I smell like wet dog after giving birth

[Gonefishingforever]

I gave birth 5 months ago pretty much ever since the birth I’ve smelt so bad down bellow like fishy wet dog. I have to wash morning and night (only with water) and I still smell moments later. I’ve been to the doctor 3 times and had swabs that have all come back clear. They’ve checked my episiotomy too for infection. I’ve even been checked for stds and that was clear according to the nhs app. The doctors asked to see me tomorrow to discuss my results which has worried me although app says results are normal. I smell so strong even my husband can smell me we’ve not had sex because of it. Every morning I have to have a bath or shower help the smell and hate sitting next to anyone Incase they smell me has anyone had similar?

I would just get the BV treatment over the counter and see if it helps. If not, you've lost nothing.

I know you've been checked a few times, but have you checked inside yourself in case there's been something left inside? I've seen a couple of times weeks/months after birth where women have had things left inside the vagina and it causes a horrible persistent smell (i.e. swabs - not the type of swab that you use to check for infection, but the gauze that is used for stopping bleeding while you're having stitches). It can be really difficult for the GP to see as it'll be the same colour as your vagina, so really you need to feel with fingers.

If not, then I think someone's suggestion of probiotics is a good one. Or asking the GP for an ultrasound to check for any retained products in the womb, although this seems less likely as you would probably be bleeding and/or unwell with it.

Go back to the doctor and keep going back until you get a resolution/gynaecologist referral. Unfortunately that's the way the NHS works, in my experience.

I think NHS advises against using soap in the vagina. I don’t think it says not to use mild soap on the vulval or anal area, does it?

Bubble bath is more likely to cause thrush than soap. Try using something very mild and unscented.

Ah just read your latest post and seen it’s only the vagina you’re not washing with soap. Actually you shouldn’t be using water inside your vagina either- it should be self cleaning, provided you don’t have an infection. If you’re douching, I’d recommend against that.

Omg this was me after my first ive never heard anyone else say this,it was even in my sweat that wet dog smell! It's hormonal imbalance I'm sure of it. You've had some pretty good suggestions above, good luck I hope it gets resolved x