how to get rid of period smell after period

Check a doctor before using a menstrual cup if you have an IUD, as it can move the strings out of place. The acid in vinegar helps kill bacteria. To wash the exterior folds of the vagina, use a gentle soap that wont alter pH levels. % of people told us that this article helped them. Pelvic inflammatory disease. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Smelly white discharge: If you have a smelly white discharge after menses, then there is a possibility of a thrush or a yeast infection due to Candida albicans. Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Vaginal discharge can be a normal and healthy occurrence. ", How to Stay Clean and Smelling Fresh on Your Period, http://www.healthywomen.org/content/article/tampons-pads-or-menstrual-cups-whats-right-you, http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/toxic-shock-syndrome/basics/definition/con-20021326, http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/douching.html, http://www.cosmopolitan.com/health-fitness/a39728/13-times-you-should-never-wear-a-thong/, http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bacterial-vaginosis/basics/tests-diagnosis/con-20035345, http://www.obgyn.net/sexual-health/first-menstruation-average-age-and-physical-signs, http://www.emedicinehealth.com/menopause/article_em.htm, Whrend deiner Periode sauber bleiben und gut riechen, rester propre et sentir bon pendant ses rgles, Menjaga Kebersihan dan Aroma Segar Tubuh Saat Datang Bulan, Je fris blijven voelen als je ongesteld bent, , Never wear a tampon longer than eight hours or wear one that is more absorbent than you need, as this can lead to a rare but serious condition called. Unlike other common odors, fishiness usually indicates a medical problem that you need to see a doctor for. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Dont wash the inside of your vagina. Wash thoroughly to remove any fluid. We avoid using tertiary references. Another reason for smelly discharge after period could be a forgotten tampon. In fact, self-treatment of perceived vaginal symptoms can sometimes create a problem where there wasnt one before. 1,591 satisfied customers. Brown discharge after your period usually isnt a cause for concern as its nothing more than old, dried blood. BV is sometimes accompanied by itching or burning, but other times there are no symptoms except a foul smell. Dr. Noriega is a Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist and medical writer in Colorado. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Let it sit for a few hours to overnight, then wash on warm with your regular detergent. Abnormal uterine bleeding is any vaginal bleeding that occurs between periods. I have vaginal odor, I have been to the doctor to get it. See a doctor if your vagina itches along with having an odor. Hence, visiting a gynecologist and getting treatment at the earliest is recommended. Allow this to boil for 10 minutes and turn off the stove. All texts are contributed by our excellent writers. During this time, your estrogen levels rise and fall, causing changes to your menstrual cycle. Yoghurt will help in restoring the pH of the vagina, reducing the vaginal discharge after period and preventing its recurrence. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. What Can I Do About My Post-Period Funky Odor? Some people cant smell their periods at all. They may even have a slight metallic smell from iron and bacteria. For more information about your period from our gynecologist co-author like recognizing your bodys signals, scroll down. Use a gentle soap and your hands to clean the vaginal area. This occurs when you forget to remove your tampon, and the old tampon is still in your body. The brown color is the result of oxidation, which is a normal process. Boil 1 liter of water and add the Stryphnodendron bark. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Mediterranean, Low-Fat Diets Are Best for Heart Problems, Least Amount of Exercise You Need to Stay Healthy, Nerve 'Pulse' Therapy May Help Ease Sciatica, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Remedies and Treatments for Vaginal Odors. .css-26w0xw{display:block;font-family:NationalBold,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-26w0xw:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.18581rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.625rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-26w0xw{line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.28598rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.575rem;line-height:1.1;margin-bottom:-0.5rem;}}The 10 Best Cooling Weighted Blankets, FTW! Thanks wikiHow for educating me on how to stay fresh during my periods!!! This is especially the case if any unusual odors accompany the following symptoms: As a rule of thumb, you should see your gynecologist any time you suspect reproductive health issues. Use menstrual cups instead of pads and tampons to avoid the odour of your period. The resulting rotten smell from bacteria mixed with menstrual flow shouldnt be strong enough for others to detect. I like to use more natural remedies. What Does It Mean If You Have Spotting Instead of Your Period? It can be thin and watery one day, and thick and clumpy the next. J Clin Med. I can always depend on it when I need, "Learning how to prepare for your first period was helpful. Just because youre on your period doesnt mean you have to be uncomfortable or worry about unpleasant odors, as there are a few simple things you can do to keep yourself feeling fresh. When the temperature is comfortable to touch, sit in the basin and carefully cleanse the entire genita area until the water cools. ", "It helped me a lot I now know how to keep myself fresh and comfortable even if I'm on my periods.". The first time you get your period, you might feel worried or self-conscious. Generally speaking, period odors arent noticeable to others. There really are not any other home remedies to try. It's sort of going to ruin my plans for the weekend, it's embarrassing too. All rights reserved. When could brown discharge be the sign of a problem? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Spray the mixture under your arms. Both body odor and vaginal odor can be influenced by diet, and some foods like garlic, coffee, and fried foods are known to have an effect on the smell. By choosing the right menstrual products for your body, maintaining proper hygiene, and preparing for your period, you can decrease the overall menstrual odor. The procedure should be repeated at least 2 times a week to restore the pH of the vagina and reduce any discharge and odors. Not only are these fermented foods and drinks good for your gut, but they can also help maintain your vagina's pH balance. This scent is usually mild enough that others can't smell it through your clothes, but you'll be able to smell it when you use the bathroom or change your clothes. Common causes of abnormal vaginal odors include: Bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis often produce a fishy or chemical odor, while a forgotten tampon may begin to smell of rot., If you are concerned about vaginal odor, you will need to address the cause in order to get rid of it. This odor is most often attributed to bacterial vaginosis, a type of infection. Then pop them in the wash with more vinegar, and/or add a few . Apr 1, 2019. Period blood usually has some odor, but if you notice brown discharge with a strong odor, an STI is the most likely cause. But orange discharge may be a sign of a number of. Many period underwear has antibacterial properties to reduce the odour and bacteria, but if they do smell, Wuka advise diluting white vinegar in a thin layer of water (1 part vinegar, 3 parts water - just enough to cover your underwear) and soaking your underwear for 20 minutes. You should never clean inside your vagina, such as with douches. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Other odor changes during your period can include a sweaty gym smell or an odor of onions or salt. This will help vagina breathe easily. She received her MD from the Creighton School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska and completed her residency at the University of Missouri - Kansas City in 2005. Its normal for the vagina to have bacteria, though the amount can fluctuate. What causes brown discharge after a missed period? Daily showers are also important, and you can help prevent period odors by cleaning the outside of your vagina only. Some factors that temporarily change vaginal odor include: In addition to the impact that the menstrual cycle itself has on smell, vaginal odor can vary throughout the period of menstruation. They may even have a slight metallic smell from iron and bacteria. Oh, the smell. Stainless steel soap or even just rubbing your hands on stainless steel can help a lot, I've found. an an Thu, Jun 23 My periods basically ended but I'm getting this brown old blood come out and it smells horrible. Keep a tampon or pad with you in your purse, locker, and/or car for emergencies. Stringy period blood usually means you're at the heaviest part of your menstrual cycle. Garlic: Garlic has natural antibiotic properties and it kills bacteria and reduces odors. Early Signs Of Alzheimers May Appear In Your Eyes. Your doctor can also identify or rule out more serious conditions, such as pelvic inflammatory disease. "Started my period yesterday and wasn't shocked as a few days before I'd got severe stomach cramps and I am 13. She received her MD from the Creighton School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska and completed her residency at the University of Missouri - Kansas City in 2005. Over the course of the month, the body creates a nutrient dense lining for the womb to nourish a potential embryo, then releases an egg which travels down to the womb area, and if it is not fertilized by sexual intercourse, it leaves your body along with the lining of the womb, which appears as bloody fluids as it leaves through the vagina. Because the odor has nothing to do with hygiene, says Lauren Streicher, M.D., Medical Director of the Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause. You might want to consider seeing a doctor to get checked for a vaginal infection, especially if the odor persists after your period ends. Blood that takes longer to exit your body becomes darker, often brown. Keep moving; love yourself and others; be appreciative of what life has to offer. You can place a clove of garlic into your vagina for around 2 hours. Rodrigues CF, Rodrigues ME, Henriques M. Candida sp. See additional information. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects a womans hormone levels. In such cases it is recommended to get tested at the earliest because Chlamydia, if not treated early could result in infertility. While some odor is perfectly normal (blood has an iron tinge), you can decrease odor caused by a disruption of the pH balance or the bacterial environment of the vagina. Is Stringy Period Blood a Cause for Concern? A yeast infection can occur during or after your period, as well as any time of the month . You may also have cycles without ovulation. Learn more about some of the common odors associated with periods, and which symptoms warrant a doctors visit. Eat a balanced diet. . (2016). Trich can also cause itching, burning, pain while peeing or ejaculating, and abnormal yellow-green discharge. A period that lasts one or two days could be a sign of pregnancy, but there are many other reasons for a one- or two-day period. Some of them aren't anything to worry about. While most people can use a regular deodorant during their period, others find that it is not sufficient. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 533,314 times. Your period blood is actually to blame. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Menstrual odor is usually mild and not detectable by those around you. Change sanitary pads and tampons frequently. Bathe regularly to prevent future odors of this type. Jan 31, 2017. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Moreover, if this smelly discharge is associated with a sensation of burning in the vagina, then it could be due to Chlamydia infection. Instead of using perfume to mask the smell (guilty), Streicher tells her patients to try .css-7qz8rz{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#f7623b;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:background 0.4s;transition:background 0.4s;background:linear-gradient(#ffffff, #ffffff 50%, #feebe7 50%, #feebe7);-webkit-background-size:100% 200%;background-size:100% 200%;}.css-7qz8rz:hover{color:#000000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;-webkit-background-position:100% 100%;background-position:100% 100%;}RepHresh's Odor Eliminating Gel after their period, which helps the good bacteria flourish. Consider wearing no underwear or basic cotton.Avoid tight underwear, pantyhose, and girdles. BaeBlabe 2 mo. So, what's a girl to do? How to Have Compassion for Yourself and Why It's Important, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2015/02/tired-of-tampons-here-are-pros-and-cons-of-menstrual-cups/, http://www.newhealthadvisor.com/Why-Does-Period-Blood-Smell.html, https://nau.edu/health-services/health-promotions/sexual-health/womens-health/, http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/reusable-vs-disposable-pads, http://rhsmedical.rutgers.edu/services/womens-health-visits/vaginal-problems/, https://www.csuohio.edu/health/feminine-hygiene, http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/genital-odor, http://www.bustle.com/articles/93776-what-to-wear-during-your-period-if-comfort-is-your-ultimate-goal, http://www.berkeleywellness.com/self-care/sexual-health/article/vaginal-odor-causes-and-remedies, http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/menstrual-cycle/art-20047186?pg=2. What deodorant is best for armpits that smell? Sometimes there aren't enough showers or fresh undies in the world to fix that post-period funk. Change your underwear if they become damp with sweat or fluid, or at least once a day. As Gersh puts it, "A balanced diet makes for a healthy body, and that includes your vagina.". It releases progestin hormone into the body to prevent pregnancy. Are Kourt's Lemme Gummies Doing What They Claim? We avoid using tertiary references. Here's what to expect. These steps are for normal menstrual odor only. For instance wearing gauchos, skirts, or loose shorts or pants, instead of tight-fitting jeans or pants, can make your genital area more airy. Dr. Noriega is a Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist and medical writer in Colorado. Replens vaginal moisturizers and lubes claim to help with symptoms of vaginal dryness but do these products actually work? A forgotten tampon causes the absolute worst vaginal odor, Dr. Streicher says. Allow this infusion to cool, then strain and pour into a basin. Often, vaginal odor doesnt come from the vagina at all. To prevent spreading of bowel bacteria it is recommended to wipe from front to back. Also see a doctor if you think you might be pregnant or have other concerning symptoms, such as: If you dont already have an OBGYN, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool. A Period That Lasts 1 or 2 Days: What Could Cause This? My Vagina Smells: Fishy Fishy smelling vaginas are common, but not necessarily normal or healthy. The user removes the cup every four to 12 hours, pours the collected blood into the toilet or sink, and washes the cup before reinserting. References. Good hygiene practices can also combat normal period odors and make you more comfortable during menstruation. Bacterial vaginosis is treated with antibiotics. 10K followers View more on Instagram 95 likes Add a comment. The user removes the cup every four to 12 hours, pours the collected blood into the toilet or sink, and washes the cup before reinserting. Often, a vaginal odor that requires a doctors visit will be accompanied by other vaginal symptoms. On light days, don't go more than three to four hours without changing it during the day. Most women have a musky or fleshy natural scent, but this varies from person to person. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. These changes often cause brown discharge after your period and sometimes during other parts of your cycle. This article has been viewed 679,244 times. Instead of using perfume to mask. Here are nine possible causes for yellow discharge before your period, plus signs that you should see a doctor. Take a bath or shower, even if you've already bathed that day. This can happen at the end of a period, when you dont have to insert a new tampon as often and you have no further bleeding. You will need to see your doctor for a prescription to treat BV. Summary. Get tested for vaginal infections if your odor persists or is very strong. This combination of bodily fluids and tissue may have a slight smell to it, often metallic because of the iron in your blood, but it generally is not very strong or overpowering. This article was co-authored by Carrie Noriega, MD. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. However, menstrual odor can be an especially annoying, as well as potentially embarrassing, issue for lots of people. You may have bacterial vaginosis if the fishy smell is accompanied by: Bacterial vaginosis may be noticeable during your period, but its not caused by your menstrual cycle. Some females forget the tampon in its place during the last day of menses and the tampon festers leading to a smelly vaginal discharge. As a general rule, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, will elicit a softer scent compared to greasy, fast foods. STD Facts - Bacterial Vaginosis. However, according to some physicians, the infection could spread up to the fallopian tubes. The market has, in turn, responded by developing menstrual products that focus on convenience. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. womenshealth.gov. Experts say disruptions to a woman's menstrual cycle from the COVID-19 vaccine are usually temporary and minor. About half of the entire world's population has, used to have, or will have periods during their lives. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. They pay a price for not dealing with menstruating each month though, in that the flow they get can have a stronger odor than one that is shed more regularly. Dont be fooled by advertising that claims you need expensive products to be clean. Higher levels of male hormones cause irregular periods and sometimes no period at all. The 10 Best Cooling Weighted Blankets, FTW! Use a menstrual cup instead of tampons; as your vagina changes pH during your period, the old pH discharge will be emptied out every time, rather than letting it sit against your vaginal walls soaked into a tampon. This occurs when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is altered by the hormonal changes, leading to multiplication of the fungi. Why? How to decode your vaginal discharge - and when to worry. Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. ", because I have a little smell while I'm on my period. PCOS affects between. Menstruation in girls and adolescents: Using the menstrual cycle as a vital sign. This article was co-authored by Carrie Noriega, MD. It's not normal to have strong menstrual period odor, but it's also not normal to have zero odor. Proper hygiene habits can help combat the usual odors associated with menstruation. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. If you experience any of the following, schedule an appointment with a doctor: In addition, if you smell a strong, fishy odor, you may have bacterial vaginosis (vaginal infection) or trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted disease caused by a parasite). According to the University of Chicago, scented products contain chemicals that irritate your vagina, which can lead to increased discharge, infections and increased vaginal odor. The smell. A slightly sweet or bittersweet smell, like molasses or gingerbread, may also be a sign that your pH levels have changed. ". (2018). It is a quite annoying problem and can lead to major discomfort and embarrassment during intimate moments. Again, never leave a tampon in for more than eight hours, even for overnight wear, and never wear a tampon that is a higher absorbency than you need to reduce your risk of TSS. Don't think this only pertains to tampon use because bacteria can build from other period hygiene products too. These include: Other common symptoms to look out for include: If you miss a period, you may have brownish discharge in place of a regular period or have it sometime after your period would have ended. Committee on Adolescent Health Care, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. pH balance pills and probiotics may help balance your vagina's natural pH level. Avoid scented products. Soak in the water bath for around 15 minutes. In this situation, consider wearing a tampon or menstrual cup, which is inside the body, or change your pad more frequently. Avoid Douching. Pass urine after having sex as it removes bacteria from inside and outside the vaginal canal. Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. We've rounded up popular options based on a range of needs, whether you're looking for a. Your bodys hormonal balance is disturbed, therefore, you are required to visit a gynecologist and get a prescription medicine to treat the infection. Teens Health reports, "changing your pad every 3 to 4 hours (more if your period is heavy) is good hygiene and helps prevent bad odors." One of the silver linings of investing in a menstrual cup includes its volume capabilities. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. A Jill-of-all-trades, Lillian Downey is a certified Responsible Sexuality Educator, certified clinical phlebotomist and a certified non-profit administrator. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. "I just got my first period and I am the oldest, and my mom is barely around. You may also experience missed periods followed by brown discharge if youve recently started using a new hormonal birth control. For more information about your period from our gynecologist co-author like recognizing your bodys signals, scroll down. Approved. Smelly, yellowish green discharge: If you have smelly discharge after period that is yellowish green in color and is frothy in consistency, then it is quite possible that you have contracted gonorrhea that is caused due to infection with Gonococcus bacteria. Keep a supply of tampons or pads in your bathroom so that you won't have to run to the store when your period starts. Change sanitary pads and tampons frequently. Your first period can start at any time but might be accompanied by sore breasts, mood swings, or pain in your lower abdominal muscles called cramps. Elaine. 2. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 679,244 times. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Cope-With-Your-Period-on-Vacation-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Cope-With-Your-Period-on-Vacation-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Cope-With-Your-Period-on-Vacation-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid1864780-v4-728px-Cope-With-Your-Period-on-Vacation-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"