My vagina stinks

[timewarp6]

I can't live with it anymore, it smells horrible even 2 minutes after showering. I don't use soap down there and I don't have an STI. I have been treated for thrush and no change.

It's worse in the hot weather but I'm feeling self conscious all the time. I can smell it when I'm sitting down on the sofa. People say it's normal to have an odour but when does it become abnormal?

I can't even describe the smell - it isn't fishy but it's unpleasant

[Secretmum41]

My overactive thyroid caused my vagina to smell awful. Once thyroid was found and treated, hormone levels back to normal, the smell went away.

Go to your GP and get checked out. Everyone seems to be saying BV - but it may not be and could be something much more serious.

[myusernamewastakenbyme]

Does anyone else smell a bit at the very start of their period? Is this normal or not pls.

[TellySavalashairbrush]

Antibiotics will clear up bv. The pessaries are not great, so don’t waste your money

[Expat30]

If its BV using no soap down there when you wash will get rid of it. Or if you do use 100% natural products.

[Potatobug]

With the best intention OP...stop dodging the soap down there. There’s no other explanation for the smell. I simply don’t understand how you can have a shower without using soap or whatever suitable cleaning product, especially on your privates.

[Expat30]

More so will prevent it coming back. Not sure it will get rid

[SleepOhHowIMissYou]

You are welcome @NiteFlights. Now, the taste... 😉

[DollyPomPoms]

I’m surprised nobody has said this yet but is it an ammonia smell? If so that’s too much caffeine. Cut caffeine and drink more water and it will go away, no medication needed.

[hibeat]

Aslo cut sugar intake.

[EveryDayIsADuvetDay]

If you can smell your own vagina while sitting you probably don't have coronavirus - there's a plus!

I use a plain or gentle soap (currently organic lavender), but once bought dettol soap that was a bit harsh.

Why not have a bath rather than a shower? (only gentle additives)

[Maybelatte]

You should wash your genital area with something, water isn’t enough. Definitely don’t shove anything inside your vagina but the labia needs washing, just as a man’s penis does.

You may have BV but it usually causes a fishy odour and grey discharge which you don’t have. It’s possible you’re just paranoid about it, I know many women are when they’re on their period especially.

[BackseatCookers]

it is normal to be able to smell your vagina while sitting down

This is dangerous advice to give because it simply isn't true.

If you can smell it in this situation then you need to ask a GP for their advice.

I know people are probably trying to make OP feel better but if your vagina smells very badly strongly then it's important to get it checked out.

It's nothing to be ashamed of, we should take our gynae health very seriously. Which is why a strong smelling vagina (in fact any big changes in smell / discharge) should absolutely be checked by a medical professional.

Poor you OP I hope you get it sorted

[BigSandyBalls2015]

Blimey can’t believe people don’t use soap ... what about during periods or after sex

[damnthatanxiety]

I am horrified at the level of ignorance out there in MN land. The VAGINA under normal circumstances has a balanced pH with beneficial bacteria. It cleanses itself through secretions. The VAGINA should NOT be cleaned with anything. The area AROUND the vagina should be kept clean with a non irritating soap. The area around the vagina includes the anus, perineum (between anus and vagina), vulva, clitorus, labia and mons pubis (fatty area where the pubic hair is). The valleys in there hold sweat, old skin tissue, urine and fecal debris from undergarment transfer. This whole area is NOT THE VAGINA. This area is not some mysterious micro-system that self cleanses. Clean it people. With soap. I am embarrassed at how many people seem to think this whole area is the vagina. For further clarification...(from the NHS website)...

Washing your vagina
It's a good idea to avoid perfumed soaps, gels and antiseptics as these can affect the healthy balance of bacteria and pH levels in the vagina and cause irritation.

Use plain, unperfumed soaps to wash the area around the vagina (the vulva) gently every day.

The vagina will clean itself inside your body with natural vaginal secretions (discharge).

"During your period, washing more than once a day may be helpful," says Dr Elneil, who points out that keeping the perineal area between the vagina and anus clean is important, too.

"Good perineal hygiene is necessary by washing that area at least once a day using your normal bathing routines."

[FancyPants20]

I think people are getting very confused between their vagina and their vulva. Nobody should ever wash their vagina - that's what gynecologists mean when they talk about it being auto-cleaning and not upsetting the flora etc.
Washing your vulva is fine, if you want to. If you find that soap or shower gel irritates it, then you can absolutely use a special wash like Femfresh if you like. Just don't put anything up into your vagina, like some Americans do with their weird "douching" bollocks.

Op, you have BV, as PP's have said. It's easily sorted normally, so don't worry about it, but do get it sorted.

[Bluntness100]

Ehrm, what do you use to wash yourself op?

[DontStandSoCloseToMe]

Healthy and clean vaginas have a very faint sea-shell aroma 😂 this has cheered me right up. I don't think I have very much of an aroma but my fanjo definitely does not smell like a seashell 😂

[DontStandSoCloseToMe]

Fwiw I do wash pubes, bum, crease at the top of the thigh etc especially after the gym or a run, so external, just not internal or douching etc. Which is what i assumed was logical. If you exercise for any meaningful period of time you need to, also after sex (not instantly after with a beaker but you know what I mean)

[Bluntness100]

Some women smell more than others, and it is normal to be able to smell your vagina while sitting down (though it shouldn’t smell foul)

It’s really not, no more than it’s normal to be able to smell your arse, your feet, your arm pits, or a bloke can smell his dick. It’s not normal at all.

Op, if you’re not washing with soap or shower gel all the areas round your Vagina as described by damn that’s likely why you smell. It’s like not washing your arm pits feet or bum, if you don’t wash with soap or shower gel then they are going to smell.

[gingganggooleywotsit]

Ugh the title of your post made me feel a bit sick sorry.

[overtly]

I think there's some confusion, surely it's normal to wash your vulva plus all other external areas with some sort of soap or shower gel. I thought it was just inside the vagina that was a no no.
Anyway op I'v never had BV but given the tv ads it seems very common so an over the counter treatment would be my first go to along with washing everywhere bar vagina with a product of your choice.

[TinklyLittleLaugh]

As per the article Seren linked to at 17:50, it is absolutely fine to just wash your vuvla with water. It is a self regulating environment.

It’s what I do and I never get thrush or a smelly vag or any irritation whatsoever.

Similarly DH washes the end of his knob with water only; he finds soap too irritating. Again, perfectly heathy, not smelly.

[Baskininthegarden]

your vulva is not a self regulating environment. it has urine, sweat, blood, fecal particles on it throughout the day...

[myna]

The vagina is a self regulating environment, definitely not the vulva!

[Idontknow23]

How do people know what a foof should smell like unless they have compared smells?? Do they all not have a natural odour? Honestly I am genuinely confused as to what it should smell like. I understand if it was awful you'd know you had a problem but what if the slight odour I have smelt before is bv afterall?? I just suppose I grew up thinking they have a smell hence the phrase fishy fanny 😂😂