Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Lately, I have noticed a distinct feminine odor "down there" each day before I shower in the morning. It smells exactly like a women's crotch. I wear unscented mini-pads in my panties. I am wondering if this odor is normal and will it get stronger such that I have to use some deodorant there. I'd ask my SO but we are not sharing this kind of thing anymore. Also, if we ever got intimate again, it would be a huge surprise to her to smell me as I am now. I'm not complaining, I like the odor as I identify as a lesbian but I want to treat the situation properly. I certainly don't want dogs following me as I walk down the street!

How is this normally dealt with?

Maggie

I've found that was the case with me as well, Maggie. I don't know if it's usual, but it's usual for me.

Nichole

Welcome to womanhood, hon!

Since you've been on hormones for a while, your body is feminizing.  You are probably starting to secrete female pheromones and your sweat is also changing to be more feminine.

I noticed that I developed that as well.  Usually daily cleaning is sufficient, but if you excercise a lot or are particulary sweaty, you may want to use baby powder or a medicated talc like Gold Bond as well.  There used to be a product call FDS which was supposed to help control odors as well, but I thought it was just baby powder in a spray.  In any case don't use anything harsh like antibacterial soap.  It will irritate your skin and just make it worse.

If you find you have a lot more canine friends then you may want to take some more aggressive action.   :laugh: :laugh:

Also remember that as your body feminizes your sense of smell will become much more acute.  That could be why you are starting to notice it as well.

-Sandy

Sandy,
Yes, Ive been on hormones for some years but I always used a cream or gel and applied some of it "down there". I suspect that the cream or alcohol in the gel acted as an antibiotic.  I switched to Estrace dissolved under the tongue about two months ago and there has been new growth up top again including this new problem. My sense of smell is very acute as you mentioned. I'm almost "nasty nice clean" in my house. All those years when my SO was saying "Can't you smell that?" are now making sense. Now, I say that to her. She is post menopausal so I'm the one with the raging hormones. What a stitch!

Maggie

I dunno.  I find these sort of topics too personal & insulting to women in general.  I'm still pre operative but I dont smell anything.  My perspective is that if something smells, do something to fix it, wash it, douche it or something like it.  Don't be bragging about it on some forum.  Nothing good's gonna come out from any forum.  maybe giggles and mockery but nothing good. Talk to your endo & find things you can do to prevent it from happening again.

Jeanette,
Where else am I to ask this question? I said that I couldn't ask my SO and I'm not a going to go to my doctor about it because it is not a medical issue. Isn't this a forum for discussing problems associated with hormone therapy? Of course, I wash and it isn't a problem most of the time. Women have feminine odors and they clearly discuss how to handle these things between themselves. AM I not supposed to ask others on HRT if they have this issue? Bragging. You have got to be kidding! Are we in some kind of competition here? If so, then I'm not interested. I left  maleness to get away from that stuff. Talk about insulted!  I ask a personal question on a forum dedicated to the ONLY place where transwomen can compare notes and I am accused of being inappropriate. Giggles and mockery! Do you think I was out for that? You make it sound like I said "Fart" in church.

And IF you read the responses, you would see that others say it is normal and won't GO AWAY.

Sorry for the rant but if we start dissing people who ask pertinent questions, this forum is worthless. It already has a reputation among some that the folks here are pretty rough sometimes. I will say that in the other forums that I have participated in, I have never had as many negative comments as I have had here.There are some wonderful people here which is why I keep coming back but this kind of totally response really ticks me off.

The smell change was, for me, the most unexpected result of HRT.  It's a pretty radical change, yet it seems lists regarding the changes after hormones fail to mention it.  It was really strong for me at first, though I'm not certain whether it ever actually lessened or I just became desensitized to it.  Funny, now that you mention it; I noticed it big time when I first started HRT, which was sublingual estradiol.  I switched to injections nearly a year ago now, and I haven't noticed it so much.  Hmm.

Lia

Born Female -- so I know what smell she's talking about. Yes, sometimes you do smell down there. It's fine to wonder what's going on down there, and yes we all come here for support so I'm going to try to be as helpful as possible.

Unfortunately, the only time I have those types of smells is during that time of the month... And a good washing usually makes it go away. My mom, on the other hand, has that down under smell month round. So there are creams and things you can use to help make it go away... I wouldn't suggest cover ups, rather I'd suggest some kind of cream that will get to the root of the problem and eliminate the odor all together. What Kassandra said sounds correct. I don't have any personal experience from it, but I can tell you what my mother uses if that helps. Try Vagisil, or just begin researching various creams to see if any of them will eradicate the problem without antibiotics.

Hope I was useful! Sorry I don't know more.

Just one caveat:  Be careful with douches and the like.  Most doctors recommend staying away from them, because they upset natural PH balance and in the long run can make matters worse.

Quote from: genovais on July 04, 2008, 11:56:49 AM
The smell change was, for me, the most unexpected result of HRT.  It's a pretty radical change, yet it seems lists regarding the changes after hormones fail to mention it.  It was really strong for me at first, though I'm not certain whether it ever actually lessened or I just became desensitized to it.  Funny, now that you mention it; I noticed it big time when I first started HRT, which was sublingual estradiol.  I switched to injections nearly a year ago now, and I haven't noticed it so much.  Hmm.

Lia

I noticed the same thing; when I started on HRT I was using the patch and the scent was quite noticeable, but when I switched to injections, the scent became much more subtle.

Well general 'body odor' changes with hormones. Mine changed as a teenager. It isn't very noticeable but I know animals perceived me as female even then, horses and dogs in particular.

After surgery, 'personal odor' has a lot to do with cleanliness though it will be a lot stronger while you are healing. There is a certain family of bacteria that live in the vagina and labia that actually help keep you healthy and will cause a slight "fishy" odor. Just keep yourself clean (externally) with mild soap and frequent washing. If the odor is unusually strong, a mild vinegar and water douche is usually the best. If that doesn't clear it up, see your gynecologist since odor can indicate other problems.

I don't feel the question is too personal or insulting in the slightest. :) It's fun to bond about all the icky stuff that happens to us, IMO, instead of pretending it doesn't exist. :D ;)

[I'm born female, too, so here's my two cents.]

As long as you're not itching or feeling pain down there, the smell is normal and you shouldn't be overly bothered. [If you are itching or feeling pain, however, it could be a yeast infection.] It shouldn't ever be so strong that anyone [other than you] can smell it from a couple of feet away, so I wouldn't worry about dogs following you, it's not like that. ;D

A simple washing every day should be enough.  If where you live is warm, or you sweat a lot, you also may want to stop wearing the pads when you go to sleep, as they actually make the cloth of the panties less 'breathable.'  Cotton panties are best, they'll air everything out and perhaps help with the smell. :)

The scent is much much sweeter, I'd call it sickly sweet
but it takes more time to be noticeable unless
you exercise a lot and don't shower.
Its the most noticeable when going to pee,
I feel like I'm peeing sugar since it smells so sweet
(but I'm not diabetic, my blood sugar is AOK).

The male odor goes from OK to horrible in a few hours
without a shower, not so with the female odor unless
you've sweated a boatload (say done aerobics).

This topic was posted before LoL, a few years ago by Melissa actualy...  Interesting how things come and go in cycles around here...

I think I remember that post LynnER

The change in body odor was one of the first things I noticed after starting HRT. I went from needing
deodorant sometimes twice a day to not needing it at all after the first month or so, although I still wear
it I switched to a lightly scented womans brand.

Amanda

I too have notice a change in body odor.  I have always have a strong odor before HRT.  But now it is sweeter some how, and I am now use Lady Speed Stick instead of the old Mens Speed Stick.  It has a better scent to match my persona.

As for the animals,  I run into alot of dogs in my business, and customers are always telling me that they usually don't like men, there must be something about you.  When I am with Mark, he just smiles and shakes his head.  I just tell them that dogs just like me.

And I'm sorry Jeannette, but I agree. Where else but here can we ask personal questions to get answers.  Natal girls talk amongst themselves.

Janet

Quote from: Tasha Elizabeth on July 04, 2008, 07:44:37 PMhow did you know that?

I worked a lot with horses back then and anyone who works with stallions can tell you that they most certainly DO behave differently for a female trainer than a male trainer.

In years of raising and showing dogs one also comes to see the ways dogs behave differently for a male handler v.s. a female handler.

It's a natural part of womanhood - how can that be that icky?

I noticed the change in scent early on, but wasn't really surprised since scent is chemical in nature and hormones are part of the body's chemistry. But what was really great was not getting that BO reek at the end of the day. Hmm, maybe that's why after my first few days on spiro I had such a definite clean-all-over feeling.

o wow, interesting!

hope everything gets better!!

Oh it's just something that comes with the territory, not anything that "gets better". :) All that's needed is good hygiene. Believe me, it's less strong a smell and much less unpleasant than pre-transition!

As a guy who has to deal with a lot of feminine odor, I've got to say the best cure is washing every day down there. Like, specifically. I was shy to scrub because I don't like that part of my body, but scrubbing helps fight that odor. Also, most people won't notice. We are more aware of ourselves than others are of us. But it would still be good to fight it off. I don't think it could ever completely go away.

My major concern at the moment is if I start T, will things dry up down there? Will I have to treat it or douche or something? I'm a little worried... I'll start T long before I have any surgeries... >_>;

well, if you like it, then it's not an odor, it's an aroma.

these things can vary quite a bit between individuals.

i think my scent has gone from being a somewhat pleasant boy smell to a downright funky girl smell, now that i'm on HRT. but, i think if i take a shower every morning, i don't really have to worry much.

i have known some attractive women who always used scented panty liners, and i was always disgusted by the smell. i honestly think i would have preferred the funky girl smell, instead.

try showering in the morning, and please forget about those nasty scented panty liners. (trust me, everybody knows what they're smelling when you wear them).

-Ell

Quote from: ell on July 13, 2008, 11:31:08 PM
i think my scent has gone from being a somewhat pleasant boy smell to a downright funky girl smell, now that i'm on HRT. but, i think if i take a shower every morning, i don't really have to worry much.

*chuckle* I think you have an absolutely wonderful smell, especially early in the morning when you are warm and drowsy from sleep.  :angel:

I also noticed a stromg feminine smell down there after being on hrt. I also noticed that I no longer had strong male body odor under my arms. I also started using a womens deodorant.

As far as this post gors I think it is perfectly fine, I mean if we can't ask our questions here where we are supported then where can we ask them.

Hugz to all,
Ariana

Yea, I noticed that kind of fishy odder down there at about six months into hrt, washing down there once a day appears to fix that problem for me.  Well good night kids, Ell and Lisbeff too.

Cindy

Hi all,

I'm curious, I am pre-op mtf and have been in HRT for approx six months. I have noticed a change in the smell of my pee. Anyway that's not the curious bit, are you ladies talking about a smell down below after SRS?

hugs

Nigella

I mentioned it and I am pre-op. It is more noticeable when it gets warm. We are in our cold summer period here now so it is not that much of an issue lately.

Maggie

Very interesting topic, something I think benefits the community and is not "insulting to women." I think if there's something that changes with our bodies then we should be able to have a place to share our thoughts or concerns about it. As long as everyone is mature about it, I don't see why it can't be a productive conversation.

Anyways, I've been on hormones for about 8 months now and have definitely noticed a change in the smell of my body odor. Like others have said, it used to be a strong, pungent smell. Now it's taken on a sort of sweet, aroma-like odor. I haven't noticed any smell from down below though. Good to know what to expect if it does happen though.

hmm. i've become quite accustomed to my own 'odor'. hope this doesn't work both ways. don't want to lose it on HRT.

Cool,

Thanks Maggie and I will know now if it occurs but nothing like it so far. Body smell in general has changed as as been said by others. Glad you posted about it. Hope your situation gets better some how.

I'm just glad I don't have a nose like a canine, god we must be smelly to them, lol.

hugs

Nigella

Quote from: Nero on August 07, 2008, 07:43:23 PM
hmm. i've become quite accustomed to my own 'odor'. hope this doesn't work both ways. don't want to lose it on HRT.

oh, i think it will. T is very strong, and will change you.

Quote from: Lisbeff's Elf on August 08, 2008, 01:15:44 PM

Quote from: Nero on August 07, 2008, 07:43:23 PM
hmm. i've become quite accustomed to my own 'odor'. hope this doesn't work both ways. don't want to lose it on HRT.

oh, i think it will. T is very strong, and will change you.

NOOOOOO!  :'(

I sorta didn't want to lose my male odour because i thought it was a good one or something
bit mad really, its different now, but just as nice smelling.

i think i know what you mean, and it smells pretty bad. my mom wears a nigthgown to bed, and when she wakes up in the morning, she has a bad smell to her.

Really I wouldn;t mind getting something besides the odor down stairs.  Though everywhere else I don't have that strong of a smell I don't think.  People don;t seem to notice if for some reason I end up without a shower for a week lol 

But yeh thats one of them things I know will probably change.  My friend met at a convention will be able throw back my odd comment I said without thinking *you smell like a Klingon*  LOL  (Just an idea of how awkward my lack of social etiquette can be lol)

Quote from: Aiden on August 16, 2008, 03:01:04 PM
I said without thinking *you smell like a Klingon*

Ha ha.
ha ha ha.
ha ha.
ha ha ha.
*chuckle*
oh my.
*chuckle*

Quote from: Ellie's Lisbeff on August 17, 2008, 07:08:53 PM

Quote from: Aiden on August 16, 2008, 03:01:04 PM
I said without thinking *you smell like a Klingon*

Bashir: I rather like the way you [Worf] smell.
O'Brien: Yeah. Sort of an earthy, peaty aroma.
Bashir: With a touch of lilac.

Worf was a different kind of Klingon. 

Hi Aiden, is there a shortage of water or something down your way? Well anyway you can a always tell by the cloud of flies around your arm pits when you need your weekly bath. In that case then all you need to do is eat lots of beans then tooting alot should pretty well cover up the body odors. "Hee, hee, hee." Just joshing, couldn't resist such an invitation.

Cindy

Quote from: Aiden on August 17, 2008, 07:27:53 PM

Quote from: Ellie's Lisbeff on August 17, 2008, 07:08:53 PM

Quote from: Aiden on August 16, 2008, 03:01:04 PM
I said without thinking *you smell like a Klingon*

Bashir: I rather like the way you [Worf] smell.
O'Brien: Yeah. Sort of an earthy, peaty aroma.
Bashir: With a touch of lilac.

Worf was a different kind of Klingon. 

Its the Kling on's that cause the smell, lol. Sorry couldn't resist, the old one's are the best

hugs

Nigella

lol

Could we get back on topic?  If you want to discuss Star Trek issues, please start a new thread, thanks!

tink :icon_chick:

was just a few jokes.  sorry

Hi Nero Just wanted to congratulate you on the two days sober, keep up the good work, I guess by the time you read this post you will probably be well on your way to 3 days.

I will send a prayer for your continued healing.

Cindy

hrt does change the way you smell (E and T do that). It's just the way it is. :P Apparently my HRT makes me smell good, because people say that when I have nothing on. LOL

Quote from: gothique11 on August 20, 2008, 02:42:35 AM
hrt does change the way you smell (E and T do that). It's just the way it is. :P Apparently my HRT makes me smell good, because people say that when I have nothing on. LOL

Are you sure it's not the nudity makes them say that, Natalie? >:D

Nichole

After a year on HRT I noticed a difference in body scent, certainly different then the usual male scent. But after this many years on H, I can't say if I can still smell the difference anymore, maybe we just get used to our body scent. Well maybe old bats don't have a scent.

Cindy

Quote from: Maggie Kay on July 04, 2008, 10:46:49 AM
Jeanette,
Where else am I to ask this question? I said that I couldn't ask my SO and I'm not a going to go to my doctor about it because it is not a medical issue. Isn't this a forum for discussing problems associated with hormone therapy? Of course, I wash and it isn't a problem most of the time. Women have feminine odors and they clearly discuss how to handle these things between themselves. AM I not supposed to ask others on HRT if they have this issue? Bragging. You have got to be kidding! Are we in some kind of competition here? If so, then I'm not interested. I left  maleness to get away from that stuff. Talk about insulted!  I ask a personal question on a forum dedicated to the ONLY place where transwomen can compare notes and I am accused of being inappropriate. Giggles and mockery! Do you think I was out for that? You make it sound like I said "Fart" in church.

And IF you read the responses, you would see that others say it is normal and won't GO AWAY.

Sorry for the rant but if we start dissing people who ask pertinent questions, this forum is worthless. It already has a reputation among some that the folks here are pretty rough sometimes. I will say that in the other forums that I have participated in, I have never had as many negative comments as I have had here.There are some wonderful people here which is why I keep coming back but this kind of totally response really ticks me off.

I think this sort of reaction comes with being farther along in transition than others.  I've had more than one incident where mentioning my progress has resulted in a spirited response.  A picture of me with facial hair in another forum (without posting any mention of it) made someone feel justified in writing me a message stating that i was flaunting it just to make him feel badly. 

The smell happens.  Others typically don't notice, unless it's straight up low tide.  If that's the case, see the doctor.  But don't douche- it can mess up your pH balance.  The pads probably aren't necessarily, and don't forget to air it out every once and a while.  :D

the way i describe it is a sicky sweet smell... :)

Interesting this thread popped up. I have noticed that womanly smell down there myself. Even almost right after showering. I currently use the male's restroom at work and was wondering if perhaps they could smell it as well. Right after showering I blast it with perfume but as soon as I get to work there it is. And it is very strong (at least to my nostrils).

They almost certainly can't smell you, or at least not consciously. They're much more likely to smell your perfume, especially if you "blast" it. Assuming you keep yourself clean, heavy perfume is much more likely to provoke negative reactions (and allergic ones) in people than the natural odor of your clean body.

Quote from: MaggieB on July 03, 2008, 09:57:16 AM
Lately, I have noticed a distinct feminine odor "down there" each day before I shower in the morning. It smells exactly like a women's crotch. I wear unscented mini-pads in my panties. I am wondering if this odor is normal and will it get stronger such that I have to use some deodorant there. I'd ask my SO but we are not sharing this kind of thing anymore. Also, if we ever got intimate again, it would be a huge surprise to her to smell me as I am now. I'm not complaining, I like the odor as I identify as a lesbian but I want to treat the situation properly. I certainly don't want dogs following me as I walk down the street!

How is this normally dealt with?

Maggie

Why are you wearing mini pads?  That is the big question for me.  Generally women's underwear have a cotton panel that is designed to absorb.

I would say that if you smell like a woman down there that the proper bacteria have colonized your vaginal vault and everything is fine.

I've started wearing mini pads as it helps with tucking, end of the day I am not so smelly either.

I must say my male thing now smells very women-like. I like it, it is comforting. But then I really like the smell of women. Perhaps it is different if you have no interest in vulvas?

Quote from: Nicky on March 02, 2010, 04:05:33 PM
I've started wearing mini pads as it helps with tucking, end of the day I am not so smelly either.

I must say my male thing now smells very women-like. I like it, it is comforting. But then I really like the smell of women. Perhaps it is different if you have no interest in vulvas?

I've been wearing pads for about 14 years now, largely because of a dribbling tendency. 

But never really had enough to tuck. But they do create a much better shape.

I was originally offered something called penis pockets, which as the name suggests are small pouches that stick onto the front of your underwear and you're suppose to put the penis inside it. They were obviously invented by a woman because they have to be the most pointless invention ever. A nurse told me I should try to keep it still!!!!! I didn't reply, honest!

I tried short ones that only cover the front, they tend to ride up as I'm moving around, especially at work. So now I use some that fit from the back to the front, holding them in place with female underpants.

Occasionally, some people, mainly other men, comment on the outline, especially when I bend over. I usually ask they why they are looking at my bottom. That tends to shut them up.