[borkbork]

Hello! I have had this smell, probably for a little over a year now, that smells like ammonia coming from my underwear. It smells the worst and strongest when my underwear are constantly wet, for not apparent reason. I don't seem to notice a trend close to my period or anything, but I do notice it more with certain types of underwear. It doesn't do it quite as bad/often with cotton underwear versus spandex material. I have gone to my doctor about this and she ran a test. It all came back normal. There are some days when I can smell it through my clothing and it's seriously embarrassing. I don't have any STD's and I promise that I clean myself!
Anyone have any ideas?
Thanks!

[jns]

I have read that bacterial vaginosis sometimes causes an ammonia odor.

[Stillness]

You don't smell it on yourself, only your underwear?

[Claret]

I would suggest that you always wear cotton undies. They will allow your lady bits to breathe somewhat and help keep that area dry. You may also want to carry some fresh wipes with you so that each time you go to the washroom you can freshen up. The third thing I can think of would be to douche regularly. This is not always the best option so maybe talk to your doctor about this. Lastly, has anyone else noticed any aroma coming from your person? Sometimes we are more attuned to our bodies and over-exaggerate in our minds. Also, sleep without any bottoms on just to air things out.

If you still have a problem ask your doctor for a referral to a specialist.

[borkbork]

No one has noticed anything, or at least they never say anything. I still have the smell with cotton undies, just not as often. It's not really an every day occurrence, either. It seems there are some days that are really bad. I've been tested for BV and other infections and they call came back clear.

[atskitty2]

My guess is that it isn't nearly as bad as you think. You probably should follow up with the doc though.

If you do see improvement in frequency with cotton undies, that is probably a good indication that you need to stick with cotton. We all do have a natural scent, some more bitter or pungent than others.

Are you tracking it, to see if it coincides with your cycle at all?

[Stillness]

Is it at all connected to when you have sex?

One of the things I've noticed over the past few years is a weird smell after I have sex. It drives me up a wall because I used to enjoy the smell after, but it's changed for some reason. It lasts for days and washing doesn't make it go away - especially if I don't wash immediately after.

It's only where my genital area meets my thighs. It makes me wonder if it's some kind of bacteria or fungus there. Sometimes I use a cotton ball and this alcohol based stuff to wipe and that helps a bit. Stings like crazy, though.

[borkbork]

I haven't been tracking it, but I think I will start! The last few days, it hasn't been too bad. And I start my period in about a week and a half, so it very well could be around the time I'm ovulating or something. It's just weird that it kind of started out of nowhere like a year and a half ago. I don't currently have insurance, but am due to go back to my doctor's office for a birth control refill/exam, so I may mention something to her then!

Since it smells like ammonia, I wasn't sure if I could have like a dribble or something of urine. The smell is often associated with some discharge, though, so it probably isn't that.
Thanks everyone!

[a_dub]

I haven't been tracking it, but I think I will start! The last few days, it hasn't been too bad. And I start my period in about a week and a half, so it very well could be around the time I'm ovulating or something. It's just weird that it kind of started out of nowhere like a year and a half ago. I don't currently have insurance, but am due to go back to my doctor's office for a birth control refill/exam, so I may mention something to her then!

Since it smells like ammonia, I wasn't sure if I could have like a dribble or something of urine. The smell is often associated with some discharge, though, so it probably isn't that.
Thanks everyone!

It might be bacterial vaginosis, especially if it started around the time of a new partner. Did your gyn test specifically for BV?

[borkbork]

It started a little before my boyfriend and I started dating, but yes, she specifically tested for it.