Take a bath or shower, even if you've already bathed that day. Please Log In or add your name and email to post the comment. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Here's what the different period blood colors mean and when to see your doctor. Purchase breathable cotton underwear here. But look around. When you douche you are spraying water or another solution into your vagina to rinse it out and make it "clean.". Urine that has an unusual smell may be a sign of diabetes, an infection, eating asparagus, or using certain medications, among other causes. Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist. Wash thoroughly to remove any fluid. It could just be that some menstrual fluid is hanging around due to a heavy or thick flow. If tight clothes or jeans are worn regularly, they may lead to excessive vaginal sweating, which in turn triggers bacteria build-up, thereby leading to unpleasant smells. To wash the exterior folds of the vagina, use a gentle soap that wont alter pH levels. There are several home remedies available to get rid of the vaginal discharge and odor. This is when the female body prepares itself for, The conversation around our periods is changing. If you are really worried, or have been experiencing PMS, bring pads or tampons and extra underwear to school. If you have tried all of the things in this article for your vaginal odor, then you might want to consider seeing a doctor to be checked for an infection. This can be especially problematic if you tend to wear disposable pads, which trap bacteria, blood, and sweat between the layers of plastic. Don't be afraid to ask a friend for a tampon or pad if you need one. 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. Spray the mixture onto your armpits. Stainless steel soap or even just rubbing your hands on stainless steel can help a lot, I've found. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. Look for cleansing products that have a similar PH balance. 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. However, when the vagina has a strong, unpleasant smell that continues for days, it may be a sign of a health problem. Find out what could be causing it and how to prevent it in the future. What deodorant is best for armpits that smell? The doctor just told me to eat yogurt and wash with read more. While some odors are completely normal when you have your period, others may be a sign that you need to see your doctor. A strong odor from down there may be cause for worry, as it could be a sign of an infection. Consider wearing no underwear or basic cotton.Avoid tight underwear, pantyhose, and girdles. This occurs when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is altered by the hormonal changes, leading to multiplication of the fungi. Blood that's sticky or clotting together is normal during this. Here are nine possible causes for yellow discharge before your period, plus signs that you should see a doctor. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. Keep moving; love yourself and others; be appreciative of what life has to offer. Normal smells are nothing to be concerned about, and small changes in scent should resolve themselves. In this situation, consider wearing a tampon or menstrual cup, which is inside the body, or change your pad more frequently. The Best Period Underwear Options for Any Situation, COVID-19 Vaccine May Cause Temporary, Minor Disruptions in Menstrual Cycle. If you wish to wear a perfume or fragrance, try ones that go on your wrist or neck, as they do not have the same concerns as vaginal fragrances. See a doctor if youre worried about your discharge or have a lot of it. Eating too much sugar can also lead to an overproduction of yeast. 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. Is there a way to get rid of old blood after period. Change your underwear if they become damp with sweat or fluid, or at least once a day. Once the infection goes away, the odor goes away as well. You do not need to use a special soap made for your genitals; these are a marketing gimmick meant to exploit your self-consciousness about your period. Cotton is a natural fiber that allows air to circulate properly, which can help prevent sweating and smells. It happens when your blood comes into contact with air. Brown discharge after your period usually isnt a cause for concern as its nothing more than old, dried blood. If not removed, bad bacteria can move up to bladder leading to infections. Maintain a healthy weight . It is impossible for a tampon to get "lost" in your body, so if it's still in there, you should be able to. She's also written extensively on gardening and cooking. If youre concerned that you may have forgotten to remove a tampon, try to feel at the opening of your vagina for the strings. As Gersh puts it, "A balanced diet makes for a healthy body, and that includes your vagina.". Moreover, if you already have an infection, douching can push bacteria into the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries.. Here are our top picks. My Vagina Smells: Fishy Fishy smelling vaginas are common, but not necessarily normal or healthy. The acid in vinegar helps kill bacteria. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) can cause side effects. If you experience spotting instead of your normal period, it could be due to a number of different things. It is so nice to have someone/thing to. VH Essentials Vaginal Odor Treatment: pH Balanced Vaginal Tablet. Early miscarriage could also cause these symptoms. Its a fairly common practice, but doctors recommend against it. Also, remember to wear clean clothes and underwear to avoid body odors building up. 2.12. Bacterial vaginosis: CDC fact sheet. Brown discharge can replace a period or come after a missed period during early pregnancy. Change your tampon or pad regularly. It can begin as many as 10 years before the official start of menopause, usually in a womans 30s and 40s. Other signs and symptoms of early pregnancy include: While brown discharge after a period by itself usually isnt a big deal, it could indicate a problem when accompanied by other symptoms. 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. Practicing yoga 35 to 40 minutes a day, 5 times per week, may help regulate hormones and menstrual cycles. Strong odor can be a sign of an infection like bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection or trichomoniasis. To reduce odor during your period and maintain the balance of bacteria in the vagina, it's important to avoid douching. Menstruation in girls and adolescents: Using the menstrual cycle as a vital sign. Sometimes it can also be a sign of pregnancy. Garlic: Garlic has natural antibiotic properties and it kills bacteria and reduces odors. This is most likely related to the vaginal substance itself, but bacteria and acidity can also play a role. The strong smell is likely due to the blood and tissues exiting the vagina along with bacteria. "Started my period yesterday and wasn't shocked as a few days before I'd got severe stomach cramps and I am 13. Proper hygiene habits can help combat the usual odors associated with menstruation. A Period That Lasts 1 or 2 Days: What Could Cause This? To prevent spreading of bowel bacteria it is recommended to wipe from front to back. Your period can produce an odor, which may even be different month to month. Because they are worn internally, they can help reduce the smell of menstrual blood during your period. 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 is normal, but if it bothers you, consider wearing tampons or menstrual cups, or changing your pad more frequently. Perimenopause periods can be longer or shorter. 6. Avoid Douching. Tight clothes irritate the vagina, thereby, increasing the smell from the vagina. The resulting rotten smell from bacteria mixed with menstrual flow shouldnt be strong enough for others to detect. 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. Unlike other common odors, fishiness usually indicates a medical problem that you need to see a doctor for. Allow this infusion to cool, then strain and pour into a basin. DOI: What can cause brown discharge after a period? Changing your sanitary product often prevents this problem. Get acquainted with your natural smell. The first time you get your period, you might feel worried or self-conscious. This article was co-authored by Carrie Noriega, MD. Summary. Don't wash the inside of your vagina. I assume a similar tactic would work for period panties LanaLovesKitty 2 yr. ago I had my first period a month ago and now I know how I can keep clean. They may even have a slight metallic smell from iron and bacteria. Smelly, brown discharge: If you experience smelly, brown discharge after menses, then it is quite possible that it is caused by some bacteria. Jan 31, 2017. Itching can also indicate that you may have an infection. Just urinate to clear foreign substances. Yoga may also help reduce premenstrual symptoms. Add a cup of ACV to your water bath and sit in it for around 20 minutes. Period blood usually has some odor, but if you notice brown discharge with a strong odor, an STI is the most likely cause. Stringy period blood usually means you're at the heaviest part of your menstrual cycle. 10K followers View more on Instagram 95 likes Add a comment. Dont be fooled by advertising that claims you need expensive products to be clean. Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Thongs and lace are not the best clothing choices for good feminine hygiene. There really are not any other home remedies to try. You may also experience missed periods followed by brown discharge if youve recently started using a new hormonal birth control. Soak in the water bath for around 15 minutes. While the scientific evidence is still sketchy, there is some suggestion that certain oral probiotics can protect against bacterial vaginosis. ", 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. Elaine. Committee on Adolescent Health Care, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Brown discharge can be a sign of a problem when its accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain, itching, and a strong odor. Is Stringy Period Blood a Cause for Concern? Brown discharge after a period is usually old or dried blood that was slow to leave your uterus. Your vaginal discharge may smell slightly metallic like copper pennies when you're menstruating. Last Updated: February 17, 2022 This article was co-authored by Carrie Noriega, MD. 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. What Does It Mean If You Have Spotting Instead of Your Period? This will help vagina breathe easily. (2018). If your period smells and you notice unusual symptoms, see your doctor. Blood that takes longer to exit your body becomes darker, often brown. Powered by enkimd.com. Some of these are: Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar works by restoring the acidic nature of the flora present in the vagina. Avoid scented products. 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. Cleaning your vagina with warm water is sufficient. Garlic: Garlic has natural antibiotic properties and it kills bacteria and reduces odors. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. Menstrual cups can be worn for an extended period of time (up to 10-12 hours). Avoid fragrances or harsh soaps, as these can irritate the vagina. 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. Change your pad often. It really just depends on how well your uterus sheds its lining and the speed at which it exits your body. Your doctor can also identify or rule out more serious conditions, such as pelvic inflammatory disease. It is also greatly effective in fighting from various multiple toxins that can result in serious infections. This is because period blood contains iron. Antibiotics should not cause you to get an odor during your period. 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. During this time, your estrogen levels rise and fall, causing changes to your menstrual cycle. The vagina is intensely acidic, naturally killing bad bacteria. Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. 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. Instead, just ensure to clean your private area daily with plain warm water and mild soap. 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. She specializes in womens health, rheumatology, pulmonology, infectious disease, and gastroenterology. Dr. Noriega is a Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist and medical writer in Colorado. In such cases, the odors are accompanied by other symptoms, such as vaginal discharge or pelvic pain thats not related to normal menstruation. 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. However, according to some physicians, the infection could spread up to the fallopian tubes. You might want to consider seeing a doctor to get checked for a vaginal infection, especially if the odor persists after your period ends. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. (2017). Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. % of people told us that this article helped them. What Causes Yellow Discharge Before Your Period? She specializes in womens health, rheumatology, pulmonology, infectious disease, and gastroenterology. A birth control implant is a type of hormonal birth control that is implanted into the upper arm, just under the skin. As a result, smegma that is thick, whitish, and has a strong odor can build up underneath the . Server responsed at: 04/18/2023 9:34 a.m. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. The citric acid in lemon juice kills bacteria. Here's what to expect. 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. Hence, prompt medical attention and treatment is important. You might be able to control such odors by changing pads and tampons frequently, especially during heavy-flow days. 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. Wolf WM, et al. BV causes a grayish-colored discharge and is accompanied by pain, redness, and itching. 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): 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. Your vagina is a self-cleaning organ that naturally produces the right balance of mucus to flush out any contaminants, and a douche or wash can disrupt your pH balance and lead to infection. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. There could be something else going on. .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! Another reason for smelly discharge after period could be a forgotten tampon. If blood gets on your clothing or sheets, rinse with cold water as soon as possible and then rub with a laundry pre-treatment product such as Spray n Wash or Shout. Switching to a different type of birth control can be a solution to this period smell issue. Its normal for the vagina to have bacteria, though the amount can fluctuate. Some women report a fishy smell during menstruation. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. 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. Dr. Noriega is a Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist and medical writer in Colorado. If you notice an abrupt change in your menstrual cycle, you may need to see a doctor. By using our site, you agree to our. These changes often cause brown discharge after your period and sometimes during other parts of your cycle. But be careful not to damage the air holes and clean them carefully. You will need to see your doctor for a prescription to treat BV. 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. References Remember, it is natural to have a body that smells like a body, and genitals that smell like genitals. % of people told us that this article helped them. Feb 8, 2017. The market has, in turn, responded by developing menstrual products that focus on convenience. It is a quite annoying problem and can lead to major discomfort and embarrassment during intimate moments. While most people can use a regular deodorant during their period, others find that it is not sufficient.