DrupalWomenQ-#9239

I’m 56 and have a great sex life with my bf. Lately I’ve noticed an embarrassing fishy odor from my vaginal area, especially when I’m aroused. I have excellent hygiene and don’t have any itching, discomfort, or unusual discharge. Is this a side effect of menopause? Should I douche? Suggestions?

0 Answers

  1. jc wrote on :

    i just had the same problem and the same diagnosis for the first time in my life, although I’ve always been prone to yeast infections. i also eat a lot of Greek yogurt. I have no sexual partner and none of the risk factors I found online. Are diminishing estrogen levels thought to be a cause? Could shifting sugar levels also be a factor? I’m deliberately limiting my wine intake for health reasons to minimal-to-next-to-nothing and am fighting (sometimes succumbing to) sugar cravings.

    Reply
    • jc wrote on :

      ps. because I do drink a bit, my doctor prescribed Clindamycin suppositories (one for 3 nights in a row), since alcohol is prohibited on the other treatment drugs.

      Reply
  2. Lorraine53 wrote on :

    Dear Meadow57, Suggestion: I would follow up with my doctor to make sure everything is A-ok.!

    Reply
    • meadow57 wrote on :

      Thank you Gracey and Lorraine. I actually started drinking (store-bought) Kefir this week to help boost my healthy-bacteria, because I finally saw my OB/GYN on Friday. I DO have “BV”, and she gave me a prescription for Flagyl which I began yesterday. The symptoms disappeared almost immediately and I hope this will be the (first and) last bout I have of it. Thanks for the info and suggestions everyone !!

      Reply
  3. nilhas wrote on :

    Hi meadow57,

    This is a problem that I come across often with my menopause patients. Much of the time it is due to dysbiosis in the gut, which means the bad germs are edging out the good germs. A bacterial imbalance can create many health issues and needs to be addressed. A good probiotic and dietary changes can be helpful in the long run. I always like to take a natural approach first so that you are getting to the root of the problem. Find yourself a specialist who deals with women’s issues, naturally. She or he will take a full history and take it from there. Changes in the estrogen/progesterone balance is another culprit but you still have to look at the gut, there’s a reason for the imbalance. Good luck!

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    • meadow57 wrote on :

      After reviewing the advice above and researching on my own, I am fairly certain that I have bacterial vaginitis. I’m surprised to learn that it’s quite common, and dismayed to learn that it can be very difficult to eradicate completely. I have an appointment with my doctor in a couple of weeks, and until then I’m going to try a number of natural remedies. I take a probiotic capsule almost every day and eat lots of Greek yogurt, so I don’t think an imbalance is to blame. I’m wondering if any other readers have had success with any homeopathic remedies.

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    • Gracey wrote on :

      While commercial yogurt will give you a small amount of bacteria fermenting milk at home by making kefir will give you a greater quantity of bacteria and many different strains. The more fermented food you have in your diet the healthier your gut will be and the less likely it will be for you to have recurring infections.

      Reply
  4. nidradeb wrote on :

    Hi Meadow57,
    Yay for you for having an active sex life! I too become active in the last year and the same happened to me. As Dr. Ginger says, have it checked out. Mine was bacterial vaginosis. And it just comes from us being active with our partner. Make sure you both pay good attention to hygiene. If you are prescribed the antibiotic gel, realize that you will likely get a yeast infection too as all the good bacteria in your gut is wiped out. I have managed to eliminate mine with mild douches with 20-30% hydrogen peroxide mixed with water and upping my probiotic supplement intake.

    Bottom line: do have it checked out. If it’s bacterial, make your own decision on medical vs. homeopathic treatment. Good luck!

    Reply
  5. Coach Christine wrote on :

    Hello meadow57,
    Thanks for posting this great question and for also letting other Fab Fifty women know how being 50 can still include a great sex life.

    I agree with Dr. Ginger’s advice to discuss this with your health care provider. Usually when you’re careful about your hygiene an unusual order could definitely indicate a medical issue. And if you and your bf aren’t using a condom mention be sure to mention this to your health care provider as well. Because if it is an infection he could have caught it and would also need treatment.

    Please let us know what you find out.

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    • meadow57 wrote on :

      Thanks so much for your response. I will call my MD !!

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  6. DrGinger wrote on :

    Hi, meadow57. It’s wonderful to hear about a Fab Fifty who is having a great sex life! Way to go! As for the odor, see your healthcare provider. Usually, it’s not recommended to douche, as the vagina doesn’t need internal cleaning. The odor should be checked out, though, as it could be an infection. You have a great thing going, so get rid of that pesky problem!

    Reply
    • meadow57 wrote on :

      Thank you for your response. I will call my MD !!

      Reply
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