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
Persistent vaginal odor and a light white or gray discharge, especially in the absence of itching or pain, could potentially be associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV). BV occurs when there is an imbalance of natural bacteria in the vagina. Factors like changing hormone levels, such as during menstruation or when taking period-delay tablets, might also influence odor changes. It’s also crucial to consider yeast infections and Trichomoniasis in the differential, though these often come with itching or discomfort. For home care, continue with your use of lukewarm water and cotton underwear, as these help maintain a healthy environment down there. Avoid using scented products, douches, or aggressive cleansing routines, as these can further disrupt the natural flora. You might consider probiotic supplements, which some studies suggest can be beneficial for maintaining vaginal flora balance. Over-the-counter treatments like lactobacillus vaginal capsules can occasionally help, but they’re not a substitute for medical treatment if an infection is present. While light and transient cases of BV can sometimes self-resolve, given the persistence of your symptoms, a visit to a healthcare provider would be prudent. They can provide a definitive diagnosis, usually via a swab test, and advice appropriate treatment like antibiotics if BV is confirmed. Metronidazole or clindamycin are common prescriptions. Left untreated, BV can occasionally lead to more significant issues, especially if symptoms change or worsen. Additionally, since there’s the influence of period-delaying medication, it’s wise to mention this to your healthcare provider, as hormonal factors can affect vaginal health too. Always check directly with your provider about any medication before starting or stopping it. If symptoms like pelvic pain, severe itching, or green, frothy discharge suddenly occur, it’s critical that you seek medical attention promptly as this might suggest a different condition that needs urgent care.
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 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
