To ask how to stop my nether region smelling like the popular fishy snack?

[NoMoreSkipsSmell]

I smell like skips,

I have have recurrent BV for years. Normally a few days of BV gel solves the issue each time and maybe once a year I’ll need antibiotics as it’s really bad. I’m currently on antibiotics as whilst not too horrific, BV gels have not worked. Day 2 and already they are working. So:

Always wear cotton underwear
Shower down below with just water around my inner labia but a bit of vaginal ph friendly wash around my bottom and vulva
I take acidophilus daily and once or twice a week, I insert one vaginally, which does help but I dislike the residue
I don’t use strong detergent or conditioner on my undies
I have the same sexual partner and it makes no difference if we use condoms or not (been to GUM clinic for STI tests and all clear)
I believe I am early peri menopausal (late 30s)
I use tampons for the day whilst on my period (changed very regularly) and pads at night to allow air and flow

What else can I do? I’m sick of it now

BV has been diagnosed by a doctor on more than one occasion and I now know the signs and specific smell

Thanks in advance

Also, look at how you wash your underwear. I understand wanting to go with the least fragranced detergent etc., but you need your knickers to go in a very hot wash, at least 60 degrees. Frankly if you can afford it, I’d start with a couple of multipacks of new knickers and keep changing/hot washing them. All the diets and probiotics in the world can’t help if you keep wearing affected underwear. Those bugs are seriously tough!

@Bagelsandbrie

If you think you’re early menopausal get your Gp to prescribe internal oestrogen- Ovestin cream - and try that. Have a google about vaginal atrophy and lack of oestrogen in the vagina.

This - I had BV during the time I was breastfeeding - caused by low oestrogen/vaginal atrophy. It changed the vaginal flora so I kept getting recurrent BV - especially during my period. My GP prescribed oestrogen cream but mine went away as soon as I stopped BF and my hormones went back to normal.

Ask a GP to prescribe topical oestrogen cream and see if that helps.

I had this problem too. Tried everything. I switched from tampons to a menstrual cup and haven't had this problem since.

Optibac probiotics specifically for women were an absolute game changer for me. I was getting BV after every period- it did take 3 months of taking them to break the cycle but haven’t suffered since. x

Sorry but what is BV?

I would second cutting out refined sugar.

Thank you to those who have replied in this thread (although I realise it’s someone else’s thread) very helpful

I have nothing to add in terms of BV. But if you are in early menopause the NICE clinical guidance based on on extensive research is that everyone under 45 should be on HRT. It protects heart, cancer risk and bone health. As said go to your GP.

Boric acid tablets and a women’s health probiotic taken daily. (Boric acid inserted) would only need to use them for 5 days and then it should all be gone and the probiotic taken orally and take 1 a day....forever!!

My GP told me that those balance activ gels (I use them a lot) only mask the symptoms of BV rather than clearing it up and that if left untreated, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease. Tbh I still carried on using the gels when needed and if they weren’t doing the job would ask for antibiotics. I used to get it every month after my period and it just wouldn’t be feasible to keep going to the drs and taking antibiotics every month!

Optibac for Women capsules.

Daft one maybe but I heard a doctor on tic-tok say to only use your hand when washing your vulva etc. i was using one of those puff things which apparently is bad.

Where do you get the boric acid? I suffered continuously a while back (has stopped since I split with partner and no longer having sex) I read a lot about it but could only really find foreign supplies on eBay which I wasn't sure about trusting

Boric acid is the ONLY thing that sorted it for me (after suffering for almost a decade and trying pretty much everything else). I bought a tub of food grade boric acid powder on amazon, some empty vegetarian capsules and a jar of coconut oil. I filled the capsules with 2/3 boric acid and 1/3 coconut oil. I inserted them morning and evening for a week or two (can’t remember how long for exactly) and without the coconut oil they can cause bleeding.
It helped enormously but I would still need to insert one after a trigger (sex or a period were my triggers). I haven’t had it for a long time but can tell if it’s starting up. I just use one capsule if I recognise the wary signs.