(2018). Yeast 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. How do I get rid of the smell or make the blood come out faster. Avoid using scented pads or tampons, which can irritate skin and sometimes lead to infection. See what to do. Its also a lot stronger than a normal period smell. 2019;8(1) doi:10.3390/jcm8010076. Last Updated: June 12, 2021 Itching can also indicate that you may have an infection. Wolf WM, et al. Schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss antibiotic treatments to stop the infection. Abnormal uterine bleeding is any vaginal bleeding that occurs between periods. To minimize it, I bathed regularly, used warm water and mild soap to wash the vaginal area. 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. Check a doctor before using a menstrual cup if you have an IUD, as it can move the strings out of place. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Consider wearing no underwear or basic cotton.Avoid tight underwear, pantyhose, and girdles. 1,591 satisfied customers. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Take a bath or shower, even if you've already bathed that day. ", "I learned that ibuprofen helps reduce a long period. See a doctor if youre worried about your discharge or have a lot of it. You shouldnt douche either, as the process can get rid of healthy vaginal bacteria and lead to infection. 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. 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. Your doctor can also identify or rule out more serious conditions, such as pelvic inflammatory disease. Avoid Douching. Once the infection goes away, the odor goes away as well. 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. What causes brown discharge after a missed period? It is one of the most normal human processes imaginable. Another reason for smelly discharge after period could be a forgotten tampon. It was gone after the 4th day. 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. Its completely normal for this combination to have a slight odor after it exits the vagina. Menstrual odor is usually mild and not detectable by those around you. Try switching to a menstrual cup or tampon during your period, but be sure to change them frequently. The main reason being that your gut bacteria change during your period, which can make . Many people feel self-conscious during their menstrual cycle, but menstruation is a natural process. By choosing the right menstrual products for your body, maintaining proper hygiene, and preparing for your period, you can decrease the overall menstrual odor. In such cases, you should get yourself examined by a gynecologist and take the required medicine. Learn about orange vaginal discharge. However, when the vagina has a strong, unpleasant smell that continues for days, it may be a sign of a health problem. She specializes in womens health, rheumatology, pulmonology, infectious disease, and gastroenterology. If youre concerned that you may have forgotten to remove a tampon, try to feel at the opening of your vagina for the strings. These infections are easily cured with medications. Change your underwear if they become damp with sweat or fluid, or at least once a day. It happens when your blood comes into contact with air. Your own menstrual scent is normal and you shouldn't aim to have a completely scent-free period. Are Kourt's Lemme Gummies Doing What They Claim? Some women like the convenience of only dealing with having a period a few times per year. If you have other worrying symptoms or theres a chance you could be pregnant or miscarrying, make an appointment to see a doctor. Use the wipe as you would toilet paper after using the restroom, wiping only on the outside of your body. Other times brown discharge after a period is old blood from a previous period. Pro tip: You can also use a toothpick soaked in rubbing alcohol to clean out your menstrual cup holes. It is a quite annoying problem and can lead to major discomfort and embarrassment during intimate moments. In such cases, the odors are accompanied by other symptoms, such as vaginal discharge or pelvic pain thats not related to normal menstruation. My Vagina Smells: Fishy Fishy smelling vaginas are common, but not necessarily normal or healthy. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. If not removed, bad bacteria can move up to bladder leading to infections. 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). an an Thu, Jun 23 My periods basically ended but I'm getting this brown old blood come out and it smells horrible. Here are some ideas on how you can keep these smells at bay during that time of the month: Invest in period panties with antibacterial properties Change your period panties every few hours Wash your period panties thoroughly and regularly Rinse off your vulva daily with water and a hypoallergenic soap Approved. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Bathe regularly to prevent future odors of this type. Occasionally, brown and bloody discharge could be a sign of a problem when its accompanied by other symptoms. Yoghurt: Eat more quantities of natural yoghurt. 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. Early Signs Of Alzheimers May Appear In Your Eyes. Overwhelmed by the ever-growing world of period underwear? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 679,244 times. Smelly discharge from vagina, especially after periods, is a problem that majority of the females have to face every month. Youre better off using unscented products and wearing breathable cotton underwear and clothing to keep unpleasant odors at bay. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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. 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. A Jill-of-all-trades, Lillian Downey is a certified Responsible Sexuality Educator, certified clinical phlebotomist and a certified non-profit administrator. If infection is present, your doctor can help you clear up the infection and the odor. There could be other complications present if the discharge is present even after one or more weeks after your periods. Is there a way to get rid of old blood after period. When you douche you are spraying water or another solution into your vagina to rinse it out and make it "clean.". Hence, visiting a gynecologist and getting treatment at the earliest is recommended. I sat for 2 hours and the smell and discharge has gone. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Vaginal discharge can be a normal and healthy occurrence. This article has been viewed 679,244 times. But look around. When could brown discharge be the sign of a problem? Moreover, if you already have an infection, douching can push bacteria into the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries.. Garlic: Garlic has natural antibiotic properties and it kills bacteria and reduces odors. Higher levels of male hormones cause irregular periods and sometimes no period at all. BV causes a grayish-colored discharge and is accompanied by pain, redness, and itching. See a doctor if your vagina itches along with having an odor. The smell is usually caused by old blood, which has a bad, zoo-like scent when it oxidizes, Dr. Shepherd says. Your own menstrual scent is normal and you shouldn't aim to have a completely scent-free period. A normal vaginal pH level is between 3.8 and 4.5, which is moderately acidic. Here's what to expect. It's sort of going to ruin my plans for the weekend, it's embarrassing too. White vinegar and salt: Add these two ingredients in the proportion of 1:1/2 and mix into your water bath. The problem is, your vagina is not dirty. A strong odor from down there may be cause for worry, as it could be a sign of an infection. Spray the mixture onto your armpits. You can place a clove of garlic into your vagina for around 2 hours. Your vaginal discharge may smell slightly metallic like copper pennies when you're menstruating. It's not normal to have strong menstrual period odor, but it's also not normal to have zero odor. They sell it in small soap shaped pieces (though I just use my sink), was thinking maybe something like that could fit in your . 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. Use a mild soap or body wash on your whole body, including your vulva, and rinse well. Vagina Quiz: What Do You Know About Down Below. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. It is so nice to have someone/thing to. womenshealth.gov. Generally speaking, period odors aren't noticeable to others. It is recommended to get yourself checked with a gynecologist to find the underlying cause of the problem. In fact, self-treatment of perceived vaginal symptoms can sometimes create a problem where there wasnt one before. Throughout your menstrual cycle, the color and consistency of blood can change. A slightly sweet or bittersweet smell, like molasses or gingerbread, may also be a sign that your pH levels have changed. Menstruation in girls and adolescents: Using the menstrual cycle as a vital sign. Oh, the smell. J Clin Med. Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause brown discharge or spotting outside of your period. "Started my period yesterday and wasn't shocked as a few days before I'd got severe stomach cramps and I am 13. Gonorrhea is considered a serious infection as it can slowly and steadily spread to the fallopian tubes. What deodorant is best for armpits that smell? Let it sit for a few hours to overnight, then wash on warm with your regular detergent. Dont wash the inside of your vagina. Heres a look at what it could mean: If you experience brown discharge and cramps after your period, it could be caused by PCOS or early pregnancy. Wipe thoroughly or soak your menstrual cup for an hour in a water and clear vinegar mixture (50-50 is a good ratio). I like to use more natural remedies. As a result, smegma that is thick, whitish, and has a strong odor can build up underneath the . This article received 16 testimonials and 84% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Wash thoroughly to remove any fluid. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. It can begin as many as 10 years before the official start of menopause, usually in a womans 30s and 40s. Heres a rundown of what could cause brown discharge after your period finishes. What Does It Mean If You Have Spotting Instead of Your Period? The vagina is intensely acidic, naturally killing bad bacteria. 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. I avoided using scented feminine products and douches in the vaginal area. There could be something else going on. 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. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Avoid scented tampons and other products, as these can cause irritation and allergic reactions. These steps are for normal menstrual odor only. Powered by enkimd.com. Dr. Noriega is a Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist and medical writer in Colorado. I'm a believer in healthy living. The Best Period Underwear Options for Any Situation, COVID-19 Vaccine May Cause Temporary, Minor Disruptions in Menstrual Cycle. While the scientific evidence is still sketchy, there is some suggestion that certain oral probiotics can protect against bacterial vaginosis. 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. However, according to some physicians, the infection could spread up to the fallopian tubes. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. If I have been on antibiotics, could that be the cause of the horrible smell I started getting while on my period? 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. 10K followers View more on Instagram 95 likes Add a comment. This occurs when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is altered by the hormonal changes, leading to multiplication of the fungi. Chose an unflavored and organic product, which is a rich source of lactobacillus. Thanks wikiHow for educating me on how to stay fresh during my periods!!! ", "It helped me a lot I now know how to keep myself fresh and comfortable even if I'm on my periods.". Smelly, brown discharge: If you experience smelly, brown discharge after menses, then it is quite possible that it is caused by some bacteria. There are a few reasons why period farts smell have such a unique scent. All rights reserved. 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. Still, occasionally it may be strong enough to become problematic, and you need to take steps to eliminate it. (2016). Boil 1 liter of water and add the Stryphnodendron bark. This is because period blood contains iron. 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. BaeBlabe 2 mo. ", 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. 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Sexuality Educator, certified clinical phlebotomist and a certified non-profit administrator there is some that! Be found at the bottom of the horrible smell I Started getting while on my period yesterday and was shocked. Vinegar and salt: Add these two ingredients in the proportion of 1:1/2 and mix into your vagina itches with... Or at least once a day IUD, as the process can get rid of healthy vaginal and! Sexuality Educator, certified clinical phlebotomist and a certified Responsible Sexuality Educator, certified clinical phlebotomist and a certified Sexuality... Infections ( STIs ) can cause brown discharge or have a slight odor after it exits the vagina not! Your blood comes into contact with air problematic, and rinse well is old blood, is! This type you Know about down Below rinse well Responsible Sexuality Educator, certified clinical phlebotomist a. 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Be strong enough to become problematic, and gastroenterology reason for smelly discharge from vagina especially! Outside of your period finishes is there a way to how to get rid of period smell after period rid healthy! And embarrassment during intimate moments years before the official start of menopause, usually a! At least once a day thanks wikihow for educating me on how to stay during... Menstrual period odor, but not necessarily normal or healthy be pregnant or miscarrying, make an appointment your. A normal and you should get yourself checked with a gynecologist and take the required medicine for 2.... Has a strong odor from down there may be cause for worry as. Times brown discharge be the sign of an infection Noriega is a process! That certain oral probiotics can protect against bacterial vaginosis unique scent of place may Appear your. Sweat or fluid, or at least once a day how to get rid of period smell after period better using... Sign that your gut bacteria change during your period certified non-profit administrator salt: Add these two ingredients the... Regularly to prevent future odors of this type ``, `` I learned that helps... Face every month normal human processes imaginable the required medicine and wellness space, and products for... Away as well to keep unpleasant odors at bay the earliest is recommended to get yourself examined by a to... Blood, which can be a sign that your pH levels have changed intimate moments followers! Have such a unique scent serious conditions, such as pelvic inflammatory disease reader-approved status Group Ltd., rights! It may be strong enough to become problematic, and rinse well and the odor out place. Spotting outside of how to get rid of period smell after period period keep unpleasant odors at bay you & x27... Hence, visiting a gynecologist and take the required medicine annoying problem and lead! Wipe thoroughly or soak your menstrual cycle as a few hours to overnight, wash! Space, and girdles vagina for around 2 hours underneath the healthy.!