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What Causes Bad Vaginal Odor?

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Posted on Mon, 2 Mar 2015
Question: I have a terrible smell in my vaginal area. It's not a fishy smell... More like a, hasn't been cleaned for weeks smell. There is no discharge, no itching, no pain.
I have been to the doctor on 2 seperate occasions and have basically been sent away saying it's normal.
I was texted, urine and swab for any infections. Everything came back clear.
I have taken 2 courses of antibiotics (i think it was 3 tablets taken at the same time for each course) this didn't help at all.
Doctor suggested squiring vinegar diluted with water with a syringe up there twice a day. I did this for 2 weeks with no luck.
I shower regularly, don't douche, wear cotton underwear... I feel like I do everything correctly but just can't seem to get rid of the smell.

Please help... I am so self conscious and have to constantly sneak away to wash. This is effecting my relationship as now I brush away any attention my boyfriend tries to give. I know I'm hurting his feelings but Im just so embarrassed :(

Not sure if this contributes? I occasionally take amphetamines for recreational use. Could this be the cause?

doctor
Answered by Dr. Som Biswas (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Get a pap smear.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I can understand your concerns.

1) Amphetamines do not cause vagina to be smelly.

2) if the vaginal swab and culture report is normal then its not infection.

3) I will advise you to get a repeat pap smear if you have not got it.
It will tell the cause.

Are you a diabetic! or have ever tested for it recently?

Do let me know the report.

Regards,

Dr Som MD
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Som Biswas (53 minutes later)
Hi, thank you for the info/response.

I had my last Pap test approx 6 months ago. I had noticed the smell not long before this, although I didn't mention at the time of the test. I guess I was hoping it would just fix itself.
I might add, the smell has not been consistent. It hasn't been every day. Occasionally it disappears for a while, but always seems to return. In the past 6 months I would say the smell has been there more often than not though.

About 11 years ago one of my tests came back with abnormal cells and I ended up having minor surgery. As a result, I have yearly tests and always pay a fee to have a more thorough test done (thin prep) My results came back normal.

Are only certain things looked for in these tests? Or would anything that is causing this smell have shown up in the results? Or is it a case of having to mention the smell and they test for something specific?

Thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Som Biswas (23 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Use perfumed vaginal douches

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

The pap tests will show the common cause of smell.

If all your tests are normal and still the smell is there then i will advise you to use perfumed vaginal douches regularly. They are available in pharmacy.

Also i hope you have got the area visually checked recently by an obgyn.

Regards,

Dr Som MD
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Som Biswas

OBGYN

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 965 Questions

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What Causes Bad Vaginal Odor?

Brief Answer: Get a pap smear. Detailed Answer: Hi, I can understand your concerns. 1) Amphetamines do not cause vagina to be smelly. 2) if the vaginal swab and culture report is normal then its not infection. 3) I will advise you to get a repeat pap smear if you have not got it. It will tell the cause. Are you a diabetic! or have ever tested for it recently? Do let me know the report. Regards, Dr Som MD