I’ve got BV haven’t I?

[Mykittensmittens]

Ugh.

My Covid vaccine seemed to stuff up my cycle last month. Usually heavy and prolonged anyway (50yo and perimenopausal) but due to it being delayed by a week it was extra heavy and lasted 7 days.

Days 6 and 7 I started to notice a ‘whiff’.

Now a few days clear of my period end and I just feel grim down there. I have a watery discharge which is so prolific I’ve even questioned my pelvic floor. The smell is nasty. I’m starting to get very paranoid everyone else can smell it too. It’s driving me mad as the smell seemingly isn’t on my clothing as I’ve been changing my pants and jeans twice a day, they don’t seem to smell. The smell seems to be coming from ME. I sat down crossed legged earlier to help DC with something and got a major waft.

I’ve never had BV before. But I assume it must be as the smell seems distinctive to the problem. I’m due a smear test and have a nurse appt next week - so I will ask her then - but I’m a bit pissed off as DH and I were due to have a rare DC free night next weekend and frankly I wouldn’t come near me, and it’s making me so paranoid it’ll put me off sex anyway.

Should I seek out the GP sooner? Should I try something over the counter instead?

Sounds like BV, the gp can take a swab. You will need some antibiotics. I had it during pregnancy.

Balance Activ pessaries work well
I have a copper coil that puts me out of whack and they work well to make things right again.
I now use one a month after my period and it keeps me ticking over, my first bout took 2 lots of full treatment though

My post was vague...
Sorry
I get all of the symptoms you've described. You can buy the pesseries in supermarkets etc. They do gel too, but I don't find them as effective

Thanks - I’ll get some tomorrow and see if they do any good - presuming they won’t affect me t having a smear next week. I’ll perhaps avoid for a day or two beforehand.

I don’t wash with scented soap, or bath, but I do tend to wear skinny jeans a lot. I don’t wear pants at night. I really do feel like that period from hell just threw things off.

You can get a thing from the supermarket that tests if you have it with a treatment that comes with it in case you do. One application and it was fixed

I second the Balance Activ. 5 vials done nightly. You can get them at any pharmacy.

Yeah @WhoAre I’ve been changing into pantless PJs (cotton, loose) every day as soon as practically possible and I’ll not wear tight jeans for a few days.

Until I clicked about BV I must admit I’ve been showering twice a day due to complete paranoia about the smell, but I’ll make sure not to be using any shower gel or soap.

The gynae recommended hydromol cream or ointment for washing to me. It's much less harsh. Also was going to recommend the self test kits - Boots sell them.

The pessaries are great, one dose sorts me out. Definitely grab some from the supermarket instead of waiting to see the nurse.