BV - how to get rid of the smell for tomorrow?

[stinkyminky]

NC for this for obvious reasons. It seems like a wind up and I wish it was but it's 100% true.

I've realised today that I have bacterial vaginosis. The realisation came about because I stink!! It seems to be so much worse for a day or 2 after sex and also happened the last time I had sex (with dh). I didn't make the connection that time and it passed after a couple of days so I didn't do anything about it.

I tried to get canesten bv gel today but the pharmacies that I tried didn't have it. So I have it on order to be delivered tomorrow.

The problem is I need to go to work tomorrow!! I have no confidence that I'll smell any less bad by then.

Does anyone know any quick fixes or cover ups for a bad BV smell to get me through tomorrow until the canesten arrives?

I can't think of a quick fix. Only wash with warm water, nothing soapy. If you have a bath you could bath in morning and add a couple spoons of apple cider vinegar to the water. But if you must go to work I would focus on a fragrance on outside of your clothing temporarily until you can treat it properly. Sorry can't really think of anything better. Also wear a good quality sanitary towel and change regularly through the day

Thanks for the suggestions!

I had a bath with epsom salts and nothing else this evening. Didn't think to put apple cider vinegar in it, I could try that in the morning..

Sanitary pad is also a good idea. Tampon briefly crossed my mind before deciding that was a terrible idea, and also thought about bringing clean underwear to change midday 🙈 hadn't thought of a sanitary pad.

Unfortunately I really do have to go in tomorrow.

Yes definitely not the tampon- underwear changes again not a bad idea. I really feel for you, its tricky when you've got no option but to go into work with something like this 😔

How about wearing several pairs of underwear, or period underwear if you have it. As PP said above, using sanitary towels and changing them regularly.
Also I was just thinking that it's possible the BV gel doesn't work instantly, so maybe plan for doing this for a few days?

Good luck, OP! You'll get there!

Also drink cranberry juice throughout the day- not coffee, tea etc, and water. It won't cure it obv but will help dilute when you go to the toilet and is recommended generally for BV

Change a pad or liner every time you go to the loo.

wear perfume and respritz during the day

Thanks!! Luckily I can WFH on Tuesday so I'm less concerned about later in the week. It's just bad timing that I have to be there tomorrow.

I didn't know this one for BV. I'd only heard of it for UTIs.

Can help with both 👍

Could you have an honest talk with DH, sit/stand the same sort of distance from you would from someone at work tomorrow for a while, and just ask him to be brutally honest with you about if he can smell anything? It probably smells more noticeable to you (as you are closer to it and aware of it) than it would to someone else.

I know it's easier said than done but try not to worry too much that others can smell you as chances are they won't. It's horrid though, isn't it? I seem to react to my partner's sperm in the same way so I know what you're going through.

We've done this today. He says he can't smell it unless he's right up close and then he thinks it smells like clothes that haven't dried properly. DS7 was more brutally honest and told me I smell funny before I had mentioned it to DH🤣 DS4 didn't comment.

So overall it might not be as bad as I think it is. These suggestions are giving me some confidence that I can mask it for a day.

I really feel for you! It's bloody embarrassing and uncomfortable. I can really recommend the Balance Activ pessaries at night. I went to a specialist gynaecology nurse about this issue as it was recurring - this advice might help you too! Not for tomorrow, but for future you.

• no baths, even plain water ones can cause a flare up
• clean your intimate area (front and back) with E45 shower cream or similar perfume free emolient (this has helped me the most out of everything!) More soothing than plain water. Never use soap.
• no panty liners or towels - makes issue much worse as traps sweat and damp. Change underwear if needed and buy cheap cotton pants you can bin in work toilets if you have to.
• use the balance activ pessaries as a precaution after sex (i haven't actually tried this, def research for yourself!)

The moment I read your first sentence I went to look at your name and it really made me laugh 🤣

Can you pop in to a boots on your way in to work / lunch? That way you could get your medication. They also advertise this all over body spray from Lynx and I think Sure for women - I’ve seen it on telly. They actually spray down there 🤣 maybe that could help for the day.

I too think you probably smell it more as it’s there right on you but also you’re constantly thinking about it.

Too late for tomorrow, but in case of another unexpected flare up, it's always worth having some kind of feminine toilet tissue spray/gel in your handbag!

I've not used this one myself Wype: https://amzn.eu/d/jdl3KFq, but is highly recommended on a support forum I'm on for other issues (incontinence 😳). I found a cheaper one which works well too and always have one with me now!

Not sure my link worked but Google wype!

The one I use is this one, which is all natural ingredients and I've found really good. https://amzn.eu/d/e2on3LI (freshen up mist spray from Goodgear)

Recently I’ve started stinking after sex, too! Is it BV, or am I reacting to the semen (like a pp)?

OP- sounds like you have lots of good suggestions. I hope you manage ok tomorrow!

Thanks for sharing this advice from the gynaecology nurse. I don't usually use any soap in that area but might give the E45 a go.

Sexual Health Nurse here - I can almost 💯 guarantee no one will be able to smell your BV the way you can.

1 in 3 women have BV - have you ever smelt anyone's BV in the queue at Primark or Tesco's?

I daily see women with BV - the only time I ever smell BV is when I'm up close examining them, and even then rarely. Never been able to when they are dressed.

Wash only with water, don't use panty liners or sanitary towels (the chemicals in them activate the BV more), if need be wear a couple of pairs of plain white cotton underwear and change if needed. Don't use anything with fragrance as the fragrance can cause/worsen BV.

BV is common after sex as the semen alter the vaginal pH. You could try condoms, or a lactic acid gel after sex.

I once wet some cotton wool and added some tea tree oil and wiped the external area only. It masked the smell and helped kill the bacteria. Remember external only or a few drops in the bath. It didn’t hurt (although I thought it may sting it didn’t).

That's reassuring, thank you.

That sounds like I'll need to get my Bridget Jones pants out!

I think the canesten gel is lactic acid. Will I also need to get antibiotics to treat it properly this time?

My gynaecologist suggested plain yoghurt applied inside and out.

Can’t you order the meds on deliveroo!

I highly doubt anyone else will be able to smell it unless their head is in your crotch

@stinkyminky no antibiotics unless it won't clear on its own or with use of lactic acid gels.

The metronidazole doesn't actually "treat" the BV (it's not an infection), it strips away all the natural vaginal flora, so the discharge stops, but when the vaginal flora return the imbalance won't have altered. The treatment with Metronidazole is always only temporary relief.

It's best to remove the trigger to whatever's changing the pH - perfumed products, over washing, irritation to labia/vulva etc