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
Persistent vaginal odor and a grayish discharge may be indicative of bacterial vaginosis (BV), which is one of the most common causes. BV results from an imbalance in the natural bacteria in the vagina. Certain practices, like the use of period-delay medications, can disrupt this balance, though it’s not the sole factor. The absence of other symptoms like itching or irritation suggest infections like yeast or STIs might be less likely, but a firm diagnosis would need a swab test done by a healthcare provider. For home care, keep up the good habit of wearing cotton underwear, which allows the area to breathe. Avoid any scented soaps or douches as these can further disturb the delicate pH balance of the vaginal environment. Washing with lukewarm water, as you’re doing, is ideal. Probiotics may be a beneficial addition to your routine, as they help replenish healthy vaginal and gut bacteria. Consuming foods rich in probiotics, like yogurt or certain supplements, could help maintain balance. Treatment usually relies on antibiotics, such as metronidazole or clindamycin, prescribed by a doctor once BV is confirmed. While these antibiotics are effective, it’s necessary to complete the entire course even if symptoms resolve before finishing it. If symptoms persist or worsen, or if you experience new symptoms like itching or burning, seeing a healthcare provider for an in-office assessment will be crucial. Prompt diagnosis can help avoid potential complications and ensure effective management of your condition.
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 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
