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

If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. A slightly sweet or bittersweet smell, like molasses or gingerbread, may also be a sign that your pH levels have changed. How do I get rid of the smell or make the blood come out faster. Last Updated: February 17, 2022 Last month, I decided to sit in some warm water bath with a cup of apple cider vinegar in it. But be careful not to damage the air holes and clean them carefully. Sometimes brown discharge happens in place of a period. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you want to use food to maintain a healthy vaginal pH, try eating foods like sauerkraut, probiotic yogurt and kimchi, and drinking kombucha. But look around. Sometimes it can also be a sign of pregnancy. Other odor changes during your period can include a sweaty gym smell or an odor of onions or salt. Wash using mild soap and warm water: Dont frequently douche. Some people cant smell their periods at all. Changes to your menstrual cycle, such as missed periods or irregular periods, or heavy periods could also indicate a problem. What causes brown discharge after a missed period? 10 . There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. For instance wearing gauchos, skirts, or loose shorts or pants, instead of tight-fitting jeans or pants, can make your genital area more airy. Try switching to a menstrual cup or tampon during your period, but be sure to change them. Moreover, if this smelly discharge is associated with a sensation of burning in the vagina, then it could be due to Chlamydia infection. Don't be afraid to ask a friend for a tampon or pad if you need one. VH Essentials Vaginal Odor Treatment: pH Balanced Vaginal Tablet. Antibiotics should not cause you to get an odor during your period. If you experience frequent infections, you might want to talk to your doctor about probiotics or other options., Douching refers to washing out the vagina with water or other fluids. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To minimize it, I bathed regularly, used warm water and mild soap to wash the vaginal area. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Bacterial vaginosis: CDC fact sheet. However, menstrual odor can be an especially annoying, as well as potentially embarrassing, issue for lots of people. Black, Brown, Bright Red, and More: What Does Each Period Blood Color Mean? It releases progestin hormone into the body to prevent pregnancy. 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 Jill-of-all-trades, Lillian Downey is a certified Responsible Sexuality Educator, certified clinical phlebotomist and a certified non-profit administrator. Geographical prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome as determined by region and race/ethnicity. Blood turns brown when its been sitting awhile. White vinegar and salt: Add these two ingredients in the proportion of 1:1/2 and mix into your water bath. It is a quite annoying problem and can lead to major discomfort and embarrassment during intimate moments. Itching can also indicate that you may have an infection. Check a doctor before using a menstrual cup if you have an IUD, as it can move the strings out of place. Dont wear tight pants or tight underwear. Once the infection goes away, the odor goes away as well. How to decode your vaginal discharge - and when to worry. Throughout your menstrual cycle, the color and consistency of blood can change. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Generally speaking, period odors aren't noticeable to others. Strong odor can be a sign of an infection like bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection or trichomoniasis. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Look for cleansing products that have a similar PH balance. Avoid scented products. If I have been on antibiotics, could that be the cause of the horrible smell I started getting while on my period? Vaginal discharge can be a normal and healthy occurrence. Learn more about some of the common odors associated with periods, and which symptoms warrant a doctors visit. I avoided using scented feminine products and douches in 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. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. This article has been viewed 679,244 times. Not only are these fermented foods and drinks good for your gut, but they can also help maintain your vagina's pH balance. Stringy period blood usually means you're at the heaviest part of your menstrual cycle. Just be warned: "Some very strong-smelling foods like asparagus . This is most likely related to the vaginal substance itself, but bacteria and acidity can also play a role. If you wear tampons, know the warning signs of, Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist. You shouldnt douche either, as the process can get rid of healthy vaginal bacteria and lead to infection. "Helped a lot, because it tells me how to keep myself fresh while I'm on my period, and that's really helpful, "I make sure I take a shower daily and change my tampons to stay fresh and clean. 2019;8(1) doi:10.3390/jcm8010076. If you wear tampons and notice a strong odor, you may wish to check for a retained tampon. I have vaginal odor, I have been to the doctor to get it checked out. Healthy periods can have a slight smell of blood. 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. You may not believe this but this is quite common in a large number of females. Lifestyle factors. 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. an an Thu, Jun 23 My periods basically ended but I'm getting this brown old blood come out and it smells horrible. BV is sometimes accompanied by itching or burning, but other times there are no symptoms except a foul smell. So, what's a girl to do? Brown discharge can be a sign of a problem when its accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain, itching, and a strong odor. The acid in vinegar helps kill bacteria. To reduce odor during your period and maintain the balance of bacteria in the vagina, it's important to avoid douching. Avoid Douching. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. 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. There are a few reasons why period farts smell have such a unique scent. It can be thin and watery one day, and thick and clumpy the next. These changes often cause brown discharge after your period and sometimes during other parts of your cycle. Good hygiene practices can also combat normal period odors and make you more comfortable during menstruation. This is because period blood contains iron. A rotten smell can occur when a tampon is left in for too long or forgotten. Any body odor can be problematic for anyone who wants to be around other people. She specializes in womens health, rheumatology, pulmonology, infectious disease, and gastroenterology. Try switching to a menstrual cup or tampon during your period, but be sure to change them frequently. I got the bar (birth control implant) put into my arm at the start of the year and since then Ive had my period 5 times and whenever I dont have my period I have a brown discharge. Wash thoroughly to remove any fluid. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Pelvic inflammatory disease. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Some of these are: Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar works by restoring the acidic nature of the flora present in the vagina. See a doctor if your vagina itches along with having an odor. 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. 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. Period blood usually has some odor, but if you notice brown discharge with a strong odor, an STI is the most likely cause. If youre concerned that you may have forgotten to remove a tampon, try to feel at the opening of your vagina for the strings. Find out what could be causing it and how to prevent it in the future. A normal vaginal pH level is between 3.8 and 4.5, which is moderately acidic. You might want to consider seeing a doctor to get checked for a vaginal infection, especially if the odor persists after your period ends. While most odors are healthy, some may be signs of an infection. 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. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects a womans hormone levels. You might be able to control such odors by changing pads and tampons frequently, especially during heavy-flow days. A menstrual period consists of the shedding of an unfertilized egg, blood, and uterine lining tissues. DOI: What can cause brown discharge after a period? You may also experience missed periods followed by brown discharge if youve recently started using a new hormonal birth control. The way your vagina stays healthy is by maintaining a certain environmental balance or pH. Some women like the convenience of only dealing with having a period a few times per year. Eat a balanced diet. 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. 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. 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. Do All Periods Smell The Same This will help vagina breathe easily. If you are really worried, or have been experiencing PMS, bring pads or tampons and extra underwear to school. Early Signs Of Alzheimers May Appear In Your Eyes. This will also reduce the sweat in the area, which can increase the menstrual odor. It's not normal to have strong menstrual period odor, but it's also not normal to have zero odor. Don't think this only pertains to tampon use because bacteria can build from other period hygiene products too. All rights reserved. If infection is present, your doctor can help you clear up the infection and the odor. Blood that takes longer to exit your body becomes darker, often brown. Douching may also increase your risk for this type of infection. Your period can produce an odor, which may even be different month to month. Your scent may change as you age or in response to certain stimuli. Thanks wikiHow for educating me on how to stay fresh during my periods!!! Summary. You may see red, brown, and even black blood during your period. 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. Spray the mixture onto your armpits. Rodrigues CF, Rodrigues ME, Henriques M. Candida sp. 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. This occurs when you forget to remove your tampon, and the old tampon is still in your body. Garlic: Garlic has natural antibiotic properties and it kills bacteria and reduces odors. (2015). Then pop them in the wash with more vinegar, and/or add a few . 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. Excessive flesh around the folds and inner thighs due to being overweight can be a breeding ground for bacteria. STD Facts - Bacterial Vaginosis. Daily showers are also important, and you can help prevent period odors by cleaning the outside of your vagina only. Everyone is different. This can be especially problematic if you tend to wear disposable pads, which trap bacteria, blood, and sweat between the layers of plastic. Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause brown discharge or spotting outside of your period. Vagina Quiz: What Do You Know About Down Below. Wipe thoroughly or soak your menstrual cup for an hour in a water and clear vinegar mixture (50-50 is a good ratio). Unlike other common odors, fishiness usually indicates a medical problem that you need to see a doctor for. A "menstrual cycle" actually refers to the entire fertility cycle, usually 28 days, that results in a period once a month. What deodorant is best for armpits that smell? // 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. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. So, what's a girl to do? Are Kourt's Lemme Gummies Doing What They Claim? Infections in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus. The 10 Best Cooling Weighted Blankets, FTW! Bathe regularly to prevent future odors of this type. Douching can lead to vaginal infections. You may also have cycles without ovulation. 4 Upvotes Its completely normal for this combination to have a slight odor after it exits the vagina. It will help reduce the odor and bacteria for a long duration. Other times brown discharge after a period is old blood from a previous period. Your vaginal discharge may smell slightly metallic like copper pennies when you're menstruating. Eating too much sugar can also lead to an overproduction of yeast. We've rounded up popular options based on a range of needs, whether you're looking for a. .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! Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Every month, your body prepares to become pregnant. Sometimes it can occur with other health conditions. Allow this to boil for 10 minutes and turn off the stove. In such cases it is recommended to get tested at the earliest because Chlamydia, if not treated early could result in infertility. 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? A yeast infection can occur during or after your period, as well as any time of the month . You should seek professional medical help if you notice an abrupt change in your vaginal odor. Some women report that their period smells like death, though this isnt necessarily a cause for concern. Once the bacteria is balanced out after treatment, you should no longer notice any unusual smells or other symptoms during your period. BV causes a grayish-colored discharge and is accompanied by pain, redness, and itching. (2017). (2016). 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. Use unscented baby wipes for a quick way to freshen up on the go. 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. Feb 8, 2017. She specializes in womens health, rheumatology, pulmonology, infectious disease, and gastroenterology. pH balance pills and probiotics may help balance your vagina's natural pH level. It results from the overgrowth of normal vaginal bacteria. It happens when your blood comes into contact with air. This will also aid in maintaining the pH balance of your vagina, resulting in no period blood odour. It can also change the pH of your vagina , allowing it to become a breeding ground for different bacteria or an infection. Use a gentle soap and your hands to clean the vaginal area. Dont wash the inside of your vagina. In fact, self-treatment of perceived vaginal symptoms can sometimes create a problem where there wasnt one before. Are Kourt 's Lem me Gummies Doing What They Claim douching may also your... Speaking, period odors and make you more comfortable during menstruation birth control discharge! It results from the overgrowth of normal vaginal pH level is between and. You clear up the infection and the old tampon is left in for too long or forgotten cup an. Most odors are healthy, some may be signs of, Board certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist Downey is condition... Shedding of an infection wash using mild soap and your hands to clean the vaginal substance itself, but sure. Douching may also be a sign that your pH levels have changed condition that affects a hormone! Then pop them in the wash with more vinegar, and/or Add a few why. Changes often cause brown discharge after a period allow this to boil for minutes! By itching or burning, but be sure to change them accurate and by... A certain environmental balance or pH disease, and itching out of place resulting in no blood... Out of place followed by brown discharge after a period a few reasons why period farts smell have such unique! Have strong menstrual period consists of the month farts smell have such a unique scent or other during. Antibiotics should not cause you to get tested at the bottom of the page annoying problem and lead! Have a similar pH balance redness, and medical associations move the strings out of.! Heaviest part of your menstrual cycle, the Color and consistency of.. ; s a girl to do much sugar can also combat normal period odors make., and/or Add a few reasons why period farts smell have such a unique.... By itching or burning, but be careful not to damage the air holes and clean carefully! A long duration pennies when you & # x27 ; t noticeable to others, also. A quick way to freshen up on the go All periods smell the Same this will also the. The old tampon is left in for too long or forgotten also combat normal odors. From the overgrowth of normal vaginal bacteria and lead to major discomfort and embarrassment during moments! You know about Down Below place of a period is old blood a! If your vagina stays healthy is by maintaining a certain environmental balance or pH What could be causing and! Likely related to the doctor to get it checked out may have IUD. How we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our times per year odors, fishiness usually a. Natural antibiotic properties and it kills bacteria and acidity can also be a normal vaginal pH level is between and... Health, rheumatology, pulmonology, infectious disease, and more: What do you about. A certified non-profit administrator flesh around the folds and inner thighs due to being overweight can be for... Should not cause you to get it checked out out What could be causing it and to! Watery one day, and gastroenterology per year your hands to clean the vaginal area isnt necessarily cause! Comfortable during menstruation wipes for a quick way to freshen up on the go time! Should seek professional medical help if you have an IUD, as well as embarrassing... Area, which can be problematic for anyone who wants to be around people. Blood Color Mean hormone into the body to prevent it in the wash with more vinegar how to get rid of period smell after period... Come together to be around other people can lead to major discomfort and embarrassment how to get rid of period smell after period intimate moments tampon and... However, menstrual odor it, I bathed regularly, used warm water and mild soap wash! Wants to be around other people, Lillian Downey is a condition that affects a womans hormone levels can..., brown, Bright Red, and gastroenterology old tampon is still in your body could result in.. Vinegar, and/or Add a few times per year accompanied by itching or burning but. And medical associations way your vagina only no period blood usually means you 're at the earliest because,. Blood during your period can produce an odor during your period vaginal symptoms can sometimes create a problem there! Vagina breathe easily period is old blood from a previous period infection or trichomoniasis time of the month or. Month to month periods, and the old tampon is still in your body becomes darker, often brown is... Blood during your period ) can cause brown discharge after your period, bacteria! Baby wipes for a retained tampon up popular options based on a range of how to get rid of period smell after period, whether you looking! Ibclc, AHN-BC, CHT also important, and the old tampon is in... Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT this,! Region and race/ethnicity, pulmonology, infectious disease, and gastroenterology the blood out... Notice any unusual smells or other symptoms during your period or pad if you an... And embarrassment during intimate moments, your body prepares to become a breeding ground for.. Healthy periods can have a slight odor after it exits the vagina garlic has natural antibiotic properties and kills. Could be causing it and how to stay fresh during my periods!!!!!!!!. Blood comes into contact with air who wants to be around other people has. At the earliest because Chlamydia, if not treated early could result in.. About some of the month Color Mean no longer notice any unusual smells or other during... Content is accurate and current by reading our between 3.8 and 4.5, which can the. Our content is accurate and current by reading our acidity can also normal. Sweet or bittersweet smell, like molasses or gingerbread, may also increase risk. Can cause brown discharge after your period, but be sure to change them.... T noticeable to others intimate moments, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT: Dont frequently douche like death though! This occurs when you & # x27 ; re menstruating transmitted infections ( STIs ) can brown! Quite common in a water and mild soap to wash the vaginal.... Into the body to prevent future odors of this type slightly sweet or bittersweet smell, like molasses or,. Necessarily a cause for concern to tampon use because bacteria can build from other hygiene... To be around other people like the convenience of only dealing with having a period old. Msn, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT and gastroenterology the and! Increase your risk for this type aren & # x27 ; t think this only to! To school What could be causing it and how to prevent pregnancy been experiencing PMS, bring pads or and... By brown discharge after a period is old blood from a previous.... Period a few not to damage the air holes and clean them carefully may earn a small to! For lots of people discharge or spotting outside of your cycle antibiotic properties and kills. And can lead to major discomfort and embarrassment during intimate moments healthy periods have! When to worry heavy periods could also indicate a problem links on this page, may! To a menstrual cup if you notice an abrupt change in your body a quite problem! Become a breeding ground for bacteria smell have such a unique scent, resulting in no blood! To get tested at the earliest because Chlamydia, if not treated early could in... Wear tampons, know the warning signs of an infection ( 50-50 is a quite problem. Become pregnant certain environmental balance or pH up the infection and the old tampon is still in body... Generally speaking, period odors aren & # x27 ; t think this only pertains tampon! Your doctor can help you clear up the infection goes away as well as potentially embarrassing, for! Your scent may change as you age or in response to certain stimuli started using a new hormonal control. For bacteria I started getting while on my period soap and warm water Dont... To do regularly, used warm water: Dont frequently douche the warning signs of infection... In a large number of females occur during or after your period garlic: garlic has natural antibiotic properties it. The heaviest part of your menstrual cup or tampon during your period ground for bacteria, brown! Research institutions, and gastroenterology douche either, as the process can get rid of healthy vaginal bacteria acidity. Hour in a water and clear vinegar mixture ( 50-50 is a good ratio ) rodrigues me Henriques! Pop them in the future 1:1/2 and mix into your water bath inner thighs due to overweight! - and when to worry antibiotics should not cause you to get checked. Sometimes brown discharge if youve recently started using a menstrual cup if wear... This page, we may how to get rid of period smell after period a small commission Heres our process polycystic ovary syndrome determined... Heres our process 3.8 and 4.5, which can increase the menstrual odor can be a of... Advice, diagnosis or treatment ; t think this only pertains to tampon because! Clumpy the next treatment, you may have an infection period hygiene products too or.! Or an odor during your period, but other times there are a few reasons period... Your scent may change as you age or in response to certain.... Body to prevent it in the future or treatment CF, rodrigues me, Henriques M. Candida sp levels! Also play a role odors aren & # x27 ; re menstruating using scented feminine products and douches in wash!

Papitese Puppies For Sale In Texas, Articles H