You shouldn't use any soap. Warm water is all you need. The vagina is a self cleaning organ. Be leery of any perfumed or died products that come into contact with sensitive tissues.
Hello,
It sounds as if you are fed up with this problem. I hope I can help. Just as the other responder stated, menopause can contribute to the imbalance of the pH of your vagina. The pH of the vagina can change in no time at all. Things like, having sex (semen in the vaginal tract causes higher pH and thus Increase in odor).
First, make sure that there is no other infection. Sounds like you have but I'm just mentioning to be complete. Some bacterial infections like chlamydia can have a fishy smell that wont go away until treated. If you are without STD's and it is Bacterial Vaginosis and you have taken the medication for BV then begin using Summer's Eve Feminine Wash to clean your vaginal/anal areas. Don't you soap like Ivory or dove or dial. These soaps can actually change the pH to make the odor worse or can cause such a decrease in the normal bacteria that live in the vagina that you could wind up getting an itchy yeast infection.
I used to have many problems with odors and itching. I also found out that I was allergic to latex (condoms). Hey and no douching. This is dangerous if you have a bad infection. It doesn't clean you out, it spreads the bad bacteria farther up into the pelvic cavity and can cause a severe infection. See your local health care professional for further evaluation or if your situation gets worse. GOOOD LUCK
So what soap should we use? I've been using Dove for ages and now I'm having problems.
Dear Lo-Lo,
It sounds like to me that you might have bacterial vaginosis. It is a very common infection caused by pH imbalances in the vaginal tract. It is also a consequence of menopause.
I suffer constantly from the same thing. I have tried the following: I have taken Flagyl as prescribed by my doctor, I have used the herbal supplement Enzara, I have also used vaginal suppositories and most recently, I use Today vaginal tablets which I purchased on the internet.
My physician tells me that boric acid douches may be helpful, but if you choose that route, it might be best to be sure you have the right concentration of boric acid and water.
Like you, I wash and wash and the scent just doesn't go away. I do not have any infections, but I spend a lot of time alone because I don't want people to say that I smell. It is so embarrassing, but I suggest that you see your doctor before you try anything.
I also now use RepHresh, which is an over the counter remedy and eat yogurt and continue with the Today vaginal tablets. All I can say is I hope it works. Additionally, cotton undergarments and looser clothing is best.
Good luck, and have a nice day. Please let me know how you are doing.