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Original poster

I've got a smelly foo and I can't get rid of it

32 replies

EmbarrassedNonTroll · 29/04/2010 13:14

I'm recovering from a doozy of a UTI infection, and I'm nearly better but ... my pants stink. My trousers stink. I am gently washing my vulva with warm water every time I pass urine and I still smell. I'm VERY embarrassed. What's causing this and, more importantly, how can I make it go away?

It doesn't seem to be from my vagina, btw.

OP posts:
ASecretLemonadeDrinker · 29/04/2010 13:18

IMO I don't think your supposed to overwash your thing. I think the pH is different to water (lower I think?) and overwashing upsets it. I use femfresh which says it's the right pH for that area - they also do wipes. Not that I am smelly, but being pregnant I am paranoid of needing an emergency examination and not being ready Also, are you wearing 100% cotton?

BallpointPen · 29/04/2010 13:19

Bacterial Vaginosis. Very common, easy to treat.

Original poster
EmbarrassedNonTroll · 29/04/2010 13:19

At the mo I'm only wearing a skirt, trying to allow maximum air flow.

OP posts:
Original poster
EmbarrassedNonTroll · 29/04/2010 13:22

It seems I have brought this on myself ...

OP posts:
bacon · 29/04/2010 22:50

Could be made worse by the warm weather we had over the last few days. I find the area gets sweaty and overnight I can sense a pong! I have to wear cottton knickers, nylon and I dont get along - sweaty chaff - nasty!

maxybrown · 29/04/2010 22:55

over washing definitely makes it worse!!

Jacksmama · 29/04/2010 23:05

I don't recommend getting rid of your foo, you might need it again some day...

But seriously - wash with a gentle solution of boric acid in warm water. Helps get the pH back where it's meant to be and so gets rid of the stinkies. Also good for douching if your vaginal pH is out of whack, FWIW. Good luck.

MiniMousse · 29/04/2010 23:05

I would lay money on the fact that you have bacterial vaginosis. Go and see your GP, simple treatment, takes about 3-4 days to work. Sorted.
My GP told me almost all women suffer from it at one time or another. It often starts after antibiotics when your ph balance, yeast balance etc has been kicked out of kilter. It is not an STI. Nothing to be embarrassed about, don't worry!

BallpointPen · 30/04/2010 14:14

Boric acid Jacksmama? Sounds an interesting (if slightly brutal sounding) cure.

I'll look into that for future reference. I would rather find a different way round things that antibiotics, natural if poss, antibiotics always seem to have side effects.

paisleyleaf · 30/04/2010 14:16

Don't some of those probiotic drinks help?

BallpointPen · 30/04/2010 14:17

Those probiotic drinks are supposed to be good for the gut. They gave me the chronic shits!

OrmRenewed · 30/04/2010 14:18

Tea tree oil is wonderful for all things foo-related. Rinse area with warm water and then again with dilute tea tree.

TaurielTest · 30/04/2010 14:23

Sounds like BV to me too, especially if you'd been on antibiotics for the UTI and the main symptom is an unpleasant (dare I say fishy) smell. Like other posters have said, easily got rid of if you pop back to the GP.

Southwestwhippet · 30/04/2010 14:27

Can I ask is it possible for a child to have BV?

BallpointPen · 30/04/2010 14:49

I don't know Southwest, I suppose it is, small foos operate in pretty much the same way as bigger ones with regard to healthy flora and fauna I guess.

I assume this for your DD? Make an appointment at the doc for her, nothing for either of you to be embarrassed about, foos can be very temperamental and need careful handling at times

Southwestwhippet · 30/04/2010 14:56

Not my DD, a friend's but I know she is worried as her DD has just finished a second course of antibiotics and the smell has come back.

She is talking to her doctor obviously but just though it might be something I could mention to her if little ones could have BV

thanks

Jacksmama · 30/04/2010 16:38

I know boric acid sounds horrible, but it is about as strong as acetic acid... vinegar!
It can actually be used as an eye wash solution as well... so no worries about burning off your foo! (That would get rid of it though ;))

cornsilk · 30/04/2010 16:40

will that tea tree oil thing work for thrush?

Spidermama · 30/04/2010 16:40

UCM is that you?

Sorry. MN oldsters joke.

cornsilk · 30/04/2010 16:41
Grin
bibbitybobbityhat · 30/04/2010 16:42

Oh dang Spidermama you bet me to it. I was just about to post "haven't you got that sorted out yet UCM?" tsk.

Sorry, op.

I find Body Shop tea tree and lemon oil body wash to be the best thing ever for keeping one's foof nice to be near.

Jacksmama · 30/04/2010 17:17

A weak solution of boric acid and tea tree oil used as a douche is brilliant for sorting out thrush The tea tree oil is anti-fungal so helps kill the yeast overgrowth, and boric acid helps return the vaginal pH back to normal levels to prevent further overgrowth.

You can get boric acid powder at the chemist's without a prescription. Put a teaspoon in a quart of warm water and stir to dissolve. Add about 6 - 10 drops of TTO, the use to douche.

BTW - TTO is like a breath mint for your foo. Gives it a nice minty fresh feeling

Mouseface · 30/04/2010 21:17

OMG - I thought I was the only one who had a "foo"!!

Yep, BV in my book too. Tea tree will also help but you can get a special treatment for BV over the counter now, can't remember the name as I'm about to have a rant on AIBU.

Back later

smallishsheep · 30/04/2010 21:19

Shit. My ds's nickname is foo
I may have to be changing that. Tis very logical mind (he is Matthew, maffoo as dd calls him)

woodchuck · 30/04/2010 21:23

I would go for the live yoghurt thing, cheap and eay way to restore your lactobacillus which maintain the acidic environment in your undercarriage. You can apply directly or fashion a pessary out of a tampon.

Have you been on antibiotics? They will wipe out all your bacteria, even the good ones, so maybe some probiotic yoghurt at the other end too