What's that smell??

**KimmyC** · 01-28-2011 03:39 PM

Hello ladies!

So over the past few weeks or so, I've started smelling this weird scent. I know it's coming from me. I have a job where I sit at a computer all day in a 4-person cubicle, so I can really only smell it then. I came to find out it WAS me, and that it was definitely coming from my vaginal area! I wash my jeans at least twice a week (cuz I don't have very many pairs), and I change my cotton underwear everyday. I shower every other day.

This smell is almost like a musty smell. It's not really bearable! The only way I can seem to mask the smell is to cross my legs while I'm at work so that no one around me can smell it (which I know they can). But when it comes time for me to stretch out my legs and not keep them crossed, the smell is there! It's not pleasant, and it's fairly embarrassing.

I just bought some Summer's Eve wash and will be using it tonight when I shower. Has this worked for anyone to get rid of the odor? I've read it could just be some bacteria built up and this wash is said to get rid of it safely. I guess I'm just confused because I ALWAYS make sure to clean thoroughly in that area, even after my fiance and I have fooled around. If it helps, I also have some discharge. I have to wear a pantyliner on a daily basis to keep it at bay, but I imagine that's normal. Can the discharge be a factor?

Help!

**amelillo13** · 01-29-2011 08:46 PM

Originally Posted by KimmyC

Hello ladies!

So over the past few weeks or so, I've started smelling this weird scent. I know it's coming from me. I have a job where I sit at a computer all day in a 4-person cubicle, so I can really only smell it then. I came to find out it WAS me, and that it was definitely coming from my vaginal area! I wash my jeans at least twice a week (cuz I don't have very many pairs), and I change my cotton underwear everyday. I shower every other day.

This smell is almost like a musty smell. It's not really bearable! The only way I can seem to mask the smell is to cross my legs while I'm at work so that no one around me can smell it (which I know they can). But when it comes time for me to stretch out my legs and not keep them crossed, the smell is there! It's not pleasant, and it's fairly embarrassing.

I just bought some Summer's Eve wash and will be using it tonight when I shower. Has this worked for anyone to get rid of the odor? I've read it could just be some bacteria built up and this wash is said to get rid of it safely. I guess I'm just confused because I ALWAYS make sure to clean thoroughly in that area, even after my fiance and I have fooled around. If it helps, I also have some discharge. I have to wear a pantyliner on a daily basis to keep it at bay, but I imagine that's normal. Can the discharge be a factor?

Help!

"

How long has it been going on? What does your discharge look like? Is it a milky consistency, white or yellow? It could possibly be Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), in which case you'd need to go to the doctor for a round of antibiotics. Any time you clean that area with things like soap or you douche, you wipe away good and bad bacteria and that coupled with other factors sometimes leads to an overgrowth of the bad bacteria. Also, if you are sexually active, semen can throw the pH off in the vagina and that can lead to BV as well.

**beany** · 01-30-2011 08:51 AM

i dont know what Summer's Eve is, im assuming it's a feminine wash? i used one before i went to the doctors for a similar problem, thinking i'd done the right thing, and she said that feminine products (i.e shower gel, wipes etc) can sometimes make it worse and to never ever use them. the best thing to use on your genital area to prevent things like BV is just plain old water!

**WildChild** · 01-30-2011 09:32 AM

Three possibilities: an infection, diet, lack of air circulation.
Do you have any irritation or odd colored discharge? If so get in to get tested, also if the odor is 'fishy'.

Cotton undies are good but back off any tight fitting pants, panty hose or anything that will bind up in the crotch or restrict air flow. Start wearing skirts if you can and when you can skip the under wear all together. Definately no undies when you sleep.

Cut out fried foods, refined flour products, cut way back on sugar, dramatically increase your greens, fresh veggies and fruits. Get into the health food store and pick up some chlorophyll, it is a natural internal deodorizer. I like the liquid as it quickly freshens breath too. Drink lots of water.

DO NOT use any deodorant or perfumed products on your genitals! They can cause irritation and even infection, they can throw your body chemistry off and make a real mess for you. This includes pads treated with deodorizing products. Stay Away from that stuff.

**KimmyC** · 01-30-2011 10:52 AM

Thanks ladies. The discharge is normal. Never been discolored or anything. I don't wear terribly tight jeans or anything. It's just weird how all of a sudden it's started, so I don't think my clothes could be a factor, as I've always worn the same clothes. It's probably been going on for almost a month maybe. I am not sexually active. Summer's Eve is a feminine wash. I've never had any itching or discomfort in the area either. I guess I could try to change up my diet a bit, by adding the things suggested.

Thanks

**SaLtLiFe38** · 02-03-2011 08:21 AM

KimmyC I have had the same issue for quiet sometime, its not so bad right now, but it was extremely bad when it first started, and it is extremely annoying and embarrassing. I have gone to the doctor about it a few times and no one can seem to find anything wrong which it quiet discouraging and frustrating for me, and I'm sure it is for you as well. If you find out anything please fill me in so I can maybe fix my problem. Thank you and good luck!

**KimmyC** · 02-03-2011 06:19 PM

Thanks SaLtLiFe38

I will definitely let you know if I find anything out. I have been able to slightly mask the smell by spraying a strong perfume around my lower body, which helps a little bit. But I can't seem to get a hold of my doctor about the issue, or birth control questions! She has a mean assistant who won't let me talk to her...ugh. Anyway, also the Summer's Eve wash seems to help a little. Maybe if I take a shower everyday instead of every other day, that might help a little.

**Gatorgirl22** · 02-08-2011 12:09 PM

I used to have the same problem for many months and the doctor said it was most likely a chronic case of bacterial vaginosis. He gave me Metrogel and it would go away but then come right back. I didn't want to keep using Metrogel so I tried a more homeopathic approach and started douching with 1/5 cup of distilled water and 1/5 cup of peroxide once a day and upped my folic acid intake. It actually got remarkably better, however, when I would stop the douching it would come back. I finally realized that this is a ph balance issue and that maybe my water intake during the day wasn't sufficient enough to keep my vaginal ph as it should be. I started drinking 4-5 bottles (the 16.9 fl oz size) of water a day and saw an immediate improvement. I even stopped the douching altogether and am now just making sure I drink the 4-5 bottles of water a day and that alone has taken the problem away completely.

**SaLtLiFe38** · 02-08-2011 01:32 PM

I think I might try that! Thanks Gatorgirl, my problem isn't to bad anymore but it still comes and goes and its just an embarrassing pain in the butt! lol

**KimmyC** · 02-08-2011 04:01 PM

That makes a lot of sense actually! I've found myself not drinking as much water throughout the day as I used to. I'll start that right away

I did notice NO smell today. But I'm sure it was because I was wearing a pair of new jeans, so all I was smelling was new jean smell instead of vagina...lol