of the OTC bottles you bought (a pair of manicure scissors cuts right through that thin plastic) and then add a little vinegar if you want.  Obviously don't cut the threaded part off or you'll never get the end screwed back on, but just the very top so you can fill it easily in the sink or shower.  Plain water also works very well just to freshen up and eliminate any discharge (for me anyways).

[Alicebvt]

I appreciate your advice. I will try your tip. How often do you douche, if I may ask? I was advised against it, and even vinegar and water don't abate the smell, but maybe it's just "my scent", stronger but normal?? I used to douche after intercourse and following my period, but my gyn said it would upset the balance of organisms in my vagina. IWantTOBeAMom, what tells you you need to do this, or what sort of schedule do you use? My doc said to wipe the vulva with tissue following intercourse and just use normal bathing to rid menstrual discomfort - even went so far as to say avoid using soap or female clenasers and only to use warm water and fingers.

Thanks, Alice

[IWantToBeAMom]

I don't know if you're still reading this - it's been a few days and I didn't realize that you responded.

I don't have a schedule.  I do it whenever I feel that have a lot of discharge or anytime that I feel that I might be getting a yeast infection.  I use plain water for the discharge times and vinegar/water for the yeast infection times.

I know doctors say not to, because it isn't medically necessary.  But for me, I feel it's hygenically necessary.  I know they say it can upset the balance of organisms, but I've never had a problem with that.  At times when I'm on vacation and am wearing a bathing suit I douche every day for the duration of the vacation (plain water).

I think someone mentioned it above, but maybe you could try coupling the douching with wearing a pantyliner.  Then you can change the pantyliner half-way through your day and that will help to stay drier.  In my opinon, it seems smelly when the underwear gets discharge on it, so anything you can do to keep the discharge off of your panties and stay dry would be good.

[Kalee24]

Hi. I am a 24 year old female who was sexually involved
with a man for 2-3 months. I feared pregnancy so the
only sex we had was anal sex. (THIS IS VERY EMBARRASSING)
Anyways, about a month after breaking up with him,
I noticed some itching in the anal area  but did not
pay much mention. About 7-8 months later, I was bathing
and noticed 2-3 tiny bumps in the anal area. I still
was clueless so I ignored this. About 5 months later,
I noticed an increase and spread of bumps, intense itching
and burning at times during urination. At this point, I
realized that I had contracted an STD. Having no insurance
and terribly embarrassed I have yet to go to a doc.
My question is, I am now experiencing a terrible vaginal
odor and discharge unlike anything I have ever experienced
so strong that I must bathe twice a day and change underwear
numerous times as well as changing panty liners.
I am not involved and refuse to date anyone due to this because
it's so humiliating and embarrassing. I am convinced I have
genital warts. Is the odor in relation to the warts? I have only
been with 3 men sexually and almost always USE CONDOMS except
a few times with the guy mentioned above. I am terrified that
if I don't get treatment it will keep spreading and there
will be nothing I can do--and this will bring a lot of distress
when I am in a committed relationship again. Please advise me
what I should do.
Thanks,
Embarrassed and humiliated.

PS TO ALL WHO READ THIS ESPECIALLY WOMEN, PLEASE EVEN IF IT IS EMBARRASSING ASK YOUR BOYFRIEND OR PARTNER TO GET TESTED BEFORE MOVING INTO ANY SEXUAL ACTIVITY WITH OR WITHOUT PROTECTION. THE GUY I WAS WITH HAD NO SIGNS OR SYMPTOMS BUT HE PASSED IT ONTO ME. ALSO, I HAVE READ THAT IT's MUCH EASIER FOR A WOMAN TO CONTRACT ESPECIALLY GENITAL WARTS THAN MEN AND PEOPLE CAN CARRY THE VIRUS FOR YEARS WITH NO SYMPTOMS.  THEY MAY FEEL INSULTED, BUT IF THEY DO OBVIOUSLY THEY ARE NOT WORTH IT. I NEVER DREAMED I WOULD CATCH AN STD..
I AM A VERY ATTRACTIVE YOUNG WOMAN WHO IS TOO EMBARRASSED TO DATE ANYONE DUE TO WHAT HAPPENED TO ME. I WISH I WOULD HAVE DEMANDED HE GET TESTED.
NOW I HAVE TO LIVE WITH THE THOUGHT OF TELLING SOMEONE DEAR TO ME, I HAVE GENITAL WARTS. DON'T LET IT HAPPEN TO YOU--it may not be genital wartsbut could be something deadly like AIDS. FYI>

[sa2di]

Hi...I have recently noticed a 'cheesy odour' as well. Haven't noticed this before. I was in a very long term relationship which has ended and i met someone new. We had a few days of 'being very active' and i have a few days ago noticed this odour...i also feel that people around me can smell me and i constantly keep spraying perfume on my clothes! I am due to get my period...i didnt use a condom and he was a little bit bigger than what I was used to (omg..cant believe I am writng this!) so any ideas on what I could do?
Really need help

[princess84]

Dear Kalee

Its unlikely that the warts are causing an odour, but you do have an STI as it burns when you pass urine, there is an odour and you have an increased discharge.

You need to get treated, it may be that you only need a short course of antibiotics to resolve the problem. Also your partner needs treatment too.Often with many STIs the person is unaware they are infected, which is probably the case with your partner and there are complications if you don't get treated. For females there is a risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, this condition may leave you infertile.

Please get yourself checked out, Im from the UK so am unaware whats on offer in other countries but perhaps go to a sexual health clinic, they will screen you for other STIs may offer free treatment.

[rarmst]

I am a 23yr old female in Australia. I also have a bad odor sometimes :(
I was wondering what ****** means?

[Alicebvt]

Thank you alll for your responses,

After much concern, research, consultation and readingc I have finally reached the conclusion that my odour concerns are healthwise unfounded, and are simply natural and nothing to be concerned about. My new doctor has said she has many overyly sensitive females in the peri-menopausal ages, as well as older and younger, who seem to be worried about the naturally musky sexual and body smells that abound. Of course, having infections and other pathologies are genuine concerns, and must be diagnosed by an MD, but we all have some degree of sebum, smegma, pheromones, and other vaginal / vulvar scents, which have a sexual purpose and indicate no harm to us. This is according to my very capable gynaecologist. I have been deluded into believing we should be asceptic - having a neutral odour or none at all. My husband has been helpful in this research, and I hope you all will remain vigilant in pursuit of good health. Thanks ever much! Ali

[rebo418]

try vagina Guard you can get that at the pharmacy.

[ladyluck06]

Im a 21 year old girl and I have never had sex with anybody, because since I could remember I have a vagina odor, sO i don't want to be with any male smellin kind of  weird, but I ask mom about it and she said every woman vagina smells, you just have to keep it clean, I wean pantiliners, i ****** after periods every month, my gyn said that there was nothing wrong with me, I don't kno what it its, but I kind of smell bad..this is crazy to admit, but I do...I just want to kno is there something wrong and I am a big boned female like 265, could that be the reason, that I get kind of sweaty down there and is it because I don't wash front to back, I just wipe my vagina....Any advice on this????

[GRose]

I don't understand where all of you are getting the idea that  d o uc h i n g is a good idea. D o u c h i n g can potentially force bacteria further up into the vagina causing and infection. No Gyno will ever tell you to d o u c h e.

[losrob]

Hi Alice, I have been interested in finding out what causes vaginal odour for many years and I have heard numerous theorys none of which explain the fact that normal healthy women of childbearing age always have a vaginal odour to some varying degree.
I have had a very active sex life and I have had relationships with  a considerable amount of women and I have been married 3 times [legally of course] and I have never met a woman [except for one instance] that did not have a vaginal odour and this includes virgins of which I was lucky to experience several times,as for the exception this patricular woman had had a hysterectomy at the age of 26 and she had no odour at all, it is also true in my experience of older women beyond menopause that they have no odour, so to sum up, it appears to me that all women below menopause have a naturally occurring scent in varying degrees,this scent in my experience varies with the individual during the month and during life,women beyond menopause lose this scent either entirely or partially, I once had a girlfriend who had a really powerful odour but it was never noticeable except when making love,so Alice you sound pretty normal to me,good luck, JMR.

[Chella1440]

Hi all :)
okay, heres my story.

I am 20 years old and was in a 2 year relationionship from 15-17 years old and I was sexually active. I never had any issues and was on birth control for the last year of my relationship.

Once I became single, for a few months I ran abit buck wild and was sexually active with more than a few partners. I was getting checked for STI's constantly and was always confirmed as clear.

I started dating someone shortly after and we became sexually exclusive. We always used condoms but once in the moment we didnt and he shortly there after told me about some kind of infection he had long ago and he was worried he would pass it on to me. I found this odd because he reeassured me it wasnt an STD. So I thought that was kinda odd. Nearly a week later I had this itchy feeling and light discharge aswell as a bit of odour. I right away went to my doctor and got tested for every STD in the book and came clear. I was treated for a yeast infection and it went away.- me and this guy never spoke again.

I am now currently in a relationship and have been for about a year. And ever since that "yeast infection" Ive had an on- and off yeat infection. Always treating it with canesten or monastat. A couple months ago the odour was just so strong that even my boyfriend could smell it during sex ( disgusting) so i had to go to the doctors. I got a perscription for a yeast infection. A week later it was gone!! yay!!! but a week after that, it was back. I went back to the doctor, and he gave me a stronger perscription that he said would 100% take care of the yeast infection. That day I also got a pap test done and was tested to STD's. I am currently waiting for the results and as of two days ago the odour has been sooooo harsh I want to vomit. It smells like cheese, or something sooo strong. (sorry to be so descripted). I dont know what it could be and its really ruining any sexual feelings me and my boyfriend could possibly have. I feel like crying.

I also duche regulaly and I use tampons.
I also am on birth control.

Can anyone help????
My doctor is completely incompetant.

[Alicebvt]

Just an opinion, but it is shared by many women and doctors I have heard comment on this subject: douching is pretty much unnecessary, and can be counterproductive to your body's maintenance of a healthy balance of organisms within the vagina. I won't go so far as to say never (I have made my own thanks to advice from some respondents to my posts here). I really rarely find the need to, but follow your own best advice. Alice