BV

[AndNoneForGretchenWieners]

Firstly I'm really embarrassed, please don't be nasty to me as I feel mortified enough.

I had weight loss surgery about 6 years ago, and since then have noticed that if I eat fish, I smell fishy down below for a day or so. I put it down to a quirk of my new digestive system and just limited the amount of fish I ate.

Over the last few weeks the smell has been there constantly, whether I have eaten fish or not. I have been washing after every time I use the loo, but it hasn't helped. At the weekend, DS said he could smell a sicky odour. It was me. Yesterday, DH mentioned kindly that I might want to see the doctor because I could have a yeast infection or something. It was a nice way of saying he could smell me, but it was coming from a kind place so I was really embarrassed. I am very clean and the thought of having a disgusting fishy stench following me around is awful.

I phoned the sexual health clinic this morning who triaged me and said it sounded like BV, and could be caused by stress - I may have developed it after my op and it's gone untreated ever since. She said i should try an otc treatment first and if it didn't work, make an appointment next week.

I haven't been having any discharge or pain though, just the smell. Is this typical? Also, I have bought a gel that you squirt up inside you, but found that it leaks quite a bit. Would it be really daft to insert a mini tampon to keep it all in the right place? I'm currently wearing a pad but wondered if there was a better way. How long does it take to clear up?

[JW1226]

I'd stick with the gel however do it just before bed time and prop a pillow beneath you so that you don't leak.

Also don't douche or wash it away you need to let your natural good bacteria regenerate , I'd also eat a lot of natural yougurt to help with the good baceteria.

Sorry your experiencing it I've had it in the past and understand how embarrassing and self conscious it can make you feel! Xx

[Summersun111]

I have had bv before when I was young (15ish) I was very upset but I took my self to the doctors and they gave me antibiotics which cleared it really quickly!

I second natural yoghurt... internal and external! also wear 100% cotton knickers.

I tried those gels from boots but unfortunately they didn't work for me

Try not to get too down, there is a cure and you won't be like that forever!

[CatherineCawood]

I suffer from this all the time. After every period and after sex so pretty much constantly. I find that the gels work fine. I did a course and top up every few days and after sex and after my period. Once me and ds went swimming, in the changing rooms as I took off my jeans, he loudly announced it smells of fish fingers in here

Don't be embarassed there is no need. It's no more embarrassing than having an infection anywhere.

Good luck I hope you can get rid of it easily.

[CatherineCawood]

Oh also I find taking a pro biotic daily and eating less sugar seems to help too.

[ShirleyPhallus]

At least you’ve noticed it and can get better. The gel is really good, I find sometimes it feels thrushy too so like to hit it all at the same time (ie be prepared for one or another)

A woman at work had it and either didn’t notice or couldn’t get rid of it cos it was the strongest odour, I felt awful for her

[AndNoneForGretchenWieners]

Thank you everyone, i feel more reassured. I just feel so self conscious all the time so will persevere with the gel for a week then if it's still there, will go to the clinic. Good tip about using at bed time, will try that tomorrow.

[wombatsears]

OP, if you make an appointment with your GP they will give you antibiotics which will clear it up straight away. The gel things didn't work at all for me. Absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about!