this is really embarassing, but...

I'm embarassed to ask, but I need an answer as it's been going on for a few months. I have this musty smell coming from, well, you know. I've read it can be bacterial vaginosis, but I wasn't sure. Would I need to see a doctor about this? It's gotten worse in the past few weeks, especially when it's hot outside. I'm worried other people can smell it, and I don't know what to do. Any advice?

It could be a yeast infection. I think that you should tell your mom. If your that concerned about it take a couple of showers a day.

Feminine deodorant products help, especially during warmer weather. I agree with Jerrymichelle, talk to your mother. Please don't try over the counter yeast infection products without consulting with someone who can tell you if have an yeast infection or not. Know from experience, my teenage niece tried one because she thought she had a yeast infection. She called me at midnight because she couldn't wake up her mom (my sister is a very sound sleeper) telling me it was burning down there. After a very long soak in the tub and a dose of benadryl she was okay. My sister took her to the doctor who prescribed her a med to take. I forget what she had but it wasn't a yeast infection. But seriously, try the deodorant products first especially if you aren't itching. Itching is just one sign of a yeast infection. Sorry so long of reply, just familiar with this and teenagers.

Thanks Michele and Faylowell I was thinking of buying one of those test kits, the ones that determine what kind of infection a person has. I've been to an ob-gyn a couple times since I was 11, it embarasses the crap out of me lol. I know it's necessary to go in a few years though.

Hi Indie, I think you've gotten some good advice thus far. I just wanted to mention a couple of things:

If you had bacterial vaginosis, the smell probably wouldn't be "musty" as you describe it. I had this embarrassing infection years ago and to be blunt, it smells like you're walking around with a fish in your underwear. Sorry, but there it is. It's a very strong, unpleasant odor and there is usually thin, watery discharge. At least there was in my case. I had to take an antibiotic for two weeks until it went away.

With yeast infections the itching and burning is wretched and you have excessive discharge - do you have any of these symptoms? If not, I doubt it's a yeast infection.

It might gross you out but in hot weather a lot of women sweat "down there". I doubt it's an infection. Like everyone else said, talk to your mom beforehand, but it sounds like a feminine deodorant product is all you need. Good luck!

Seeing your doctor in person is really the only way you will know for sure if this an infection that can cured with medicine or your natural scent.... please make an apt.

NOoooooo whatever you do, don't wash more or use feminine douches or deodorants! That's what actually causes the BV in the first place.

Do yourself a favour and Google it. It is NOT a STI but the most common vaginal complaint out there. It is caused by an imbalance of PH in the vagina which to be healthy needs to be on the acidic side of the scale. Soaps and perfumes are alkaline, hence douches and products making things worse.

There are a few over the counter products available to help you treat this very common problem, one in the UK is a gel that you apply to restore the acid balance and halting the symptoms ( which are very VERY annoying, trust me, I know).

Some docs recommend Antibiotics which do work but only in the short term as AB use causes ph balances in themselves in the gut, and you end up cycling round again.

Please do not wash with soaps or use deodorants.. please!

Basic washing of the body is considered the best defense against smelly body odor... even in those ever so delicate places (no extra products needed).

I agree with the last 2 posts and just do your basic washing with a MILD soap that's not too strong. I also recommend wearing a cotton crotch underwear and don't wear any underwear when you sleep for the next few days. Also I HIGHLY recommend eating yogurt daily - this will restore the natural freindly bacteria and fight yeast problems. If you don't like yogurt then you can buy probiotic capsules in the vitamin isle. If you don't improve in a couple days then for sure go visit your doctor. You may need a prescription cream.

You don't want to cover up the smell with feminine hygiene products. Mild soap is all you need. I would even recommend drying yourself a little with a blow dryer. Hope it goes away.

Thanks everybody I've never been able to use scented soaps, though, because it's easily given me an infection ever since I was little. But everything else I will try and see if it works

Not that my opinion matters, but I still think that you should tell your mom. Your mom has been threw all this, and after all she is a woman. Hugs to you Indie.

Hey... of course your opinion matters. I agree you should ask your mom, she could certainly advise you. I have 2 girls 7 and 11 and they know they can talk about anything under the sun - nothing is off topic. GL

Okay, I'm one of the earlier posters who suggested a feminine deodorant product, and I just want to throw something in since a lot of other posters have been talking about how these can cause an infection.

First off, I think you should talk to your mom before you do anything. If you end up seeing a doctor or buying a kit and are able to determine that you do NOT have an infection, and this is just your normal odor, but it still bothers you especially in hot weather, then yes, mild soap and water, and wearing cotton underwear, are some good ways you can keep it from continuing to be an issue. That was a bit of a run-on sentence. Sorry.

Now, I must defend my suggestion... yes, you probably COULD get an infection from these products - if you use them on the INSIDE of your vagina. Feminine deodorant sprays and washes are made for your external area ONLY. I have used these products and have never had a problem because I used them properly.

I'm not at all trying to discount the advice the others have given, but these products will not hurt you as long as you follow the directions.

hi! It sounds embarrassing at first. Just remember to talk to someone female. They probably have gone through it before. If you can't talk to mom try talking to aunt or cousin or a female doctor.