Think I have BV but all tests are negative

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Hi, this will be a long post with my story and my test results -

So I've had vaginal odor and discharge for as long as I can remember (at least since I was about 12 years old - I am 25 now). However, my sex education was minimal so I thought this was normal, although I did always wonder why other girls were so confident spreading their legs and not worrying about the odor escaping, but I didn't worry too much about it. Later, when I was about 17 years old, my aunt, who did my laundry at the time, mentioned to me that she thought my sister had a vaginal infection because of what she saw on her underwear, but my sister and I are the same size and I KNEW I had some stuff on my underwear so I'm pretty sure she was talking about mine. This was the first time I even had an inkling that maybe something was wrong with me, so about a month later, I asked my mom to go see a GYN, but her GYN told her it was unnecessary unless I was sexually active (first example of an incompetent GYN). I wasn't going to admit to my mom that I was sexually active at that age, so I just went on with life as usual.

When I was 22, I was about to get it on with this guy that I really liked, but suddenly got really self-conscious about the odor so I stopped it before things went further. Fed up with this, I finally scheduled an appointment to see a GYN and see what was up. So I go to the doctor and she says I look normal and does the test, but it comes back NEGATIVE.

At first I was relieved, because oh my god nothing is wrong with me! But then a couple of months passed and I got self-conscious again and thought, "No, this CANNOT be normal." So I schedule an appointment again at the same clinic but with a different doctor and she examines me again. She says it looks like I might have a yeast infection and tests me again. This time it comes back negative for yeast, but "intermediate" for BV. She did a PCR test (DNA test) which has a 95% senstivity so it's supposed to be pretty accurate and much better than a simple culture.

These were the results:

Lactobacillus LOG: 7.59 - normal

Gardnerella Vaginalis LOG: 4.64 - detected - normal

Atopobium Vaginae LOG: ❤️.00 - Not detected

Megasphaera LOG: 5.29 - increased

According to the results, everything was normal except for Megasphaera which is considered "increased" if over 4.40. But the diagnosis was: "Sample demonstrates quantitative profile of bacterial species which is not characteristic of bacterial vaginosis, but may represent a transitional state." So my interpretation of this is that I didn't have BV, but it could shift that way if something happened.

I was given oral metronidazole which did absolutely nothing. Literally didn't change my symptoms or anything. I had to leave the state for a year and wasn't able to go to the doctor again, so I learned to deal with it just by making sure not to open my legs near anyone so that they wouldn't smell me, but now suddenly the discharge was bleaching my underwear at the crotch. That had never happened before so now I was more worried.

I went to a different GYN in November of last year and she once again told me that I looked totally normal and tested me for cultures. Once again, NEGATIVE for everything.

I went to a different GYN in January of this year and she did a PCR test again and this time the test results were totally normal!

Lactobacillus: >7.50

Gardnerella: ❤️.00 - not detected

Atopobium: ❤️.00 - not detected

Megasphaera: ❤️.00 - not detected

All this told me was that I always have the necessary lactobacillus and none of the bad bacteria, at least not enough to overthrow the good bacteria which is supposedly what BV is all about!

All the doctors assumed since I had normal test results that my discharge and strong odor meant nothing apparently, so they didn't help me after everything said I was supposedly normal. I took to wearing panty liners everyday since at least that way I wouldn't have to worry about bleaching all my underwear or accidentally opening my legs and subjecting my coworkers to a such a strong odor.

In May, I went back to the third doctor I'd been to and I told her I was still having the same issues. She examines me again and notices that I do look "runny" so she prescribes me oral metronidazole again despite the fact that I told her it didn't do anything the last time. She does a test too and later emails me to tell me the results were once again NEGATIVE. I take the metronidazole anyway, except this time not only did it not do anything, but it made me extremely sick too. I had to take a day off work because it made me so nauseous.

I travel for my job so I constantly have to find new doctors wherever I go, but this was becoming such a problem because I decided to google what BV was, since I never had before, and suddenly I was reading about reduced fertility, miscarriages, PID, susceptibility to HIV/STDs, and it freaked me out. I requested a 2 month extended vacation so I could come back home and go to my mom's GYN because I freaked her out too when I called her, crying that I would never be able to have kids, and she told me to go to her doctor because he was great (this was the same doctor who said I didn't have to go until I was sexually active).

Anyway, he turned out to be a good doctor. I told him about the negative test results and he says to me, "Yeah, BV can sometimes test negative, but you still have all the symptoms of BV so we'll treat it. I won't even take a test since you've had so many and I'll give you the Metrogel since it's more effective." Honestly, I felt relieved. Finally! A doctor who believes what I say!

So I used the metrogel for the 5 days and my symptoms cleared by the 3rd day. I was ecstatic! I also started taking 150 billion CFU of probiotics every day and used boric acid suppositories for 21 days after treatment since I read that it can prevent recurrences. And it was working great except for the excessive watery discharge from the boric acid, but the smell was nearly gone and the light yellow discharge was minimal. But then...like 5 days after ending the boric acid method, all my symptoms came back.

Now here is where I need someone's help because I don't know if I really have BV or if it's something else, or if this is just how I am supposed to be normally. I'll be a bit TMI right here, but if you're reading this then you're probably used to it. I don't have a fishy smell. I can sometimes convince myself that it smells like tuna, but usually the smell I get is either vinegary, or overly sweet. My sister and I had been working out once and I accidentally opened my legs too wide and she remarked that something smelled like rotten bananas. My panties will either smell like that or like ammonia. I have discharge all day long. Like I can be clean for like 3 hours after showering, but then it's like I'm leaking nonstop and my panties will be damp by the end of the day and the smell will linger so bad on my jeans that I can only risk wearing them once before I have to wash them. I have rare itching, like maybe once a week for like 5 seconds.

And something super important: I have pH litmus strips. I tested myself while on metronidazole and on boric acid suppositories and it was around 6-7. Before I started those and now, after treatment and with my symptoms having returned, my pH is between 4.0-5.0. It's hard to tell exactly because of the slight differences between the strip and the color chart, but it's WAY lighter than while I was on boric acid and metronidazole.

So I don't get it. My test results are negative, my pH is technically close to, if not in the healthy vaginal range, and I don't have a fishy odor. What is wrong with me? I'll also mention that I've been tested for all STDs and I am pre-diabetic (though I'm not sure how much this factors into it considering I've had these issues since I was young and I for sure wasn't pre-diabetic then).

I'm getting so frustrated because I'm taking a ton of probiotics, including L. Rhamnosus and L. Reuteri, along with 140 billion CFU of women's probiotics that contain a ton more bacteria. I've inserted fem dophilius into my vagina and that didn't do anything except give me a sour yogurt smell and more watery discharge (from the capsules, I'm guessing). And probiotics are so darn expensive!

I've tried:

a balance complex* - didn't do a darn thing even after taking them for a month

essentials prebiotics* - these mildly helped, but symptoms returned right after finishing them

essentials probiotics* - didn't do anything

Folic acid w/vitamin d and vitamin B - again, nothing

Boric acid suppositories - helped while using them and a little afterward, but not a permanent cure

Salt baths - I saw this on youtube and tried it for like 2 days, but it was so inconvenient and didn't help the slightest

I did take 50 billion CFU probiotics along with a tablespoone mix of Apple cider vinegar, Garlic, and Honey for like 3 days and that reduced the discharge a lot, but I then had a pap smear (normal) and it all came back full force.

I don't know what else to try. Luckily, my doctor gave me 11 refills on the metrogel so I'm going to try that again along with double the amount of probiotics, a few inserted vaginally, and the ACV/Garlic supplement to see if it does anything. I've also read that Vitamin C inserted for 6 days after your period for 6 months can work. But I tried Vitamin C suppositories from the essentials brand and it had me spotting on the second day so I stopped.

Does anyone else have similar symptoms to me? Regular-ish pH, non-fishy odor, negative test results? I'm driving myself crazy constantly researching treatments, clinical studies, and checking how I smell every hour.

I'm sorry that this was so long, but I needed to be as detailed as possible 1)to document this, and 2) to see if anyone else has had this experience.

Any help is appreciated, thank you! And hopefully we can help each other.

2 likes, 75 replies

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  • Posted

    hi I have same problem as you been going back and forth to doctors for 3 months keep doing urine test swab test everything comes back normal. when I first done urine test going back 3 months ago it came back i had chryseobacterium give me antibiotics...so I'm still no further forward I've even asked to go and see a gynecologist but was told there was no reason as I have no infection.

  • Posted

    Im 17 and i have the same problems. ive been to the doctor at least 5 times to get tested for bv and an sti and it always came back negative and that i had the perfect ph balance but i knew something was wrong. i have so much discharge i feel wet (sometimes is watery sometimes it has tiny white clumps and sometimes its creamy), odor even after showering, and now ive been itching to the point my vagina lips are a bit swollen. i just want this to end i know this isnt normal i just need an explanation.

  • Posted

    image

    can someone tell me what this is? i itch all the times i goes away when i have my period then the itching comes back as soon as im done

  • Edited

    same here ! I work at a urologist so we do vag swabs there . I have done two in the past month but are negative. I am dying. I have discharge, pain and urgency to pee. just not comfortable. I always have wet underwear at the end if the day so gross and uncomfortable. I've even have to take them off at work omg so I can function. horrible. its a white discharge with a sweeter smell though. I am using the metronidazole gel now and have a script for Diflucan waiting at the pharmacy. I have tried boric acid too that does help. but this sucks. also I am 28. I want a baby soon. I am on birth control and read it can cause bv . but I wonder if I went off of it if it would help 🤔 but yeah I spirts of bad symptoms. it is the worst feeling ever.

  • Posted

    so here's what I'm recommending , purchase boric life from Amazon. it is a boric acid suppository. I believe the doctor that gave you suppository tablets did not do the treatment long enough, it may have only took care of the asymptomatic symptoms . this information is coming directly from my doctor. I suffered with BV last summer and fall. I use boric acid but only once a day for 7 days . my doctor told me that was incorrect . my doctors exact words were, I love holistic treatments, but they have to be done correctly. You must use twice a day for 14 days you only took care of the asymptomatic symptoms. she then proceeded to prescribe me a antibiotic treatment. which I took along with the boric acid.... finally the infection cleared... also NOT my first time getting bv..

  • Posted

    Hi I've been having a lot of issues as well.. Mine hasn't been as long but its been about 5 / 6 months with many symptoms such as burning while urinating, fishy odor smells, frequent urination, itching etc. i haven't had any actual discharge (i think) so i ruled out a yeast infection. i also got tested twice for a UTI and it came out negative both times, then they did a swab test and it also came out negative. im really concerned because idk what is going on down there or how to properly treat it. I went to a gynecologist a few weeks ago and she did an exam and said everything looked normal, shes prescribing me these pills and cream i hope that they work. this stuff is so frustrating to deal with..

  • Posted

    Hi I've been having a lot of issues as well.. Mine hasn't been as long but its been about 5 / 6 months with many symptoms such as burning while urinating, fishy odor smells, frequent urination, itching etc. i haven't had any actual discharge (i think) so i ruled out a yeast infection. i also got tested twice for a UTI and it came out negative both times, then they did a swab test and it also came out negative. im really concerned because idk what is going on down there or how to properly treat it. I went to a gynecologist a few weeks ago and she did an exam and said everything looked normal, shes prescribing me these pills and cream i hope that they work. this stuff is so frustrating to deal with..

  • Edited

    while i dont have my test results to share. this has been going on for the past several years now. ocassioanlly throughout my 20s id get that fishy odor. would get the metro gel and wa la all gone never to be thought of. now it mever goes away. over the years ive gone theoigh in depth testing and trich, BV, stds, etc etc etc.. amd everythings negative. 4 different OBs with no answers or explanations. im beyond frustrated!! because i feel like its draining liquid from my uterus always making my panties wet! and the smell isnt fishy just an odd overpowering smell.. and when i tell the ob thay and they smell the stick. they say "i dont smell anything" im like your crazy!! but rather im looked at as crazy! i feel dirty and disgusting and im the most cleanliest person. it makes me feel unattractive, not sexy, even if i get in the mood i dont want to because of it. i despise metrogel because its messy. but the pills make me sick! so with no answers, no cure, the gel is the only thing to keep it at bay. and im normal for like a week-ish or so.. but im relieved to know im not the only female having this trouble because i just feel broken in this sense. like why me? whats wrong with me?! so thank you for sharing!

  • Posted

    Hi lily. BV is a very frustrating condition. Medical science don't even know why it even happens. But here's what i can tell you. BV is caused by an overgrowth of bad bacteria that already live in the vagina. I have experienced BV on at least 5 occasions & it's not pleasant. The awful fishy smell & the watery discharge. What you are experiencing is definetely not normal. All women have a natural 'scent' but it's not meant to be offensive. Ask your doctor to perform a 'clue cell' test. This is where they do a swab much higher up in the vaginal wall. BV can definetely come back as 'none found' & i have personal experience with that. Many years ago i kept going back to my doc about the god awful smell & watery discharge & on 2 occasions he just did the normal swab & it kept coming back normal. No way in hell was it normal. On the third visit he did the 'clue cell' test & BAM got it. It was BV all along. Probiotics may help but when it comes to those always remember its not about the amount of bacteria that's in it, it's the amount of 'strains' that are important. The more strains the better. For example, some may only have say 5 strains & that's good but again the more 'strains' the better. Good luck & i hope you get to the cause.

  • Posted

    Hey Lily,

    You write, you are tested for all STDs, may I ask which ones exactly (by name)?

    Any chance you can remember under which circumstances the symptoms started?

    It is possible that for a chronic infection your treatment period was to short. How long did you do treatment?

    Another thing you can consider doing is start eating garlic 1 toe morning 1 toe evening or getting a garlic supplement BUT careful with that if you have issues with low blood pressure or your stomach. (I know, it s another smell, but it is worth the try)

    my advice regarding garlic is based on a clinical trial that showed that it is working in BV : (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4166107/)

    All the best

    M

  • Edited

    Hey girl,

    Wow reading this story I had to pinch myself because it is so similar to my own.

    I have been suffering with BV symptoms since i was 16 and at the age of 21 I went for an STI/BV Test and it all came back negative.

    I went along with my life thinking this is just who I am but I was so self conscious all the time over it.

    Im now 25 and was recently tested again to which the results also came back negative. I did some research and found out about BV pessaries. They are the only thing that works for me. They are taken at night time and they relieve all symptoms of BV but when you stop taking them the symptoms come back.

    I will take these until I find a proper cure but girl I am so happy someone else is going through what I'm going through.

    We got this x

  • Edited

    I was reading this about two weeks ago, you ladies are so sweet and i relate to most of you so much. Im 18 and i've been dealing with a smell as long as i can remember, it really embarrassing and has stopped me from doing lots. When i went to the gyno a month ago i tested negative for everything, sooooo disappointing .After reading this i thought if i ever find something im coming back here to tell y'all what helped me in the hopes it helps anyone who commented or will read in the future. Here is what helped: an herb long used in alternative medicine called FENUGREEK. Showering daily and taking this pill has gotten rid of my pungent smell down there. Best part is not only does it make the smell go away but it gives you a sweet maple syrup smell and some say it even makes you taste sweet lol. Do your own reserch on it... i really help this helps someone, because it helped me.

  • Posted

    I have really similar issues to you! Mine started in 2017 (I was about 25) and like you I move around a lot so I've been from dr to dr doing the same tests for bv, thrush and stds all coming back negative. I'm finally on a waiting list to see a gyno (my app is in September) so fingers crossed they will be able to help more.

    I feel like I've tried everything! Not having baths, not wearing black knickers, washing very carefully, probiotics, boric acid, ect. ect. I was prescribed metronidazole and it worked at first but then came back again after a couple of months.

    Some days its not so bad, but then sometimes I will feel myself leaking and the smell is so awful and strong I'm certain others can smell it too. Sometimes my discharge is like a green/ yellow colour.

    I had what I thought was BV prior to this, but it would normally clear up by itself or with over counter treatment. But this smell is much worse and I've basically had it for 4-5 years now.

  • Edited

    things that have worked are

    dont use just any toilet paper... use unscented none shedding toilet paper, hyperallergenic toilet paper nothing soft or that breaks easy and just pat dry or a bidget (water).

    pads or tampons also no scent and organic and no chemicals as well , actually the reusable cup best option.

    no soaps ! down there with scents or chemicals use only water or go to a natural store and buy unscented fungal clear bar of soaps that are hand made.

    detergent same no scent nothing harsh. use unscented arm and hammer sensitive hyperallergenic, or washing soda or the powder arm and hammer one same no scent. or anything similar

    wash towel often or get a few to change often make sure its also organic if you can cotton, perferably white towels so you can wash them them well and use bleach but make sure to double rinse cycle to wash chemicals off.

    change diet, do the whole 30 eating.

    try to cut out breads grains, sugars, eat more organic, eat veggies, fruits, yogurts with culture, low fat to detox body from inside out, try to cut alcohol and smoking anything harmful for body.

    excercise

    underwear change often also, throw out all old and buy new , do that every few months, use 100 percent cotton, perferably white so you can ckean proprely same as towels, try not to wear to of tight jeans wear breathable clothing.

    kombucha , lemon, vinegar and water, celery, probiotic but also prebiotics go hand on hand.

    that after and along with treatment should help alot

    everything in our daily routine that comes in contact with out vagina or so toxic and we dont even realize it.

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