Boyfriend complains about my smell
Dear Dr Mitchell,
I am 20 years old and in my first relationship. I am almost certain that my boyfriend has no other partners, and neither do I. The problem is that he says that I smell ‘funny’ down there, certainly ‘worse’ than the other women he has been with. I have no symptoms of any infections, but I went to the doctor anyway and he said I was OK. What could be the cause of my smell? I must say that I have always smelled this way, and until my boyfriend raised the concern, I had never thought that there was anything wrong with me. He just says that I smell ‘funny’, and most times refuses to get intimate with me.
The odour from the vagina that your partner complains of might be due to bacterial vaginosis. This is a common bacterial infection that causes a fishy odour from the vagina. It is also associated with a greyish white frothy discharge and burning or itching in the vagina in some women. In a significant number of women there is only a fishy odour and no significant discharge. This is a condition that tends to recur if you use tampons, condoms, scented panty shields and body washes. Vaginal douching also increases the risk of recurrent bacterial vaginosis.
This can be treated by using metronidazole, tinidazole or clindamycin. This may be in the form of tablets by mouth, vaginal pessaries or gels. Your partner should also be treated, especially in recurrent cases. Men can have the infection, show no signs of it, and pass it on.
If the problem persists, you should get a vaginal swab done to see if there is a more significant infection that is causing the problem. Trichomonas vaginalis also causes a fishy odour, and this is definitely sexually transmitted. It is also important for you to get a screening test for major sexually transmitted infections including Human Immuno Deficiency Virus (HIV) and syphilis. Your partner should also be tested since he has had several other partners.
It is important to start doing your Pap smears once you have reached the age of 21. You should also get the vaccine to protect you against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and cervical cancer. This is available in three doses given over six months. Consult your doctor who will advise you further. Best wishes.
Dr Sharmaine Mitchell is an obstetrician and gynaecologist. Send questions via e-mail to allwoman@jamaicaobserver.com; write to All Woman, 40-42 1/2 Beechwood Ave, Kingston 5; or fax to 968-2025. All responses are published. Dr Mitchell cannot provide personal responses.DISCLAIMER:The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and must not be relied upon as an alternative to medical advice or treatment from your own doctor.
Dr Sharmaine Mitchell is an obstetrician and gynaecologist. Send questions via e-mail to allwoman@jamaicaobserver.com; write to All Woman, 40-42 1/2 Beechwood Ave, Kingston 5; or fax to 968-2025. All responses are published. Dr Mitchell cannot provide personal responses.
DISCLAIMER:
The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and must not be relied upon as an alternative to medical advice or treatment from your own doctor.
