how to reduce persistent genetal odor - #20102
Hello, I’m experiencing persistent vaginal odor and light white/gray discharge outside my periods for the last 3 months. The odor is strong but there is no itching or pain most of the time. During my period, the odor is minimal or absent. Sometimes I use period-delay tablets (norethisterone/Registron). I wash only with lukewarm water and wear cotton underwear. I want to know: What is causing this odor and discharge? What safe home care I can follow for sensitive skin? Do I need any treatment or medication? I would like advice without video consultation, only chat or text. Thank you.
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Doctors’ responses
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 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
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 Bhumi, 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 Bhumi 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 Bhumi, thank you for sharing your concern.
Persistent strong vaginal odor with grey/white discharge for 3 months is most commonly due to bacterial vaginosis or other infection, even if there is no itching or pain.
Hormone tablets like norethisterone usually do not cause bad-smelling discharge; they may only change bleeding patterns a little.
At home: keep the area dry, wash only the outside with lukewarm water, avoid any scented washes/douching, wear loose cotton underwear, and change quickly after sweating.
Do not try home remedies inside the vagina (like soaps, antiseptics, or oils) as they can worsen infection and irritation.
Because the odor is persistent, you do need an in‑person gynecological checkup, vaginal examination, and simple swab tests so that targeted antibiotics/other treatment can be started if required.
Dr Nikhil Chauhan urologist
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