Smelly

[Jultay]

For the last few months I've been very smelly itchy and sore downstairs . I've been to the docs they've taken swabs which are all clear then gave me canesten which did nothing . I never ever feel clean I feel I am smelly like a musty old lady smell .
Can anyone recommend what to wash with daily or a cream to ease the itching and soreness . I've been on HRT for 3 months and nothings changed in that area

I've also had itching, mine I think was caused by dampness (sweating). I've started changing into clean underwear three times each day and it's stopped the itch.
Not sure about smell, I haven't had that problem, but I only wash with water there, not even soap. You could try that. Perhaps your body is reacting to products?

Try washing only with a scentless emollient wash like Diprobase lotion - my mum was advised to do that by the GP and it really helped.

Do you still get periods?

I find stronger fragrances emerge from my crotch when I ovulate, not nasty one it’s quite a sweet smell but it’s stronger than before. I wondered if it was some kind of natural response to nearing the end of my reproductive life to alert potential mates of my fertile phase.

No I've not had a period for 7 years . I wear panty liners and change them rather than the undies . Does not using soap help ? Just sounds weird and do u feel clean ?

Pantyliners could be causing the itching, they will rub against the skin, which is thinner with menopause, and if they are scented they will contain chemicals. I also used to wear them every day and had to wean myself off. Try plain cotton underwear and change 2/3 times per day instead.
Washing with just water works fine for me, I always feel clean enough. Still use soap for the back area and armpits etc, just water for the vulva/labia.

@perimenofertility

Pantyliners could be causing the itching, they will rub against the skin, which is thinner with menopause, and if they are scented they will contain chemicals. I also used to wear them every day and had to wean myself off. Try plain cotton underwear and change 2/3 times per day instead. Washing with just water works fine for me, I always feel clean enough. Still use soap for the back area and armpits etc, just water for the vulva/labia.

Oh really ? I'll try that ... thank you 😊

I had a similar thing and it was BV. I had a discharge as well. Did they test you for that OP if you don't mind me asking?

I'd ditch the liners too. Whilst the plastic backing makes your clothes feel dryer it will be holding moisture and heat against your skin instead.
Don't use any scented products. I'd just stick with a daily wash with water or something like suggested above.

If you are on HRT are you using vagifem pessaries as well? These help vaginal dryness, which can cause itching and can be used alongside the other HRT.

@menochat

I had a similar thing and it was BV. I had a discharge as well. Did they test you for that OP if you don't mind me asking?

No not been tested for BV however I have no discharge x

Another vote for vaginal
Oestrogen.

@Beamur

I'd ditch the liners too. Whilst the plastic backing makes your clothes feel dryer it will be holding moisture and heat against your skin instead. Don't use any scented products. I'd just stick with a daily wash with water or something like suggested above.

I've been trying just water the last couple of days and so far there is an improvement... however it does feel very strange not using soap or shower gel x

@Aderyn21

If you are on HRT are you using vagifem pessaries as well? These help vaginal dryness, which can cause itching and can be used alongside the other HRT.

I will mention this at my next review .. thanks x

@foxgoosefinch

Try washing only with a scentless emollient wash like Diprobase lotion - my mum was advised to do that by the GP and it really helped.

I'm trying just water at the minute altho I may get a wash cream at a later date x

I had the itching and odour etc and I got the GP to prescribe me Vagirilux - its a vaginal pessary and you use it for two weeks then twice a week. When I forget to take it, the itch etc comes back. Its been a godsend for me.