Does Odor Disappear After Inguinal Hernia Surgery?
Greetings! I’m reaching out because I’ve found the responses online to be quite ambiguous, and I’m hoping to satisfy a rather intriguing curiosity. I am a 57-year-old woman, eight years into menopause. Approximately 20 days ago, I underwent robotic surgery for an inguinal hernia. For a duration of 10 months leading up to the procedure, I had been grappling with a mysterious pain in my groin. In the months before surgery, I also noticed an intense and unfamiliar smell emanating from my underarms, which had become remarkably strong. Even after using antibacterial soap like Dial, the odor persisted whenever I stepped out of the shower. The only product that seemed to alleviate the issue was Lume, although it was quite pricey. I suspected this was related to hormonal changes, as I wasn’t taking any medications. I had a colonoscopy about two weeks prior to the surgery. After returning home from my operation and beginning my recovery, I took a shower and was pleasantly surprised to find that the unpleasant smell had vanished. Initially, I thought this might be a temporary side effect of the anesthesia and anticipated that the odor would return with increased food intake. However, it’s been 20 days and the odor has yet to return! Previously, I would wake up to find I still had body odor even after applying deodorant every night. Now, it's a completely different story – I no longer have that issue! Could this disappearance of odor be linked to some underlying factor related to the hernia? Is it possible that this delightful change is here to stay? It’s such a relief not to have to deal with that smell anymore!
Answers (1)
3/30/2025, 2:00:42 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's wonderful to hear that you've experienced relief from the unpleasant odor following your inguinal hernia surgery. This change can be surprising and may be linked to several factors, including hormonal fluctuations, changes in physical activity, or even the resolution of pain that previously limited your movement and hygiene practices.
Understanding the Possible Reasons:
- Hormonal Changes: As you mentioned, you've been in menopause for eight years. Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can affect body odor by altering sweat production and composition.
- Surgical Recovery: The surgery may have changed aspects of your body that inadvertently affected smell. For instance, improved mobility and reduced discomfort can enhance personal hygiene practices.
- Dietary Factors: If your diet has changed, it can influence body odor as certain foods, like garlic or spices, can contribute to stronger smells.
- Stress and Pain Relief: The pain from the hernia might have added stress, possibly influencing your body's chemical balance and resulting in stronger body odor before surgery.
Next Steps and Recommendations:
- Monitor Changes: Keep an eye on whether this pleasant change in body odor continues. You can note any dietary or lifestyle factors that might contribute to this.
- Maintain Good Hygiene: Continue with your regular showering and use of effective deodorants. If changing products is part of your routine, do so mindfully.
- Stress Management: Since stress can impact body odor, consider strategies such as deep breathing or gentle exercise to help maintain your well-being.
- Follow-Up Awareness: If there are any new or returning symptoms after your recovery, such as different odors or other changes, it would be wise to discuss these with your healthcare provider.
Remember, individual body chemistry can often change and improve over time, especially after significant life changes or medical procedures. It’s fantastic to hear that you’re feeling relieved from a concern that impacted your daily life. Enjoy this change and continue to care for yourself!
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