how to get rid of period smell after period

Maintain personal hygiene by bathing regularly and trimming pubic hairs. Often, a vaginal odor that requires a doctors visit will be accompanied by other vaginal symptoms. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. % of people told us that this article helped them. In fact, self-treatment of perceived vaginal symptoms can sometimes create a problem where there wasnt one before. A person might notice that their period blood smells metallic due to the presence of blood and iron. Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause brown discharge or spotting outside of your period. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Never, ever put you r period c up in the dishwasher! Sanitary napkins frequently present a more noticeable smell. Is Stringy Period Blood a Cause for Concern? Vaginal discharge can be a normal and healthy occurrence. This odor is most often attributed to bacterial vaginosis, a type of infection. Use menstrual cups instead of pads and tampons to avoid the odour of your period. Its a fairly common practice, but doctors recommend against it. The market has, in turn, responded by developing menstrual products that focus on convenience. This occurs when you forget to remove your tampon, and the old tampon is still in your body. There could be something else going on. References. How to decode your vaginal discharge - and when to worry. Stainless steel soap or even just rubbing your hands on stainless steel can help a lot, I've found. You shouldnt douche either, as the process can get rid of healthy vaginal bacteria and lead to infection. Its normal for menstrual periods to have a slight odor. It could just be that some menstrual fluid is hanging around due to a heavy or thick flow. 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. Remember, it is natural to have a body that smells like a body, and genitals that smell like genitals. Pass urine after having sex as it removes bacteria from inside and outside the vaginal canal. "Started my period yesterday and wasn't shocked as a few days before I'd got severe stomach cramps and I am 13. Sometimes the bleeding and cramps caused by miscarriage are mistaken for a period. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Committee on Adolescent Health Care, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. It's not normal to have strong menstrual period odor, but it's also not normal to have zero odor. If you notice an abrupt change in your menstrual cycle, you may need to see a doctor. Early Signs Of Alzheimers May Appear In Your Eyes. Instead of using perfume to mask. Dont wear tight pants or tight underwear. Overwhelmed by the ever-growing world of period underwear? Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Server responsed at: 04/18/2023 9:34 a.m. What Do Probiotics Have To Do With Your Vagina? Don't wash the inside of your vagina. Heres a rundown of what could cause brown discharge after your period finishes. Change sanitary pads and tampons frequently. 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). During this time, your estrogen levels rise and fall, causing changes to your menstrual cycle. Wash thoroughly to remove any fluid. Douching can lead to vaginal infections. I have been having a smelly vaginal discharge for the past 4 months after my periods. Keep a tampon or pad with you in your purse, locker, and/or car for emergencies. The blood from a miscarriage can be red, but it can also be brown and resemble coffee grounds. Bacterial vaginosis is treated with antibiotics. Avoid using a douche after sex. Geographical prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome as determined by region and race/ethnicity. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects a woman's hormone levels. ", "The part about avoiding scented products helped. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. PCOS affects between 6 and 10 percent of women of childbearing age. Smelly, brown discharge: If you experience smelly, brown discharge after menses, then it is quite possible that it is caused by some bacteria. They sell it in small soap shaped pieces (though I just use my sink), was thinking maybe something like that could fit in your . It will help reduce the odor and bacteria for a long duration. Spray the mixture onto your armpits. It was gone after the 4th day. Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. Youre better off using unscented products and wearing breathable cotton underwear and clothing to keep unpleasant odors at bay. Avoid scented tampons and other products, as these can cause irritation and allergic reactions. 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. Schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss antibiotic treatments to stop the infection. Your own menstrual scent is normal and you shouldn't aim to have a completely scent-free period. Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy: Bacterial vaginosis: an update on diagnosis and treatment., Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners: Factors influencing womens decisions to self-treat vaginal symptoms., Mayo Clinic: Vaginal odor: When to see a doctor., Mayo Clinic: You dont need fancy products for good feminine hygiene., Office on Womens Health: Douching.. If youre concerned that you may have forgotten to remove a tampon, try to feel at the opening of your vagina for the strings. There are several home remedies available to get rid of the vaginal discharge and odor. This can happen at the end of a period, when you dont have to insert a new tampon as often and you have no further bleeding. Switching to a different type of birth control can be a solution to this period smell issue. Wear Loose-Fitting Bottoms and Cotton Underwear. If you wear tampons, know the warning signs of, Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist. Allow this infusion to cool, then strain and pour into a basin. ". Itching can also indicate that you may have an infection. Your doctor can also identify or rule out more serious conditions, such as pelvic inflammatory disease. Here's the deal: The vagina requires a low pH in order to be inhabited by healthy bacteria. Perimenopause is when your body begins to make the natural transition to menopause. Others have brown discharge that comes and goes for a week or two. Deodorizing products, such as wipes and sprays, arent recommended because of the possibility of irritation. Use a gentle soap and your hands to clean the vaginal area. This article was co-authored by Carrie Noriega, MD. She specializes in womens health, rheumatology, pulmonology, infectious disease, and gastroenterology. A normal period consists of blood, menstrual fluid, excess tissue, and an unfertilized egg. Here's what the different period blood colors mean and when to see your doctor. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If your period smells and you notice unusual symptoms, see your doctor. 4 Upvotes // 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. If your diet contains any of these or other pungent foods, consider eliminating the food to see if the smell improves. Douching may also increase your risk for this type of infection. 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