WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for August, 1999: Re: vaginal smell after hysterectomy

Re: vaginal smell after hysterectomy

From: D. Ashley Hill, M.D. (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Sun, 15 Aug 1999 19:44:08 -0500 (CDT)

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At Sun, 15 Aug 1999, Andrea wrote: >
>I had a complete hysterectomy at the age of 28, 4 months ago. Since the
>hysterectomy, I have had a foul smelling odor that is really bad. I have always been very self-consious about odor and this is
>really affecting me especially when my fiance' mentions it. I can smell
>it too during and after sex and it has a real strong taste too. At a
>day's end, the odor comes through my under clothes.

Andrea-

This is a fairly textbook description of a common condition called "bacterial vaginosis" (BV for short). This is due to an overgrowth of bacteria that are always present in the vagina, but in small amounts. Since you received antibiotics during your hysterectomy, this may have triggered this overgrowth of "bad" bacteria. BV typically causes a malodorous vaginal discharge that is grey or green, and fairly thin. It can have a very significant odor. In fact, one of the tests that doctors use is the "whiff test" where the diagnosis of BV is suggested if the discharge has a fishy odor. Some of my patients come to me in tears after a coworker or sexual partner told them that they could smell the discharge from many feet away. It may also stain underwear at the end of the day. It is not a sexually transmitted disease, but the odor may intensify dramatically after intercourse.

Thankfully, this is usually easy to treat. A course of oral or vaginal antibiotics usually does the trick, although some patients may need another course of treatment. Please check with your doctor again, as the discharge will probably be present this time, offering the opportunity for diagnosis.

This does not sound like granulation tissue, which usually causes spotting after intercourse or tampon use. This is simply a small area that healed "too well," leading to a spot of red, inflamed tissue. For those interested,it can be treated by cautery with Monsel's solution (the mustard stuff another reader posted about), or silver nitrate (which is black in color).

Best wishes with everything.

-- Ashley Hill David Ashley Hill, M.D. Associate Director Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Florida Hospital Family Practice Residency Orlando, FL http://home.mpinet.net/dahmd

The above is intended for general medical education, and is not for specific medical advice. I apologize, but I am unable to answer personal e-mail due to time constraints.

Next message: Andrea: "Re: vaginal smell after hysterectomy"
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