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Birth control pills and odor

Posted , 4 users are following.

amelia13409
amelia13409

i've been suffering with symptoms of BV for over 10 years. However, whenever I am tested for it, it comes back negative. My main symptom is the awful fishy smell. (sometimes really bad, other times mild). I have been given metronidazole in the past which has cleared things for a few weeks. I do everything they say to do -

wipe front to back (who doesn't?)

use only water to wash

I stopped wearing underwear

I have tried nearly everything, including over the counter gels and probiotics, which work but only temporarily.

My question is, recently I had more tests and so far, clear for BV, Thrush, Trich and smear was fine. The doctor said that it's possible my contraceptive is causing it. I take the mini-pill and have done for 6-7 years. I suffered with this before I started the pill, however I was doing things wrong back then. (Using scented shower gels to wash, wearing thick underwear etc). I'm wondering if anyone else has had this experience and it was caused by birth control? I really want to stop taking it, but if it doesn't work I'm going to be even more depressed. Anyone?

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • nicole32635
    nicole32635 amelia13409

    Posted

    hi amelia! im in the same boat as you and jm starting to think its the bc too

    • amelia13409
      amelia13409 nicole32635

      Posted

      hi nicole, have you been diagnosed with BV ? I've never been diagnosed. which birth control do you take?

  • kerry00710
    kerry00710 amelia13409

    Posted

    i stopped my birth control and its been ok for 3 months and now the smell is back i literally give up!

    • amelia13409
      amelia13409 kerry00710

      Posted

      hi kerry,

      the smell also returned with me but it was a lot milder. I have started taking probiotics again, orally this time, and this seems to be stopping the smell. I am about 3 days in, taking 2 capsules a day

    • kerry00710
      kerry00710 amelia13409

      Posted

      thankyou seemed to come back week after my period then stopped again which probiotics do you take?xx

  • eve75224
    eve75224 amelia13409

    Posted

    Birth control pills can change the pH balance of your vagina and make you more prone to Bacterial Vaginosis. So, it is important to treat your BV and maintain your vaginal health. If you are prone to BV while taking birth control, it is likely this will improve after you have been on it for a while when your body has had a chance to adjust to the hormones. There are some ways you can try and prevent the infection:

    • Consume More Probiotics

    • Wear Cotton Underwear

    • Don’t use Scented Feminine Hygiene Products And Soaps

    • Do not Douche

    • Sleep More

    • Eat A Healthy Diet

    If you continue to suffer from BV while on birth control pills, you can also consider switching to a birth control that doesn’t contain estrogen. Some estrogen-free options include:

    • Progestin-Only “Mini” Pills

    • Mirena or Sykla IUD (Progestin Only)

    • Paragard IUD (Completely hormone free)

    • Nexplanon Implant (Progestin Only)

  • kerry00710
    kerry00710 amelia13409

    Posted

    i went to gp and asked if she could do a swab test they said with the new guidelines swab tests are not accurate so they will only prescribe antibiotics now if you have symptoms!xx

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