Hi. I am just joined this group in desperation to find some genuine answers to relieve the symptoms of Atrophic Vaginitus. Im 53 was diagosed with this a year ago, 2 years after my period stopped. The vagifem pessaries prescribed make me really sore so I have stopped using them. I am using nothing at the moment but very sore and very depressed. I seem to be producing an almost toxic smell from down there a bit like amonia, it can be smelt with my clothes on, I work in a busy office and I see peoples faces often grimace or start coughing when around me. I go home and cry often, please can anyone else let me know if they suffer from this and what actually helps. Any suggestions would be really welcome. Thanks.
Hi Hun
poor you ..
you need to get checked first off ..
could be a type of bacterial vaginosis .. flora problem.
i am 13 months post meno ..
i dont take HRT but my Gyno did suggest Ovestin Estriol vaginal Cream for dryness.
or Gynest Estriol Vaginal if in UK ..
Estriol is the most gentle estrogen and it plumps up the vaginal walls that are dry and thinning and delicate and helps alot .
also.. look at an ovule called premeno duo from stressnomore uk
these are a good lubricant rehydration and also dual acting and keep thrush type feelings at bay.
if you have a type of BV you will need anitbiotics ..
also you can do a home remedy douche if preferred.
i will post the info
jay xx
Thanks for the information. I'm finding it hard to cope with, any advice from other female sufferers is a great comfort :-)
This may help
Ammonia Smelling Discharge
Ammonia smelling discharge occurs mainly due to bacterial imbalance in the vaginal region, leading to bacterial vaginosis.
Other factors like concentrated urine, nitrogen-rich diet, excessive sweating, etc. are also seen to spearhead a foul ammonia smell.
The vagina houses various good bacteria that maintain an acidic pH, thereby preventing onset of vaginal infections. However, if the pH balance is disturbed, an infection-prone zone is created.
Sometimes infection sets in along with foul odor.
The foul, ammonia-like smell emanating from vagina can prove to be quite disconcerting for many women.
Embarrassment sets in because they quickly link ammonia smelling discharge to poor personal hygiene.
However, it is important to remember that very rarely is inadequate hygiene level the cause for smelly discharge.
So then what causes the vaginal discharge to smell like ammonia?
Bacterial Vaginosis
Dietary Intake
Menopause
Pregnancy
Excessive Sweating
Washing Panties with Bleach
» Conditions Resulting in Ammonia Smelling Discharge «
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
This is one of the most common infections plaguing the female reproductive system. If your vaginal discharge is watery, white or gray with a fishy smell, you may have contracted bacterial vaginosis. BV can also be accompanied by pain, itching and/or burning.
When Not to Panic
► Vaginal discharge is a natural and essential phenomenon of the body. It's the way of the body to keep the vaginal region healthy and clean.
► Vaginal fluid is nothing but the collection of old cells that previously lined the vagina and which are now sent out of the body.
► Normally the vaginal discharge is clear or milky white, however, its color and viscosity changes with one's monthly menstrual cycle. Moreover, on ovulation the vaginal discharge becomes thicker, so also when a woman is sexually excited, pregnant or breastfeeding. So if the viscosity of your discharge changes, don't get worried.
► The amount of vaginal discharge released varies from one woman to another. So if you feel your body is releasing more vaginal discharge it's completely normal.
► Every woman has a unique vaginal scent. It's something that is natural and is distinctive to each woman. Some studies also say that the natural scent of vaginal discharge is what makes the man feel even more 'turned on' when a woman is the most fertile. So if your discharge has a distinctive mild odor (not foul), it's nothing to be concerned about.
Cause
What exactly causes BV and how is not very clear until now. Nevertheless, it has been observed that occurrence of BV has connection with an imbalance of bacterial concentration in the vaginal region. Normally, a woman's genital area is supplied with a combination of good and bad bacteria, wherein the good outnumber the bad.
These good bacteria are seen to fight off unwanted foreign and potentially dangerous bacteria.
If there is any kind of imbalance in the ratio of good and bad bacteria in the vaginal area, be it too much or too little, the condition of bacterial vaginosis is triggered.
The bad bacteria take over and convert nitrogen into ammonia compounds, thereby causing the foul ammonia odor. BV cannot be caught during sexual intercourse, or from some public toilet or swimming pool. However, it is also observed to occur after a person has had intercourse with a new partner or multiple partners. The reason is unknown.
Prevention and Treatment
Avoiding multiple sex partners, unprotected sex, intrauterine devices (IUD), vaginal douching, smoking and application of vaginal deodorants or perfumed soaps, can help reduce the incidence of BV. However, those that refrain from the mentioned activities are also sometimes seen to be affected by this condition. Most of the time, BV clears off on its own, and when it doesn't antibiotics like metronidazole or clindamycin are available to help treat it. Wearing a pad during the day can help curb the foul odor, until the condition clears. However, for pregnant women the mode of treatment will be different. As the complications (premature delivery, etc.) of this condition increase during pregnancy, one should visit the obstetrician immediately.
Dietary Intake
Did you know the constituents of your diet can also spearhead this foul odor? Well, it's true! One of the causes of ammonia smell down there can also be linked to one's dietary intake of nitrogenous foods. The foul odor is mistaken to be from the vaginal discharge, but actually is from the foul-smelling urine (containing lots of ammonia and urea) that trickles and stains the undergarment.
Cause
Vegetables like broccoli, asparagus and other nitrogen-rich vegetables are seen to be the culprits. The leftover oxalates from the asparagus are seen to cause the fishy odor in the urine. Moreover, food items like meat, eggs and other high protein foods contain large amounts of nitrogen and cause excess ammonia and urea to get excreted in the urine. This results in ammonia-smelling urine. Several food items we consume also have arduous oils that end up being secreted in the sweat.
Prevention and Treatment
To prevent this condition, make sure you eat a healthy and balanced meal, with the right balance of vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, etc. This will strengthen your immune system and arm your body against any infections. Those who suddenly shift to a vegetarian diet, tend to consume large amounts of leafy vegetables which cause ammonia-like smell in the urine. So consume everything in moderation. Moreover, consuming yogurt on a regular basis will also help treat the foul odor.
Menopause
As a woman enters menopause, the body begins to experience change in several ways. During menopause the ovaries quit producing the hormone estrogen and progesterone. Besides the basic menopausal symptoms of hot flashes, mood swings, urinary leakage, etc. ammonia-like odor is also experienced.
Cause
During menopause, women are seen to not take in enough water. This lack of adequate water results in formation of concentrated urine which imparts a highly stronger smell or odor. Oft, women mistake the ammonia smell to come from urine left behind on the panties, to be coming from the vaginal discharge. Bacteria convert the chemicals in the urine into ammonia smelling chemicals. Thus, these altered chemicals on the panties are responsible for the foul odor. Another reason can be a vegetarian diet. Many women shift to a vegetarian diet after they hit menopause. The sudden consumption of excess nitrogen-rich foods can also result in the foul odor. Urinary tract infections can also conduce to foul-smelling odor.
Prevention and Treatment
Women should consume more water during menopause. Moreover, those on a strict vegetarian diet, should consume different vegetables in the right proportion. This will help avoid the unwanted smell. In such cases, no particular treatment is required. By consuming adequate water and the right proportion of vegetables, the smell is bound to go away. However, if the condition persists do not hesitate to consult your obstetrician.
[Back to Index]
Pregnancy
Several women complain of a foul ammonia odor from their discharge at various stages in pregnancy.
Cause
Ammonia-smelling discharge during pregnancy can be caused by either bacterial vaginosis or concentrated urine. Bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy is quite dangerous and can lead to various pregnancy complications like preterm delivery of the baby, low birth weight issues, ectopic pregnancy, birth defects, etc. Another cause for the ammonia smell is leakage of concentrated urine. During pregnancy, the body requires adequate amounts of water intake. If the water consumed is not enough, the urine will turn out to be concentrated. Moreover, the pressure of the growing uterus on the bladder results in urine seepage. When this concentrated urine comes in contact with the underwear, bacteria act on it and a foul odor emanates. Urinary tract infections can also be the reason for this odor.
Prevention and Treatment
During pregnancy, one should ensure one drinks plenty of water and other fluids. Keeping one's body hydrated is the key to keeping the foul smell due to concentrated urine away. Moreover, wearing a panty liner will soak the intermittent leaks and prevent the foul odor. However, make sure you change the liner frequently. In case of bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infections, the obstetrician will prescribe the necessary treatment to get rid of this condition as soon as possible.
Excessive Sweating
If we restricted sweat odor to our armpits and feet, we should understand that sweating down there is also a natural phenomenon.
Cause
The vulva comprises several apocrine or sweat glands and as we all know, where there are sweat glands, there is sweat and unpleasant odor. This is because the body's waste product urea, is also excreted through the sweat. Moreover, the region also contains oil glands which produce oil. The more the oils present in the sweat, the stronger will be the vulvovaginal odor. When this odor combines with the skin bacteria and detergent from washed undergarments, a foul ammonia smell is released. Sometimes consuming a new vitamin pill can also conduce to foul-smelling vaginal odor.
Prevention and Treatment
Wearing a panty liner throughout the day is a good solution. Keep changing the liner frequently and ensure the vaginal region is always clean and dry. Wearing cotton panties is also a better option. Wash the vaginal region with antibacterial soap and try keeping the area as dry as possible. In case of excessive sweating, there exist various pills that can be prescribed. However, the medicine will reduce sweating uniformly, in all sweat glands of the body.
Washing Panties with Bleach
While you thought rinsing your panties in bleach solution was a good idea, turns out it's not. Using bleach while washing one's underwear can impart an ammonia smell.
Cause
The genital area contains sweat glands that produce sweat. When this sweat combines with the bleach in the underwear, it forms an ammonia kind of smell. Often this smell is mistaken to be coming from the vaginal discharge.
Prevention and Treatment
The only way to avoid the foul odor induced by bleaching panties is avoid bleaching them. Try opting for the milder liquid detergents that not only wash the clothing clean, but also leave minimal residue on them.
Sometimes while urinating, some women fail to empty their bladder completely. The presence of this residue urine in the bladder for a long time, results in ammonia generation. When this urine is released, a foul ammonia smell is observed. Then again, some forget to remove their tampon, which results in bacterial growth and again causes foul odor. Some sexually transmitted diseases also cause ammonia smelling urine. Often women mistake the foul smell from the discharge, while it's actually emanating from the urine. If you want to find out for sure, try smelling the discharge alone, without the panty.
I recently bought a pack of vaginal PH home check sticks
they tell you your vaginal PH balance then you know if over the right range that its BV ot thrush etc ..
very handy
jay xx
Theres a home remedy too
its hydrogen peroxide 3% H202 vaginal douche for BV
mix with water ..
where by you use a vaginal douche ..
Need a 35ml syringe or a douche though..
seems a good remedy
hey dont get down, its one of those things and fixable
keep positive
jay xx
Wher did you buy these from please?
What a comprehensive and helpful reply for naturangel
Good luck with advice from this sharing site. Sounds like BV.
hi sus
they are called
EcoCare Comfort Vaginal Vaginosis pH Test Stick - Pack of 15 Tests
amazon uk
or ebay
very good 😃
jay xx
when i had my Gyno check and smear i was told i had BV and thrush
& atrophic vaginosis ( dry vagina) one year post meno ..
i had no idea i had BV ( Cytolytic vaginosis)
i was given Clindamycin antibiotic Vaginal Ovules for three nights ..
followed by thrush treatment for three nights ..
also metronizadole is given either vaginally as gel/cream or orally
always take a probiotic daily and more when using antibiotics
keeps all the good bacteria in order
i take Acidophilus Mega 3 billion daily
dont take with a hot drink as it kills the bacteria
jay xx
I now have a vaginal ring pessary which releases oestrogen daily. I have not been ankle to shareinformation about this with anyone else who has a estriol vaginal ring and think they may be quite new on the market as I was prescribed this by the gynaecologist at the hospital. This forum is great for sharing. Research and then go to the doctors and be positive in what you need. Do get tested for bacterial vaginitis as these require different treatments. I am sad for your problem, however it is great to share ideas.
Thanks will get some
hi sus
are you using estradiol vaginal ring (Estring)
no they are not new ..
how are you finding it ?
i use the Ovestin vaginal cream Estriol .. Estriol is the weaker so called kinder Estrogen ..
Estring is Estradiol
how long have you had it and how are you doing on it
jay xx
4 months and vaginal skin repairing well from VA. Had urine infection and the ring bothered me so I took it out during the treatment for the infection
Hi Sus
is it Estring ?
i live in spain ..😃
thats the stronger estrogen .. just wondering if its better ..
mind you i am soooo sensitive with things in there i dont use the cream much.. have a slight prolapse dropped uterus .. lots of pelvic floor exercises for me.
and it feels odd so i never know if its that causing discomfort or the cream or something else .
incase you wonder what i am on about as different estrogens heres what i mean ..
The three major naturally occurring estrogens in women are
estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3).
Estradiol is the predominant estrogen during reproductive years both in terms of absolute serum levels as well as in terms of estrogenic activity.
During menopause, estrone is the predominant circulating estrogen and during pregnancy estriol is the predominant circulating estrogen in terms of serum levels.
Though estriol is the most plentiful of the three estrogens it is also the weakest, whereas estradiol is the strongest with a potency of approximately 80 times that of estriol.
Thus, estradiol is the most important estrogen in non-pregnant females who are between the menarche and menopause stages of life.
Wow! Thank you Jaynee. There is lots of interesting information there which I will definitely look into and a few symptoms that I can certainly relate to. Glad I joined the page now
Sus
good to hear ..
i know what you mean .. not many mention the Estring on here ..
be nice to hear more about them from others ladies ..
may try one myself yet ..
arent the UTIs and feelings of UTis a nuisance , if its not that its feelings of thrush etc 😩.. cant win..
i had a 10 year natural peri with vits and supplements and now a vagina that feels like the bottom of a budgies cage .. 😢
take care Sus
good to share
jay xx
hi sweetie
more important get it sorted and you will feel tonnes better ..
these things happen so we have to grin and bare it 😩
good luck hun
jay xx
Thank you also Sus. It makes you feel so much better just knowing you are not alone, it is one of those things that is difficult to discuss with friends and family. Glad to hear you are getting sort out, so to speak, also.