Period time, but possible infection? (TMI - sorry!)

[HypochondriacManiac]

NC'd as I don't want this floating around my usual NN.

I had a bout of D&V as my period was starting and now something doesn't smell quite right; sort of stale and more pungent than normal. Normal flow for me as far as I can tell - heavy and prolonged; I'm only just starting to stop IYSWIM.

I have a routine GP appointment and I want to tell her I think there is something not quite right (probably an infection such as thrush due to the crossover of D&V and period), but can/would she conduct an examination if my period is still dribbling?

(Also, thanks to the recent thread, part of me is also paranoid that I've left a tampon up there given how spaces and yuck I was feeling with the D&V, so an exam would also clear this fear up!)

Slightly worried bump.

I think they would be able to examine you if it is only a dribble.

Do you think you have left a tampon up there or are you referring to a thread where someone else did? Apparently, if you leave a tampon up there it does smell awful, so that could be the explanation for your problem.

Hope you can get it sorted, it is horrible when you are ill.

Re whether you've left a tampon in there, it can't go too far so you don't need a GP to check if one is in there - just stick a finger in to check. It will definitely smell if you've left one in there...

As to other causes, if you've been run down then the fungal balance in your vagina might have been affected making it a bit smellier than normal - drink lots and lots of water and let it clean itself out. Generally any serious problems down there smell really rank, not just slightly bad, so I wouldn't worry too much but do talk to the GP if you're worried.

I have had a footle about and I can't feel anything, but I have very short fingers so if it's gone up further than it's normal length, then I don't know if I would feel it there.

I honestly don't think there is anything there, but having read the thread on here it just worried me as an unlikely but possible scenario; sort of an "I'm worrying about an odd odour and oh shit, they managed to lose one, have I done that" panic. I didn't even know you could IYSWIM!

Even if you're using the smallest size of tampons and you have titchy fingers and a long vagina you'd still be able to feel it - there really isn't that much room in there...

It's more likely to be from you being run down. Make sure you're washing with something pH balanced and non-irritating (not normal body wash, not bar soap, not anything fragranced) until it sorts itself out. Things sold for eczema are usually good.

Also if the GP doesn't know, you'll get more knowledgeable (specific) advice from a family planning clinic. They see more of that kind of thing!

Just in case the doctor does need to exam you, perhaps you could take some wipes/old flannel with you and give yourself a quick clean before you go in. Having said that, the doctor may just give you ABs or cream as a precaution and ask you to go back if it gets any worse.