The discharge with odor has been a daily problem since it began. I have had to wear panty liners every day for 15 years. The color and smell of the discharge changes often, there are several different colors and smells I have experienced: one being the most common 'fishy' smell and the most abnormal one I have had is almost like the smell of ammonia. That one just began within the last few years since I had my tubes tied.
The first few years that I experienced the symptoms I was diagnosed with bacterial infections and yeast infections (even though there was no itching or burning). I was given antibiotics, yeast infection creams, and eventually Diflucan. None of these worked.
I went to a new doctor in 2002 when I moved to a different state. He did an exam and said there were no indications of infection and that he did not see anything that would cause me to have the discharge with odor. He went ahead and gave me antibiotics and advised me to try an over the counter cream for pH balance called Rephresh. Neither of these worked.
I am at a loss and I do not know what to do. I have had several more exams over the years, the most recent being 2 months ago. I just continue to be told that there is nothing visibly wrong with me and that I may just have to deal with this. I do wear cotton underwear and I do not use products that are scented or that contain perfume. I also shower daily and cleanse myself thoroughly.
I have been married for 8 years and my husband is beginning to get frustrated because we cannot be spontaneously intimate. I have to take a break to freshen up. It is so embarrassing and I am so ashamed.
I am ready to figure this out and move on.
If anyone could offer any help I would be so grateful.
Thanks and God bless!
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Chances are it's a hormonal fluctuation that is causing your pH to change. Vaginal discharge is your body's way of keeping your vagina clean by neutralizing bad bacteria with good bacteria, both naturally occurring. Discharge should be clear or close to clear in color. If it is accompanied by an odor, it is because of a fluctuation in pH, generally an overproduction of bad bacteria. Some simple at home remedies may help. Try eating PLAIN yogurt (yes, it can taste gross, add a dash of cinnamon but DO NOT add sugar). Your diet can play a huge role in smells/discharge. I have found that if I eat more leafy greens and fresh fruits and veggies, that my discharge becomes lighter and my smell becomes more neutralized. When I eat higher amounts of sugar (or alcohol), I notice that my body smells/colors change (vaginal, urine, etc). Try to avoid using a tampons to mask the odor. Avoid using scented soaps and sprays down there (there are pH balanced soaps out there). Do not douche. You could try adding some apple cider vinegar or baking soda to your bath water. Both are acidic and likely to help rebalance your vaginal pH. Try drinking pure cranberry juice. Try RePhresh vaginal gel. I did notice that after I was treated for a thyroid condition and after I started birth control pills, that I stopped getting yeast infections. Sometimes, a seemingly unrelated medical condition could be the cause. Pay attention to your body...maybe try keeping a journal and document things in your diet (even stress can impact your pH) and how your body felt/smelled that day...you may be able to see a pattern after a while.
Good luck!
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