BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS?? OR NOT?

Posted , 5 users are following.

I am early 50s. Had hysterectomy inc. removal of both ovaries. Retained cervix. (7 years ago). Now on HRT Livial.

Problem is I get repeated vaginal irritation, discomfort, no discharge as such, but itching externally, dryness I think. But worse of all is the odour, which is noticable through my clothes and very embarrassing. I need to change underwear, panty liners and trousers need washing after one wear.

I have been to doctors, who have twice taken swobs for BV. Both came back normal.

I have tried Replens and something prescribed for BV from the Doctor. Neither worked and one stung internally - horrible. Also had one course of antibiotics as a precaution.

I now buy Balance Activ (pack of single tubes of balancing gel good bacteria - 7 day course), over the counter in Boots, Sainsburies, Tescos - on shelves. Which tells me a lot of us are suffering. Also £8 a pack.

But I can't shake it off. I am uncomfortable every day. The odour is only just about controlled. I now use the Balance Activ as maintenance a couple of times a week!

Why did tests show it wasn't BV? Is there any other known condition? Help anyone?

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Andi, I just wanted to sympathise with you. This is a common problem for us older ladies, whether we've had a hysterectomy or not.

    The only thing that really helps me and some of my friends is the HRT Ortho Gynest or similar cream. I see you are on Livial so I'm not sure if you can insert the cream as well. You could ask your gp.

    I have tried all the over the counter lubricating gels and nothing has helped except the HRT cream. As I really did not want HRT at all I had to give in and try it as life was almost unbearable at times without it.

    I tend to use it for a while, things improve and then I stop for a bit. Back comes the problem and back on the cream I go.I also get a lot of bladder infections, which my gp says is all connected with ageing and thinner skin etc;

    The probiotic is a good idea. One note of caution, have a week of now and again. I and a friend of mine got a big build up of good bacteria to the point where it started to give us problems, My gp suggested 3 weeks on and one week off and things have normalised once again.

    It's just cheesy being a gal isn't it? Men have a much better deal than we have all round.

    Sorry I can't help you more. I hope someone comes along that can offer you some good advice that makes a difference to you. Fanny Jane.

  • Posted

    Hi Fanny Jane, thanks for reply and advice. Might pursue the HRT cream. I have occasionally taken probiotics capsules, not regularly, but always have probio yoghurt each day - doubt there is much in the yoghurt!! Might step it up a bit, with caution as you advised.

    Never thought I would be having these problems, stupid me or what!!! smile. Kind regards Andi.

  • Posted

    Hi Andi, the probiotic yogurt each day is fine. It's the specific good bacteria ones / capsules that can build up in some of us.

    We all hope we don't succumb to all sorts of things and life creeps up on us and...wham.

    Hope things improve soon for you, Fanny Jane.

  • Posted

    I have suffered from BV (bacterial vaginosis) on and off for 4 years now but in the past year it has been constant. I have tried everything from doctors, naturopaths, chinese herbalists, gynecologists, healthy diet, you name it, I’ve tried it.

    I have had numerous amounts of antibiotics in the past to try and get rid of it but it has just kept coming back.

    Having BV for such a long time has made me insecure, stressed and upset.

    I started to think that it would never go away which was a real concern as it can affect you when you are trying to have a baby also.

    So my friend suggested I try Isla Soap Stick. I thought to myself how can this work if nothing else has? I used the Isla Soap Stick product which I bought online for 3 days in a row and I could not believe it!

    My discharge and odour has completely disappeared. I thought I would wait a month and see if it returned but it has completely gone!

    I have been amazed by this product and I cannot thank Isla enough for helping me.

    I cannot rave about this product anymore than I have. I have told everyone I know and everyone wants one due to the sexual benefits also.

    I am sharing my story in the hope that it may assist other ladies who are suffering from this same problem and have tried everything like I had and thought it was something I was going to have to live with. I hope it can help you!

  • Posted

    I noticed that if I use too much clothes detergent I get very irritated skin that gets sore and itchy. Also, the same with soap (I use Ivory plain) and over washing seems to make it more irritated. I use Premarin creme .05 once a week to keep moisture inside. Also, KY jelly moisture sometimes helps when I get dry. I also have to be careful with toilet paper I use and pat the area softly. Hope this helps.

    Best Wishes, Hope

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