how to get rid of period smell after periodhow to get rid of period smell after period

Heres a rundown of what could cause brown discharge after your period finishes. All rights reserved. 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. There are several home remedies available to get rid of the vaginal discharge and odor. This is because period blood contains iron. 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. There are a few reasons why period farts smell have such a unique scent. Allow this infusion to cool, then strain and pour into a basin. Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause brown discharge or spotting outside of your period. acog.org/Clinical-Guidance-and-Publications/Committee-Opinions/Committee-on-Adolescent-Health-Care/Menstruation-in-Girls-and-Adolescents-Using-the-Menstrual-Cycle-as-a-Vital-Sign, health.clevelandclinic.org/vaginal-discharge-mean/, youngwomenshealth.org/2015/03/23/i-got-the-bar-birth-control-implant-put-into-my-arm/, pamf.org/teen/health/femalehealth/discharge.html. Use a mild soap or body wash on your whole body, including your vulva, and rinse well. See what to do. 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). How to Prevent Vaginal Odor after Period Maintain personal hygiene by bathing regularly and trimming pubic hairs. In this situation, consider wearing a tampon or menstrual cup, which is inside the body, or change your pad more frequently. Most people begin their period around age 12. Add a cup of ACV to your water bath and sit in it for around 20 minutes. Wash only the vulva area, which is the outer part of your vagina. Once the infection goes away, the odor goes away as well. Just when you think your period is done, you wipe and find brown discharge. However, menstrual odor can be an especially annoying, as well as potentially embarrassing, issue for lots of people. PCOS affects between 6 and 10 percent of women of childbearing age. As frustrating and possibly alarming as it can be, brown discharge after your period is pretty normal. Sometimes it can occur with other health conditions. Its a fairly common practice, but doctors recommend against it. A menstrual period consists of the shedding of an unfertilized egg, blood, and uterine lining tissues. 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. A normal period consists of blood, menstrual fluid, excess tissue, and an unfertilized egg. To reduce odor during your period and maintain the balance of bacteria in the vagina, it's important to avoid douching. My Vagina Smells: Fishy Fishy smelling vaginas are common, but not necessarily normal or healthy. Take a bath or shower, even if you've already bathed that day. Don't be afraid to ask a friend for a tampon or pad if you need one. During this time, your estrogen levels rise and fall, causing changes to your menstrual cycle. If the smell is very strong, fishy, foul, or is otherwise abnormal for you, and you have been washing daily, there is probably an underlying cause. A Jill-of-all-trades, Lillian Downey is a certified Responsible Sexuality Educator, certified clinical phlebotomist and a certified non-profit administrator. It releases progestin hormone into the body to prevent pregnancy. The strong smell is likely due to the blood and tissues exiting the vagina along with bacteria. Your scent may change as you age or in response to certain stimuli. The doctor just told me to eat yogurt and wash with read more. Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. There could be something else going on. Take a bath or shower, even if you've already bathed that day. Unlike other common odors, fishiness usually indicates a medical problem that you need to see a doctor for. Dont wash the inside of your vagina. Learn about orange vaginal discharge. Practicing yoga 35 to 40 minutes a day, 5 times per week, may help regulate hormones and menstrual cycles. Eating too much sugar can also lead to an overproduction of yeast. Jan 31, 2017. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Smelly, brown discharge: If you experience smelly, brown discharge after menses, then it is quite possible that it is caused by some bacteria. 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. Take showers daily. Bathe regularly to prevent future odors of this type. Overwhelmed by the ever-growing world of period underwear? While most odors are healthy, some may be signs of an infection. Baby wipes are made for an infant's sensitive skin, so they should not sting, but discontinue use if they burn, itch, sting, or you get an infection. I passed urine immediately after sex. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Thanks. There could be other complications present if the discharge is present even after one or more weeks after your periods. Server responsed at: 04/18/2023 9:34 a.m. She specializes in womens health, rheumatology, pulmonology, infectious disease, and gastroenterology. Yeast infection. If not removed, bad bacteria can move up to bladder leading to infections. We include products we think are useful for our readers. This occurs when you forget to remove your tampon, and the old tampon is still in your body. Your period can produce an odor, which may even be different month to month. Brown discharge can be a sign of a problem when its accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain, itching, and a strong odor. Dr. Noriega is a Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist and medical writer in Colorado. You may see red, brown, and even black blood during your period. It will help reduce the odor and bacteria for a long duration. Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. % of people told us that this article helped them. 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. Feminine sprays, scented wipes and scented pads or tampons can make menstrual odor worse. Learn more about some of the common odors associated with periods, and which symptoms warrant a doctors visit. 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. If your diet contains any of these or other pungent foods, consider eliminating the food to see if the smell improves. Use the recommended amount of detergent and be sure you wash everything, including your underwear, daily. Dr. Noriega is a Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist and medical writer in Colorado. Menstrual cups can be worn for an extended period of time (up to 10-12 hours). The market has, in turn, responded by developing menstrual products that focus on convenience. There are plenty of non-scented products out there, and some, such as reusable cotton pads, often avoid the toxic chemicals commonly associated with the disposable pads and tampons, though there are some disposable pads and tampons that don't have the harmful chemicals, and may be available in your local health food store. . Never, ever put you r period c up in the dishwasher! You can place a clove of garlic into your vagina for around 2 hours. She also authors blogs on nail art blog and women's self esteem. The brown color is the result of oxidation, which is a normal process. You should never clean inside your vagina, such as with douches. Dont wear tight pants or tight underwear. Douching comes from the French word meaning "to wash" or to "shower.". % of people told us that this article helped them. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Take particular care with what you wear to bed. Powered by enkimd.com. pH balance pills and probiotics may help balance your vagina's natural pH level. 10 . Many women suffer from misinformation and insecurity regarding vaginal odor. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. 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. She's also written extensively on gardening and cooking. Use a gentle soap and your hands to clean the vaginal area. 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. Check a doctor before using a menstrual cup if you have an IUD, as it can move the strings out of place. STD Facts - Trichomoniasis. // Leaf Group Lifestyle, How to Freshen Yourself After Menstrual Cycle, These Foods Will Make Your Vagina Smell Bad, How to Get Rid of Vaginal Odor Without Going to the Doctor, Eastern Carolina University Family Practice Center: Menstruation Facts. I wash them on the normal cycle with the prewash option on. The blood from a miscarriage can be red, but it can also be brown and resemble coffee grounds. Yoghurt will help in restoring the pH of the vagina, reducing the vaginal discharge after period and preventing its recurrence. If infection is present, your doctor can help you clear up the infection and the odor. Here's what the different period blood colors mean and when to see your doctor. A rotten smell can occur when a tampon is left in for too long or forgotten. Cleaning your vagina with warm water is sufficient. Garlic: Garlic has natural antibiotic properties and it kills bacteria and reduces odors. Change sanitary pads and tampons frequently. When blood comes in contact with air, it takes on its own scent. It's not normal to have strong menstrual period odor, but it's also not normal to have zero odor. 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. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. They may even have a slight metallic smell from iron and bacteria. 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. Schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss antibiotic treatments to stop the infection. Don't think this only pertains to tampon use because bacteria can build from other period hygiene products too. Its also a lot stronger than a normal period smell. She specializes in womens health, rheumatology, pulmonology, infectious disease, and gastroenterology. To minimize it, I bathed regularly, used warm water and mild soap to wash the vaginal area. Often, drinking more water will clear the odor. 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. To wash the exterior folds of the vagina, use a gentle soap that wont alter pH levels. This will help vagina breathe easily. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). -By Your own menstrual scent is normal and you shouldn't aim to have a completely scent-free period. A "menstrual cycle" actually refers to the entire fertility cycle, usually 28 days, that results in a period once a month. Even a stranger in the bathroom will likely be willing to help you out if you are in need. What Causes Yellow Discharge Before Your Period? See additional information. Deodorizing products, such as wipes and sprays, arent recommended because of the possibility of irritation. It is a 6-day treatment so plan on using it well before or after your period. As a result, smegma that is thick, whitish, and has a strong odor can build up underneath the . If there are any fishy or foul-smelling odors associated with your period, seek medical advice. Often, vaginal odor doesnt come from the vagina at all. Keep a period bag with you containing spare pads/tampons/cups, change of underwear, plastic bags to put used products, and whatever else you may need. Blood that's sticky or clotting together is normal during this. Brown discharge can replace a period or come after a missed period during early pregnancy. If you want to use food to maintain a healthy vaginal pH, try eating foods like sauerkraut, probiotic yogurt and kimchi, and drinking kombucha. ". Douching may also increase your risk for this type of infection. 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. Smelly greenish discharge: If you have strong smelly greenish discharge after periods then it is possible that you are suffering from trichomoniasis caused by infection with Trichomonas vaginalis. It is also a good idea to wear dark pants or skirts. Allow this to boil for 10 minutes and turn off the stove. Dry your clothes in the sun: Dry your clothes in the sun as the sun's UV rays can kill bacteria and freshen up your clothes, which can help to reduce vaginal odors. 10 Zyrtec Side Effects You Should Know About, 13 Best Prenatal Vitamins Of 2023, Per Doctors, Meghann Fahy's Workout & Wellness Routines, How To Get Rid Of Any Kind Of Stomach Pain, What Are Intrusive Thoughts? I have vaginal odor, I have been to the doctor to get it checked out. 1,591 satisfied customers. 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. It may also appear thicker, drier, and clumpier than regular blood. Here are our top picks. When the temperature is comfortable to touch, sit in the basin and carefully cleanse the entire genita area until the water cools. Use menstrual cups instead of pads and tampons to avoid the odour of your period. Be sure to discard it in the trash can, as they are not made to flush and can clog sewer lines. This article was co-authored by Carrie Noriega, MD. Avoid using scented pads or tampons, which can irritate skin and sometimes lead to infection. .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! Menstrual odor is usually mild and not detectable by those around you. Instead, just ensure to clean your private area daily with plain warm water and mild soap. Change sanitary pads and tampons frequently. Other times brown discharge after a period is old blood from a previous period. The main reason being that your gut bacteria change during your period, which can make . Boil 1 liter of water and add the Stryphnodendron bark. If you already notice a strong odor, try some of the following tips for good vaginal hygiene (and if that doesn't help, consult a doctor): Normal smells are nothing to be concerned about, and small changes in scent should resolve themselves. 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. What causes brown discharge after a missed period? Excessive flesh around the folds and inner thighs due to being overweight can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Sometimes there aren't enough showers or fresh undies in the world to fix that post-period funk. These steps are for normal menstrual odor only. Irregular menstrual bleeding and brown discharge as your body adjusts to the hormone are common side effects. Throughout your menstrual cycle, the color and consistency of blood can change. Youre better off using unscented products and wearing breathable cotton underwear and clothing to keep unpleasant odors at bay. Use unscented baby wipes for a quick way to freshen up on the go. Yoghurt: Eat more quantities of natural yoghurt. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Trichomoniasis, aka trich, can cause a putrid, fishy odor from the penis or vagina. Moreover, if you already have an infection, douching can push bacteria into the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries.. Your bodys hormonal balance is disturbed, therefore, you are required to visit a gynecologist and get a prescription medicine to treat the infection. Heavy flows and cramps can be a common experience during your periods. I'm a believer in healthy living. Spray the mixture under your arms. Maintaining good hygiene is key to avoiding health problems and abnormal odors.. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. If your period smells and you notice unusual symptoms, see your doctor. Others have brown discharge that comes and goes for a week or two. Is Stringy Period Blood a Cause for Concern? You might want to consider seeing a doctor to get checked for a vaginal infection, especially if the odor persists after your period ends. I sat for 2 hours and the smell and discharge has gone. While most people can use a regular deodorant during their period, others find that it is not sufficient. It was gone after the 4th day. Strong odor can be a sign of an infection like bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection or trichomoniasis. In fact, self-treatment of perceived vaginal symptoms can sometimes create a problem where there wasnt one before. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. A Period That Lasts 1 or 2 Days: What Could Cause This? Garlic: Garlic has natural antibiotic properties and it kills bacteria and reduces odors. If no infection is present, this means just a few simple changes in your menstrual routine. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. This will also aid in maintaining the pH balance of your vagina, resulting in no period blood odour. All of the test were negative. It really just depends on how well your uterus sheds its lining and the speed at which it exits your body. Perimenopause is when your body begins to make the natural transition to menopause. Avoid Douching. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Your first period usually comes about two years after the very. They may even have a slight metallic smell from iron and bacteria. Period blood has a high pH, which can tip the balance and allow bad bacteria to move in, pushing out the kind you want, Streicher says. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Deodorants work by masking body odor with a more pleasant-smelling fragrance. These are most likely caused by not practicing good hygiene during the menstrual cycle. 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. This odor is most often attributed to bacterial vaginosis, a type of infection. Pro tip: You can also use a toothpick soaked in rubbing alcohol to clean out your menstrual cup holes. 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. It is one of the most normal human processes imaginable. Try switching to a menstrual cup or tampon during your period, but be sure to change them. Thanks wikiHow for educating me on how to stay fresh during my periods!!! Some vaginal odor is normal and to be expected. (2016). All rights reserved. STD Facts - Bacterial Vaginosis. In such cases, the odors are accompanied by other symptoms, such as vaginal discharge or pelvic pain thats not related to normal menstruation. 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. 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