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Womens Health > Vaginal and Uterus Health Forum > Various causes for vaginal odor
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Q: Various causes for vaginal odor
asked by: DoctorQuestion on July 17th, 2009
I don't know what to do about vaginal odor. I am 50, had hysterectomy 2 years ago. Have not had sex for 3 years. There is no discharge or itching. My GYN find nothing wrong last month! It sort of smells like a sewage. It starts about 2 hours after I have showered. I can smell my self at work sitting at my desk. If I can I think others must also. Pantiliners aren't a help. I actually keep a stick up air freshner under my desk. I use a vaginal wipe when I go to the bathroom at work. It seems as though the odor lingers because when I return to where ever I am at (home or work) I notice it. This issue is driving me crazy. It is a daily thing. Sometimes it will not occur for a few days. I can't pinpoint anything in my diet. I take Synthroid for my thyroid which is under control. I take a multiple vitamin once a day and that's it.

Any help I would love because I don't want to go to work some days but I must support myself. I live alone.


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Dr. Goce Aleksovski , MD
replied on July 27th, 2009
Vaginal and Uterus Health Answer A6983


According to the data you provided, your only problem is vaginal odor.
Vaginal odor is usually caused by an imbalance of the regular vaginal bacterial flora. The vagina is full of normal harmless bacteria. When they are reduced, in certain circumstances, then they are replaced with pathological bacteria. These new bacteria might cause the vaginal odor.


The normal bacteria might be reduced by changing the vaginal acidity which might be easily done by excessive douching. Other reasons for vaginal odor might include vaginal infections caused by sexually transmitted diseases. Rectovaginal fistula (a pathological connection between the rectum and the vagina) is uncommon but a possible cause for intensive vaginal odor.


In certain rare cases, the vaginal odor is not so strong, but the woman is too sensitive for that smell. If you sense other smells and other people seem not to notice them, then this might be the problem.


You might want to visit a gynecologist for a second opinion about the possible cause for vaginal odor. A vaginal swab might determine the exact bacteria, if infection is present.




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