how to reduce persistent viginal odor - #20100

Hello dear See I doubt there may be chances of vaginal candidiasis or chlamydia infection. They have strong putrefaction. I suggest you to get below tests done for confirmation. Share the result with general physician medicine for better clarity and donot take any medication without consulting the concerned physician Culture CBC Esr Urine analysis Serum ferritin Vaginal swab Regards

Tab Metronidazole 400 mg 1 tablet orally twice daily for 7 days

Metronidazole 0.75% Vaginal Gel One applicator intravaginally at night for 5 days

Cap Ecoflora 1 cap after meal for 15 days

Use V wash

Do NOT consume alcohol during and 48 hours after metronidazole

Do not use antifungal creams unless advised BV is common, not due to poor hygiene, and fully treatable

Hello,

Please take

1. T.Metronidazole 400 mg 1 tablet orally twice daily for 7 days

2. Metronidazole 0.75% Vaginal Gel apply intravaginally at night for 5 days

🛑Persistent strong vaginal odor + thin white/gray discharge for 3 months suggests Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is most likely (not a hygiene problem).

Usually there is little/no itching or pain, and odor often worsens outside periods — this matches your symptoms.

Home care: keep the area dry, avoid douching, avoid harsh soaps, wear breathable cotton underwear; lukewarm water cleaning is good.

I trust this helps dear Thank you

Hello Ruby, thank you for sharing your concern. This is a very common and treatable problem. You likely have Bacterial Vaginosis. This might be due to other reasons as well, but bacterial vaginosis fits quite well with your explanation. Here is my advise-

1. Safe home care. Do these strictly: Wash only with plain water (no soap, no intimate wash). Cotton underwear only, change if sweaty. Avoid panty liners daily. No douching / internal washing. Avoid fragranced products near vagina. Limit unnecessary hormone pills if possible.

2. Start this medicine - - Tab. Metronidazole 400mg twice daily × 7 days. - Cap. Lactobacillus once daily × 2 weeks.

3. If you do not recover with this medicine, then you need to get tested- Get done a Vaginal Swab Culture & Sensitivity.

4. See a doctor urgently if - Odor worsening, Yellow/green discharge, Pelvic pain, Bleeding between periods.

Feel free to reach out again.

Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, DNB D.Fam.Medicine

Hello Ruby Thanks for sharing these details. Based on your symptoms—persistent strong vaginal odor with light white/gray discharge, no significant itching or pain, and symptoms improving during periods—the most likely cause is bacterial vaginosis (BV). BV is a common vaginal condition caused by an imbalance in the normal bacteria, and it often presents with a fishy or strong odor and grayish-white discharge. It’s not a sexually transmitted infection, and your hygiene practices are already good.

Why this happens:
BV can occur even with good hygiene, especially if there are hormonal changes (like with period-delay tablets), recent antibiotics, or changes in sexual activity. The absence of itching or pain makes yeast infection or trichomoniasis less likely.

Home Care for Sensitive Skin - Continue washing with lukewarm water only—avoid soaps, douches, or scented products. - Wear loose, cotton underwear and change if damp. - Change sanitary pads/tampons regularly during periods. - Avoid tight clothing and synthetic fabrics.

Do You Need Treatment? - If the odor and discharge are bothersome or persistent (as in your case, for 3 months), it’s best to get a vaginal swab test to confirm BV and rule out other causes. - BV is usually treated with a short course of antibiotics (like metronidazole) - Home remedies (like yogurt or probiotics) have limited evidence but are generally safe to try alongside medical advice.

When to See a Gynecologist - If you develop itching, burning, pain, or blood in discharge. - If symptoms worsen or don’t improve after trying home care. - If you have a new sexual partner or are pregnant.

Thank you

Hello dear,

Thanks for reaching out — the symptoms are bothersome but usually treatable with simple medicines and care.

1. Likely cause Persistent foul odor with thin white/gray discharge outside periods is most suggestive of bacterial vaginosis (imbalance of vaginal bacteria). Hormonal pills like norethisterone can change cervical mucus and may contribute slightly to discharge pattern.

2. Home care (safe for sensitive skin) Wash only the outer area once daily with lukewarm water; avoid soaps, douches, vaginal washes, and perfumes. Keep area dry, change underwear twice daily, and avoid tight synthetic clothing or daily pads. Use condoms till infection is treated; avoid intercourse if burning or irritation develops.

3. Possible tablets (after local exam if feasible) For suspected bacterial vaginosis:Tablet Metronidazole 400–500 mg twice daily for 7 days after food, no alcohol during and 24 hours after course. If thick, curdy, itchy discharge appears (suggesting candidiasis):Single dose Tablet Fluconazole 150 mg orally, or as per local guidelines. If symptoms persist, recur, or you develop pelvic pain, fever, or bleeding, meet a gynecologist/doctor in person for per-speculum exam and STI screening before repeating antibiotics.

4. When to seek urgent help Severe lower abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, or very heavy bleeding. Rashes, swelling of lips/face, or breathing difficulty after taking any tablet.

Warm regards, Dr Nikhil Chauhan urologist