If your diet contains any of these or other pungent foods, consider eliminating the food to see if the smell improves. The problem is, your vagina is not dirty. Dont wear tight pants or tight underwear. 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. Maintaining good hygiene is key to avoiding health problems and abnormal odors.. By using our site, you agree to our. 4 Upvotes However, menstrual odor can be an especially annoying, as well as potentially embarrassing, issue for lots of people. Its completely normal for this combination to have a slight odor after it exits the vagina. Dont wash the inside of your vagina. PCOS affects between. You can place a clove of garlic into your vagina for around 2 hours. Is there anything from the pharmacy I could try for the smell if all of the things listed in the article were unsuccessful? 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? Menstrual odor is usually mild and not detectable by those around you. Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/menstruation/conditioninfo, kidshealth.org/en/teens/menstruation.html, cdc.gov/std/bv/stdfact-bacterial-vaginosis.htm, kidshealth.org/en/teens/feminine-hygiene.html, mayoclinic.org/symptoms/vaginal-odor/basics/definition/SYM-20050664, fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/InVitroDiagnostics/HomeUseTests/ucm126074.htm, girlshealth.gov/body/health_help/gynecologist.html. Most people begin their period around age 12. Last month, I decided to sit in some warm water bath with a cup of apple cider vinegar in it. A birth control implant is a type of hormonal birth control that is implanted into the upper arm, just under the skin. The resulting rotten smell from bacteria mixed with menstrual flow shouldnt be strong enough for others to detect. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. Use the wipe as you would toilet paper after using the restroom, wiping only on the outside of your body. When you douche you are spraying water or another solution into your vagina to rinse it out and make it "clean.". Don't think this only pertains to tampon use because bacteria can build from other period hygiene products too. Your period can produce an odor, which may even be different month to month. Geographical prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome as determined by region and race/ethnicity. Moreover, if you already have an infection, douching can push bacteria into the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries.. Gonorrhea is considered a serious infection as it can slowly and steadily spread to the fallopian tubes. This article was co-authored by Carrie Noriega, MD. Maintain a healthy weight . Tight clothes irritate the vagina, thereby, increasing the smell from the vagina. DOI: What can cause brown discharge after a period? Other times brown discharge after a period is old blood from a previous period. There are several home remedies available to get rid of the vaginal discharge and odor. Gray/off-white creamy discharge that smells fishy: If the smelly discharge after period is off-white or gray in color, is creamy and smells fishy, then it could be from bacterial vaginosis. Read on to learn about proper hygiene during your period to avoid feeling self-conscious. ", 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. Keep moving; love yourself and others; be appreciative of what life has to offer. STD Facts - Trichomoniasis. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. There are some alternatives that you can use, if you don't have cup wipes or a proper liquid wash at hand. As frustrating and possibly alarming as it can be, brown discharge after your period is pretty normal. Sanitary napkins frequently present a more noticeable smell. 2019;8(1) doi:10.3390/jcm8010076. Consider wearing no underwear or basic cotton.Avoid tight underwear, pantyhose, and girdles. Some of them aren't anything to worry about. Do All Periods Smell The Same But look around. The market has, in turn, responded by developing menstrual products that focus on convenience. They may even have a slight metallic smell from iron and bacteria. Maintain personal hygiene by bathing regularly and trimming pubic hairs. 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. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Thanks wikiHow for educating me on how to stay fresh during my periods!!! These are most likely caused by not practicing good hygiene during the menstrual cycle. Smelly, brown discharge: If you experience smelly, brown discharge after menses, then it is quite possible that it is caused by some bacteria. What causes brown discharge after a missed period? Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. It results from the overgrowth of normal vaginal bacteria. To wash the exterior folds of the vagina, use a gentle soap that wont alter pH levels. Proper hygiene habits can help combat the usual odors associated with menstruation. Overwhelmed by the ever-growing world of period underwear? We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Dont be fooled by advertising that claims you need expensive products to be clean. ", "I learned that ibuprofen helps reduce a long period. All texts are contributed by our excellent writers. Avoid scented products. Cotton is a natural fiber that allows air to circulate properly, which can help prevent sweating and smells. If you are wearing a tampon and may be concerned about leaking, simply wear a thin liner in addition to the tampon. Early miscarriage could also cause these symptoms. Just urinate to clear foreign substances. It is also greatly effective in fighting from various multiple toxins that can result in serious infections. Higher levels of male hormones cause irregular periods and sometimes no period at all. 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. Never, ever put you r period c up in the dishwasher! Is Stringy Period Blood a Cause for Concern? We avoid using tertiary references. [8] You may want to shower more than once on heavier days. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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. A change in vaginal odor can be due to the last food you ate, sex, hormones, or a medical symptom. Bathe regularly to prevent future odors of this type. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Garlic: Garlic has natural antibiotic properties and it kills bacteria and reduces odors. Another reason for smelly discharge after period could be a forgotten tampon. A slightly sweet or bittersweet smell, like molasses or gingerbread, may also be a sign that your pH levels have changed. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Pro tip: You can also use a toothpick soaked in rubbing alcohol to clean out your menstrual cup holes. It's sort of going to ruin my plans for the weekend, it's embarrassing too. The first time you get your period, you might feel worried or self-conscious. See a doctor if youre worried about your discharge or have a lot of it. A normal vaginal pH level is between 3.8 and 4.5, which is moderately acidic. With cloth pads, I rinse/wring them out until most of the blood is gone, then put them in the washer with baking soda in the prewash and vinegar in the fabric softener. 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. Healthy periods can have a slight smell of blood. While most odors are healthy, some may be signs of an infection. "I can say that wikiHow is very easy to work with and absolutely helpful. It will help reduce the odor and bacteria for a long duration. Yoghurt: Eat more quantities of natural yoghurt. Cleaning your vagina with warm water is sufficient. Yeast infection. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Urine that has an unusual smell may be a sign of diabetes, an infection, eating asparagus, or using certain medications, among other causes. Its normal for menstrual periods to have a slight odor. However, when the vagina has a strong, unpleasant smell that continues for days, it may be a sign of a health problem. As your body prepares for your period; you might experience general symptoms known as PMS (premenstrual syndrome), which can include bloating, tiredness, moodiness, food cravings, headaches, and cramps. Its also a lot stronger than a normal period smell. These changes often cause brown discharge after your period and sometimes during other parts of your cycle. 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. Last Updated: June 12, 2021 Once the bacteria is balanced out after treatment, you should no longer notice any unusual smells or other symptoms during your period. Use menstrual cups instead of pads and tampons to avoid the odour of your period. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects a woman's hormone levels. Irregular menstrual bleeding and brown discharge as your body adjusts to the hormone are common side effects. Take showers daily. Labiaplasty recovery has several different phases, each marked by its own set of sensations and activity guidelines. She's also written extensively on gardening and cooking. This is because period blood contains iron. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You may see red, brown, and even black blood during your period. 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. Any body odor can be problematic for anyone who wants to be around other people. Change your pad often. It is one of the most normal human processes imaginable. It could just be that some menstrual fluid is hanging around due to a heavy or thick flow. Here are our top picks. This article received 16 testimonials and 84% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Your period blood is actually to blame. Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause brown discharge or spotting outside of your period. Vaginal discharge can be a normal and healthy occurrence. The doctor just told me to eat yogurt and wash with read more. Soak in the water bath for around 15 minutes. According to the Eastern Carolina University Family Practice Center, you should change your pad or tampon every three to four hours 2. PCOS and perimenopause are common causes. Sometimes the bleeding and cramps caused by miscarriage are mistaken for a period. Take a bath or shower, even if you've already bathed that day. a warm compress for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, three or four times a day to soothe pain and help draw out pus. VH Essentials Vaginal Odor Treatment: pH Balanced Vaginal Tablet. How to treat it: Practicing good vaginal and vulvar hygiene will help keep your vaginal microbiome healthy and help reduce intense smells during your period. Changes to your menstrual cycle, such as missed periods or irregular periods, or heavy periods could also indicate a problem. (2016). Occasionally, brown and bloody discharge could be a sign of a problem when its accompanied by other symptoms. Avoid using scented pads or tampons, which can irritate skin and sometimes lead to infection. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Generally speaking, period odors arent noticeable to others. 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. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. This is when the female body prepares itself for, The conversation around our periods is changing. I wash them on the normal cycle with the prewash option on. My Vagina Smells: Fishy Fishy smelling vaginas are common, but not necessarily normal or healthy. You might want to consider seeing a doctor to get checked for a vaginal infection, especially if the odor persists after your period ends. As a result, smegma that is thick, whitish, and has a strong odor can build up underneath the . 10 . Its a fairly common practice, but doctors recommend against it. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Trichomoniasis, aka trich, can cause a putrid, fishy odor from the penis or vagina. This is normal, but if it bothers you, consider wearing tampons or menstrual cups, or changing your pad more frequently. Blood that takes longer to exit your body becomes darker, often brown. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. A yeast infection can occur during or after your period, as well as any time of the month . Urine . When blood comes in contact with air, it takes on its own scent. Yoga may also help reduce premenstrual symptoms. To minimize it, I bathed regularly, used warm water and mild soap to wash the vaginal area. Pass urine after having sex as it removes bacteria from inside and outside the vaginal canal. 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): 6. 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. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. In such cases, you should get yourself examined by a gynecologist and take the required medicine. Sometimes it can occur with other health conditions. 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To the tampon some of them are n't anything to worry about, as well as time... For smelly discharge after your period, you should get yourself examined by a gynecologist and take the required.! A yeast infection can occur during or after your period about leaking, simply wear a liner...