How do I deal with being bullied at school for having a fishy smell from my vagina?

First, smells from your vagina or genitals are completely normal and may be because your vagina's pH balance changing, dehydration, sweat, sex, and other causes. This can be especially true as a teen. If it is a fishy odor, this may be a sign of bacterial vaginosis, which is super common and simply caused by an imbalance of the healthy bacteria in your vagina. The risk of this infection can be higher if you are having sex. If you have a fishy smell that is bothering you, we recommend you talk to a doctor so they can properly diagnose you and treat whatever is causing the smell. Usually, this means antibiotics, which is a quick treatment over about 10 days!

In the meantime, while there are some ways to minimize the smell, like wearing pads and changing them and being sure to regularly wash your genitals (do not put anything inside your vagina!), only a doctor will be able to make sure it is properly gotten rid of.

Infections are extremely common, and not your fault. To help reduce the risk of infection, you can stay hydrated, wear loose clothes and cotton underwear, do not stay in workout clothes after exercising, shower regularly, and be sure to wipe from front to back after using the toilet.

For the bullying, we understand that this is really hard. You are not alone! And it is not your fault. Still, we recommend talking with a trusted adult or teacher about the bullying. A teacher may be able to help educate other students, or help reduce the bullying at school.

If you have more specific questions, or need help getting connected to a doctor, you can text us at 443-267-7765!