A vaginal hygiene thread...

[Chlorinatedfrontbum]

I know how mn loves a vaginal hygiene thread, so here's one for today.

I have suffered with bv for many, many years. Nothing has ever helped, strong antibiotics have cleared it up once, but not for long.

Yesterday I went swimming for the first time for years, can't even remember when I last swam in a pool. Anyway, get home and haven't bothered to shower afterwards (took 2 young babies swimming too, that palaver is another story) and I've noticed there's no smell coming from my vagina. Nothing. It's amazing and I feel great and very confident!!

Was it the chlorine? How can I replicate this at home? I can't go swimming every day! What do people think of my theory?!

[SortItAhhht]

Are you sure there is no underlying STI?

Chlamydia can cause BV-like symptoms. BV is almost always cleared up with antibiotics, too.

[DrFoxtrot]

Just popping in to say that I am a 'dischargy' type , I seem to have plenty of natural lubrication going on.

I've also suffered with BV intermittently in the past and found the Balance Activ gel good. Recently I started using Symprove to colonise my gut with good bacteria to help my IBS and I actually think its helping my vaginal environment as well. I struggled in the past with flare ups of BV mainly after intercourse with no condom (not casual partners obvs) but with the Symprove it has not been a problem.

[DrFoxtrot]

Definitely make sure other infections have been excluded first before relying on probiotics etc.

[Shabbychicx]

No stis for sure a check was done 6 weeks ago all clear! I'll go back to my gp ask for another swab but can't imagin anything will show up I may suggest a smear and get her to have a good luck so I feel satisfied with her opinion I'm litterly will if to try anything at this point. I'm being treated for ibs had bloods done a few weeks back and that said I needed to increase my iron levels basically I also told her about me brush g easy they really do come from no where 😩 I'm like a walking disaster! Sigh!

[TickledOnion]

Those who use active balance gel, does it make you feel like you Have a uti? I just used some for the first time tonight and keep feeling like I need to wee. It's really uncomfortable.

[DrFoxtrot]

I didn't get those symptoms after using the gel. I used it last thing at night then went straight to bed, so maybe I didn't notice anything as I was asleep not sure if that's any help!!

Perhaps it's irritating you? If it's not sore or itchy drink plenty of water and see how it is in the morning.

[DrFoxtrot]

I just re-read, if you're very uncomfortable, perhaps have a bath, not too hot, to dilute/ wash away the gel. I wouldn't douche though.

[Faez]

Any chance of a lost tampon if the symptoms are that bad and antibiotics not working

[Cavogirl]

Hi OP,

I find it's worse if my partner goes down on me - honestly often seems to trigger an outbreak and I promise he's very clean !

I use the gels too but an old wives tale which works is to use tea bags - put in the hot water and steep and then take out and cool a bit. It is comforting and does work!!

Even if you feel a bit of an idiot with a tea bag in your knickers all afternoon!