Can a virgin get infections

by Lauren
(Calgary)

Q. I'm young, and I've had sex with this one guy and he was a virgin also - and I'm positive he was. I never had a bad odor, I was always clean, but after having sex I started to develop a really strong smell, fishy, and it was terrible. I haven't felt like myself in a long time.. and I'm afraid to tell my mom. What should I do? I can't tell anyone or do this on my own and I'm afraid.



A. Don't be afraid, Lauren. This is a horrible situation for you but be assured many women have had the same problem. I'm not a doctor but it does sound as if you have bacterial vaginosis. It is the most common vaginal infection that women get and that fishy smell is distinctive to it. Something like having sex with a new partner can cause it - in fact just the act of having sex can bring it on in some women. It is not uncommon for a virgin to develop BV after their first sexual experience.

There are medications that can help. You really do need to see a doctor and get a proper diagnosis. A doctor will prescribe something like Metronidazole or Clindamycin. You can read more about the treatment of Bacterial Vaginosis here.

If you can afford to I would follow up treatment with something like Fem Dophilus which is a probiotic capsule that helps to normalize the vaginal area and keep it healthy.

I'm not sure what age you are but if you really can not talk with your mom about this you do need to see a doctor and get a script for the right medicine. If you can't do that, then buy the Fem Dophilus and fingers crossed that it can treat it alone.

Good luck with it - and remember lots of women have had this particular "bug".