been tested for everything so why do smell so bad ?

[wonderingwendy]

hi sorry a bit tmi but im at the end of my wits with this
i believed i had b.v for a long time but have recently been checked for all sexual deseases ,thrush and b.v and they all came back negative so why does my vagina always smell?
its awful and i just cant seem to get rid of it ,i dont over wash as i know its bad ,i wear cotton underwear.
my gp said she thinks its in my head but its not as my children have noticed the smell she also said maybe its just my natural smell and i will have to learn to live with it .
i never used to smell
any ideas ladies ?

Have you had a full pelvic and vaginal examination? Have you had your urine tested for a uti? Your GP should not be fobbing you off like this. If you have suddenly developed this problem then there must be a cause. See another GP if you're not happy with your current one. What you are describing is not a normal state to be in.

info here

As well as the very sensible advice above, have you A) started eating different food (when I eat Salmon I stink, doesn't happen with other types of seafood), or B) changed detergent, soap etc?.

What sort of smell is it? Is it fishy at all, there is a rare metabolic disorder called fish odour syndrome that I think becomes worse towards your period but can be treated thro diet. Might be worth getting checked for this if you haven't already?

its been like this for about a year and a half ive had anti biotics twice for b.v even though the tests were negative
i did wonder myself if fish odour syndrome might be a cause as i notice if i eat fish i smell terrible like a fish market on a hot day ! its making me miserable
i havent had a pelvic exam or been tested for a uti - should i go back again and ask for a gyne appointment?

There was a woman on the food hospital? (food & health programme on channel 4) who suffered from the same thing, her body was unable to metabolise chemicals in food. I'd google this, she cut out a load of foods, which really helped.

was she only noticing the smell from her lady parts because its not coming from anywhere else on my body - is that possible ?

foodhospital.channel4.com/conditions/fish-odour-syndrome/ I hope this helps, it must be really stressful for you.

I think hers was escaping via her sweat, but the web page says it can escape via urine so it's possible that it could be coming from your fanjo area. It's worth looking into.

do you know how they test for that ?

It should tell you on the website I linked.

Have you considered asking for a more intensive course of AB's to really try and knock it on the head?

Wasn't there also something on Embarrassing Bodies about a girl washing herself too much and imbalancing the natural vaginal flora? Could you be overcleaning yourself because you are concerned about this?

Maybe the ABs have upset the natural balance in your gut or vagina. I would push for a gynae appointment.

I know its best to wear cotton knickers to let the air at it but im having gyne problems atm aad wear a pantliner. This means the smell isnt on my pants and i can change them regularly.

Urinary tract infections can make you smell down below. Try some probiotics either in capsule form (health food stores) or a twice daily Actimel too.

Is it a constant smell or does it get more noticeable before and half way through your cycle? I notice a not very pleasant smell at these times. No discharge, just strong unpleasant smell.

the smell is always there but does get worse after my period ,i also have lots of discharge so i have to change my knickers alot or wear a panty liner, gp wont give me anymore anti biotics because i dont have any infection all tests came back clear ,my dh even accused me off having an affair because i dont want to have sex with him ,its really upsetting me .

i have tried everything i can think of to get rid of this ive tried balance activ gel, yogurts both by mouth and internally ,garlic capsules,folic acid tablets ,washing with tea tree oil and water and 2 lots of anti biotics ,i dont over wash as i know this is a bad thing ,just one bath a day with so much perfume on !! i do have a very strong sense of smell but i know im not exaggerating

What colour is the discharge? Does it smell, or is the smell coming from inside your body?

the discharge is mostly clear to faint cream colour depending on my cycle - i have smelt the discharge and its not that -that smells i dont think

Smelly discharge is usually discoloured.

Are you arranging for a pelvic examination? If this is coming from inside you then the source needs to be located.

Could you have left a tampon inside you? I once put one in when I already had one in, and only realised when two came out at the same time

no tampons i never use them - so do you think i should ask for a pelvic exam or to be referred to the gyne ?
im worried they will just say its all in my head

Yes definitely, could you see a more sympathetic GP? Hope you get it sorted.

Hi it really sounds like b v. I had suffered from
it for years on and off, particularly since I had my
iud put in. It can be really upsetting sometimes
as the smell can be quite overwhelming. I found
that the over the counter products for it work really
well. A big boots are you best bet or chemist ..cant
Remember the name of it but it comes with a applicator
Similar to a thrush one and is specifically for bv.. Hope
That might help a little :)

busybee she has been tested for BV and all came back negative.

if you have not had a pelvic exam then you need one. I would not be fobbed off with this - go back and see a different gp.