Vaginal odor/saw this on nutrition board

Okay so here's the deal. I saw this on the nutrition board and jumped on it. Then I thought why not ask my buds over at the BMI over 50 board. For all you newbies out there I'm really sorry if this is a little too personal but it's been 3 yrs now and I'm just ready for someone to tell me they've experienced the same thing. I promise I will be as tactful as possible... I've had this "problem" since being newly pre-op and I'm ready for some answers. It's not a foul odor but my husband says it's a real turn off and as I mentioned on the other board now that I'm smaller turning him off IS NOT what I'm after. I've tried everything I can think of: different food, different fruits, smoothies, cranberry pills I take them daily, just anything I can think of. Someone over on the other board suggested (I know I'll spell this wrong)~~>Acidolphus.  Has anyone else experienced this? I know I had odor pre-op from leaking urine (embarrassing but true) due to the weight but that's not what's going on now. I was thinking it may be due to the amount of vitamins I take. I know my hand smells gross after I've been holding them for a few minutes and well it wasn't much of a stretch for me to think it could have the same effect in the lower regions.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated...and thanks for letting me share such a personal problem with ya'll. Jamie 297 april 06 170 today

I sympathize with you but I'm sort of a newbie and haven't encountered that problem, but as a nurse, I would recommend a trip to the gynecologist.  I also want to commend you for having the courage to post something so personal. You were very tactful. We need to be able to express ourselves on delicate issues and get answers from those who are ahead of us time wise.  When you solve the problem, could you post again so we know what to do if it happens to us??? Thank you.   Jeanine

Hmmm, I don't know.  If its the vitamins maybe you could try other ones.  Acidophilus definitely might help - I used to use an acidophilus pill in that area to clear up yeast infections.  They make lots of different acidophilus supplements so it wouldn't hurt to try.  Hope you find a solution!

Thanks guys for your replies and I will post anything I find out. Jamie

Jamie...Thanks so much for your post on this.  I have the same problem....I have tried everything for it.  Finally just threw up my hands!  OBGYN said everything is fine, your body chemistry is just going thru changes.  I'm going to try the Acidophilus and see if that helps....sure can't hurt!

Hi Jamie, I have not had surgery yet.... so, I can not speak to that end of things. But maybe this could offer some guidance, though, very embarrassing.... I had the same issue about a year ago... tried EVERY product under the sun (spent a lot of money too!!!) ... Finally went to my PCP where she told me it was BV (bacterial vaginosis).... all of a sudden, I was mortified! I (like Jenny) have a super sensitive nose, and am all about good scents... I am also overly self conscience about odor, due to my weight...Honestly,  I pride myself in how good I smell ... Needless to say, this was a big blow to my ego..... She reassured me that it is VERY common...and easily treated....  It is the overgrowth of certain bacteria ... They can easily test for it by taking a swab & looking at it under a microscope.... You can treat it 2 ways, one is a pill that you take for 7 days, and one is a gel inserted vaginally.... I'm going to copy & paste from a website... Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the name of a condition in women where the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted and replaced by an overgrowth of certain bacteria.  It is sometimes accompanied by discharge, odor, pain, itching, or burning. Here's the link to the website: http://www.4woman.gov/faq/stdbv.htm I'm not sure it's the same problem, but if it is -- it is a relatively easy solution. I wish you the best of luck!!! Valerie

I don't know if acidolphus(porbiotic) will help. However, I take one everyday and it has helped regulate my bowel movements and underarm odor(for some reason it changed after surgery) and I don't have as many acne breakout and rashes anymore.

I haven't noticed this problem yet, but like Tricie, my underarm odor got fierce when I went on my pre-op diet, which is basically the same as what I now eat. I tried a ton of different deodorants, and finally saw an article rating them. I had to go to a spray, which mortifies me! I haven't used aerosal sprays for more than 20 years. But I just can't stink like that. -Julie

I will be a year out on the 15th and since the day i had my surgery i have changed body odor wise.  my arm pits require different deoderant since surgery and my "natural smell" down there has changed.  My husband has noticed it too.  i am very self aware and knew this was happening.  i asked my OBGYN if this was a normal thing.  he said just like when you have a baby.  your body has changed and that it might just stay this way.  NOT THE ANSWER I WANTED!  i just look at it as a side effect from surgery.haha  good luck. britt

Thanks Britt for your reply. I like the way you worded that because it says exactly what I've trying to... "natural odor". It's mostly my husband who is offended by it. Let's just say the things he used to like to do he doesn't do anymore and says he misses. Trying to be tactful here and it's extremely difficult...so sorry if this offends anyone. I've been searching in vain for ANYTHING that will bring my "natural odor" back to where it once was. I started taking the acidulphus so we'll see how that works out. Thanks again, Jamie