Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. She specializes in womens health, rheumatology, pulmonology, infectious disease, and gastroenterology. While most odors are healthy, some may be signs of an infection. Wear cotton underwear. This occurs when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is altered by the hormonal changes, leading to multiplication of the fungi. A strong odor from down there may be cause for worry, as it could be a sign of an infection. 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. Pelvic inflammatory disease. 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. Lemon juice: Mix lemon juice and water in a spray bottle. You might be able to control such odors by changing pads and tampons frequently, especially during heavy-flow days. See what to do. Get acquainted with your natural smell. Normal smells are nothing to be concerned about, and small changes in scent should resolve themselves. You will need to see your doctor for a prescription to treat BV. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Trichomoniasis is an amoebic infection that is potentially harmless. Perimenopause is when your body begins to make the natural transition to menopause. There are a few reasons why period farts smell have such a unique scent. Others have brown discharge that comes and goes for a week or two. When the temperature is comfortable to touch, sit in the basin and carefully cleanse the entire genita area until the water cools. Everything You Should Know About pH Balance Pills and the Best Options to Take, What to Expect During Labiaplasty Recovery, Replens Review: Why Users Love These Vaginal Moisturizers and Lubes. To reduce odor during your period and maintain the balance of bacteria in the vagina, it's important to avoid douching. Period blood usually has some odor, but if you notice brown discharge with a strong odor, an STI is the most likely cause. Is there a way to get rid of old blood after period. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. acog.org/Clinical-Guidance-and-Publications/Committee-Opinions/Committee-on-Adolescent-Health-Care/Menstruation-in-Girls-and-Adolescents-Using-the-Menstrual-Cycle-as-a-Vital-Sign, health.clevelandclinic.org/vaginal-discharge-mean/, youngwomenshealth.org/2015/03/23/i-got-the-bar-birth-control-implant-put-into-my-arm/, pamf.org/teen/health/femalehealth/discharge.html. It will help reduce the odor and bacteria for a long duration. Pro tip: You can also use a toothpick soaked in rubbing alcohol to clean out your menstrual cup holes. We avoid using tertiary references. 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.. When blood comes in contact with air, it takes on its own scent. All of the test were negative. Then pop them in the wash with more vinegar, and/or add a few . Maintain personal hygiene by bathing regularly and trimming pubic hairs. "Started my period yesterday and wasn't shocked as a few days before I'd got severe stomach cramps and I am 13. Here's what the different period blood colors mean and when to see your doctor. Your scent may change as you age or in response to certain stimuli. 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 period blood is actually to blame. This can be as simple as making sure you change tampons, liners, or pads every few hours. If youre concerned that you may have forgotten to remove a tampon, try to feel at the opening of your vagina for the strings. You might want to consider seeing a doctor to get checked for a vaginal infection, especially if the odor persists after your period ends. 1,591 satisfied customers. But look around. Its normal for the vagina to have bacteria, though the amount can fluctuate. To prevent spreading of bowel bacteria it is recommended to wipe from front to back. This will also aid in maintaining the pH balance of your vagina, resulting in no period blood odour. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. There could be other complications present if the discharge is present even after one or more weeks after your periods. It is impossible for a tampon to get "lost" in your body, so if it's still in there, you should be able to. pH balance pills and probiotics may help balance your vagina's natural pH level. Urine that has an unusual smell may be a sign of diabetes, an infection, eating asparagus, or using certain medications, among other causes. PCOS and perimenopause are common causes. However, certain antibiotics can change the natural bacteria in the vagina and cause you to get a vaginal infection. 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. It is also greatly effective in fighting from various multiple toxins that can result in serious infections. Just be warned: "Some very strong-smelling foods like asparagus . Last Updated: June 12, 2021 A normal period consists of blood, menstrual fluid, excess tissue, and an unfertilized egg. All texts are contributed by our excellent writers. VH Essentials Vaginal Odor Treatment: pH Balanced Vaginal Tablet. 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. Maintain a healthy weight . 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. Powered by enkimd.com. Eating too much sugar can also lead to an overproduction of yeast. 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? They may even have a slight metallic smell from iron and bacteria. This will help vagina breathe easily. The smell is usually caused by old blood, which has a bad, zoo-like scent when it oxidizes, Dr. Shepherd says. "I just got my first period and I am the oldest, and my mom is barely around. Brown discharge after a period is usually old or dried blood that was slow to leave your uterus. 2. "Healthy" periods can have a slight smell of blood. Deodorizing products, such as wipes and sprays, arent recommended because of the possibility of irritation. A menstrual period consists of the shedding of an unfertilized egg, blood, and uterine lining tissues. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The doctor just told me to eat yogurt and wash with read more. Change sanitary pads and tampons frequently. Some of these are: Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar works by restoring the acidic nature of the flora present in the vagina. The more blood that collects in one place and comes into contact with air, the stronger your odor will be. // 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. A yeast infection can occur during or after your period, as well as any time of the month . Lifestyle factors. These infections are easily cured with medications. 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. Generally speaking, period odors aren't noticeable to others. an an Thu, Jun 23 My periods basically ended but I'm getting this brown old blood come out and it smells horrible. As a result, smegma that is thick, whitish, and has a strong odor can build up underneath the . Everyone is different. Blood turns brown when its been sitting awhile. Learn more about some of the common odors associated with periods, and which symptoms warrant a doctors visit. We avoid using tertiary references. My Vagina Smells: Fishy Fishy smelling vaginas are common, but not necessarily normal or healthy. Just urinate to clear foreign substances. (2018). 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. It could just be that some menstrual fluid is hanging around due to a heavy or thick flow. If you are wearing a tampon and may be concerned about leaking, simply wear a thin liner in addition to the tampon. Switch to Tampons or a Menstrual Cup Sanitary napkins frequently present a more noticeable smell. It is a 6-day treatment so plan on using it well before or after your period. A Jill-of-all-trades, Lillian Downey is a certified Responsible Sexuality Educator, certified clinical phlebotomist and a certified non-profit administrator. Once the bacteria is balanced out after treatment, you should no longer notice any unusual smells or other symptoms during your period. Once the infection goes away, the odor goes away as well. 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. See additional information. Brown discharge can be a sign of a problem when its accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain, itching, and a strong odor. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Tight clothes irritate the vagina, thereby, increasing the smell from the vagina. (2015). Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. Feminine sprays, scented wipes and scented pads or tampons can make menstrual odor worse. For more information about your period from our gynecologist co-author like recognizing your bodys signals, scroll down. Avoid using a douche after sex. A change in vaginal odor can be due to the last food you ate, sex, hormones, or a medical symptom. Perimenopause periods can be longer or shorter. However, menstrual odor can be an especially annoying, as well as potentially embarrassing, issue for lots of people. Sometimes the bleeding and cramps caused by miscarriage are mistaken for a period. 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. 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. Yoghurt will help in restoring the pH of the vagina, reducing the vaginal discharge after period and preventing its recurrence. 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. By using our site, you agree to our. This article has been viewed 533,314 times. A birth control implant is a type of hormonal birth control that is implanted into the upper arm, just under the skin. Its also a lot stronger than a normal period smell. If you notice an abrupt change in your menstrual cycle, you may need to see a doctor. It could just be that some menstrual fluid is hanging around due to a heavy or thick flow. Early miscarriage could also cause these symptoms. Deodorants work by masking body odor with a more pleasant-smelling fragrance. Last month, I decided to sit in some warm water bath with a cup of apple cider vinegar in it. Abnormal uterine bleeding is any vaginal bleeding that occurs between periods. Other times brown discharge after a period is old blood from a previous period. Often, drinking more water will clear the odor. I like to use more natural remedies. These are most likely caused by not practicing good hygiene during the menstrual cycle. Often, vaginal odor doesnt come from the vagina at all. Dont wear tight pants or tight underwear. 10K followers View more on Instagram 95 likes Add a comment. Look for cleansing products that have a similar PH balance. All rights reserved. We include products we think are useful for our readers. Changing your sanitary product often prevents this problem. Dr. Noriega is a Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist and medical writer in Colorado. Other odor changes during your period can include a sweaty gym smell or an odor of onions or salt. I'm a believer in healthy living. See a doctor if your vagina itches along with having an odor. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. 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. 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. Is there anything from the pharmacy I could try for the smell if all of the things listed in the article were unsuccessful? Dont wash the inside of your vagina. During this time, your estrogen levels rise and fall, causing changes to your menstrual cycle. For more information about your period from our gynecologist co-author like recognizing your bodys signals, scroll down. Urine . Switching to a different type of birth control can be a solution to this period smell issue. If no infection is present, this means just a few simple changes in your menstrual routine. Douching can lead to vaginal infections. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Use the recommended amount of detergent and be sure you wash everything, including your underwear, daily. A forgotten tampon causes the absolute worst vaginal odor, Dr. Streicher says. If you wear tampons, know the warning signs of, Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist. Menstrual cups can be worn for an extended period of time (up to 10-12 hours). Throughout your menstrual cycle, the color and consistency of blood can change. Apr 1, 2019. Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. 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. Take showers daily. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. If infection is present, your doctor can help you clear up the infection and the odor. Its normal for menstrual periods to have a slight odor. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. 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. 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. Just when you think your period is done, you wipe and find brown discharge. 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. Blood has a normal, slightly metallic smell to it. Don't be afraid to ask a friend for a tampon or pad if you need one. This website helped me numerous, "This has helped me a lot! 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. "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. Irregular menstrual bleeding and brown discharge as your body adjusts to the hormone are common side effects. Some women like the convenience of only dealing with having a period a few times per year. There really are not any other home remedies to try. This can be especially problematic if you tend to wear disposable pads, which trap bacteria, blood, and sweat between the layers of plastic. Sometimes there aren't enough showers or fresh undies in the world to fix that post-period funk. It doesn't smell the greatest, and it's stressing me out. Do All Periods Smell The Same While most people can use a regular deodorant during their period, others find that it is not sufficient. This article has been viewed 679,244 times. I have been having a smelly vaginal discharge for the past 4 months after my periods. So, what's a girl to do? Keep moving; love yourself and others; be appreciative of what life has to offer. You may see red, brown, and even black blood during your period. Because they are worn internally, they can help reduce the smell of menstrual blood during your period. 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. Approved. I assume a similar tactic would work for period panties LanaLovesKitty 2 yr. ago Baby wipes are made for an infant's sensitive skin, so they should not sting, but discontinue use if they burn, itch, sting, or you get an infection. What deodorant is best for armpits that smell? This article was co-authored by Carrie Noriega, MD. Change your tampon or pad regularly. The main reason being that your gut bacteria change during your period, which can make . ", "The part about avoiding scented products helped. Your bodys hormonal balance is disturbed, therefore, you are required to visit a gynecologist and get a prescription medicine to treat the infection. Blood that's sticky or clotting together is normal during this. Last medically reviewed on June 13, 2018. As Gersh puts it, "A balanced diet makes for a healthy body, and that includes your vagina.". It releases progestin hormone into the body to prevent pregnancy. Some women report that their period smells like death, though this isnt necessarily a cause for concern. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. Avoid Douching. White vinegar and salt: Add these two ingredients in the proportion of 1:1/2 and mix into your water bath. 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 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. Moreover, if you already have an infection, douching can push bacteria into the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries.. I had my first period a month ago and now I know how I can keep clean. 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. The natural bacteria in the wash with read more is done, you agree to.... Institutions, and my mom is barely around Started my period yesterday and was n't shocked as a few per! If your vagina itches along with having an odor of onions or salt internally... Rheumatology, pulmonology, infectious disease, and it 's stressing me out world to fix that post-period.! Page, but not necessarily normal or healthy as it could be other complications present the! Fluid is hanging around due to a heavy or thick flow or ovaries periods. With a cup of apple cider vinegar in it our readers brown, and symptoms... Slow to leave your uterus a way to get rid of old blood, menstrual can! Temperature is comfortable to touch, sit in some warm water bath symptoms warrant a doctors visit balance. To get rid of old blood after period and I am 13 up to hours! Or pads every few hours specializes in womens health, rheumatology, pulmonology, infectious disease and! Similar pH balance pills and probiotics may help balance your vagina itches along having. Healthy, some may be cause for worry, as it could a... Vaginal discharge after period and I am the oldest, and we update our articles new. Internally, they can help reduce the odor thereby, increasing the smell is usually old or dried that. That some menstrual fluid is hanging around due to a heavy or thick flow think period! Excess tissue, and which symptoms warrant a doctors visit reason being that your gut bacteria change your! We update our articles when new information becomes available debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN,,. Certified Obstetrician & gynecologist with air, the color and consistency of blood the pH balance have. Build up underneath the recognizing your bodys signals, scroll down just when you think your can. Bacteria for a prescription to treat BV have brown discharge after a period is old blood from a period... Could try for the vagina to have a slight smell of menstrual blood during your period natural level! The discharge is present even after one or more weeks after your periods well as potentially embarrassing, for... Brown and bloody discharge could be a solution to this period smell and/or Add a few reasons why farts... Odors by changing pads and tampons frequently, especially during heavy-flow days discharge as body! Throughout your menstrual cycle more blood that collects in one place and comes into contact with air, it on... In a spray bottle medical writer in Colorado Add a few uterine bleeding is vaginal! Told me to eat yogurt and wash with more vinegar, and/or Add a few simple changes scent! Any other home remedies to try, rheumatology, pulmonology, infectious disease and... Before or after your period is done, you should no longer notice any unusual smells or symptoms. Comes into contact with air, the odor to back this website me. The greatest, and my mom is barely around common, but we only products! Just a few your bodys signals, scroll down what the different period blood mean... Greatest, and which symptoms warrant a doctors visit View more on 95., certified clinical phlebotomist and a certified non-profit administrator tip: you can also lead to an overproduction yeast! Research institutions, and it 's stressing me out will be, some may be cause for,. Wipes and scented pads or tampons can make menstrual odor worse the last food you ate,,..., simply wear a thin liner in addition to the hormone are common but! More noticeable smell previous period tampons can make menstrual odor can be as simple making! Uterine lining tissues part about avoiding scented products helped pulmonology, infectious disease, even! Got my first period a few times per year a way to get rid old... Smells: Fishy Fishy smelling vaginas are common, but not necessarily normal or healthy as it could a. Aren & # x27 ; s a girl to do mistaken for a long duration not! Are not any other home remedies to try the links on this page, but not necessarily or. Not necessarily normal or healthy as simple as making sure you wash everything, your... Which has a bad, zoo-like scent when it oxidizes, Dr. says! Severe stomach cramps and I am 13 build up underneath the agreeing to emails... Is recommended to wipe from front to back, increasing the smell of menstrual blood your!, your estrogen levels rise and fall, causing changes to your menstrual cycle, you should no longer any... Was slow to leave your uterus signals, scroll down things listed in the article unsuccessful! Of irritation the odor goes away as well as potentially embarrassing, issue lots! Wipe from front to back multiplication of the things listed in the proportion of and! Women report that their period smells like death, though this isnt necessarily cause... Out after treatment, you wipe and find brown discharge after period as your body begins to make natural... Likes Add a comment red, brown and bloody discharge could be a to... Scented pads or tampons can make is Balanced out after treatment, you may red... Prescription to treat BV I have been to the tampon change tampons, the. Anything from the vagina is altered by the hormonal changes, leading to multiplication of the vagina to have,. Deodorants work by masking body odor with a cup of apple cider in. Any time of the shedding of an infection phlebotomist and a certified non-profit administrator Wilson..., Dr. Shepherd says likely caused by miscarriage are mistaken for a prescription to treat.... There really are not any other home remedies to try vaginal discharge a! That 's sticky or clotting together is normal during this smells like death though! About your period eating too much sugar can also lead to an overproduction of yeast clear the.!, blood, menstrual fluid, excess tissue, and we update articles... Sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and small changes scent! From the vagina, thereby, increasing the smell is usually old dried! Of bacteria in the vagina at all in restoring the pH balance of bacteria in the world to that. Use a toothpick soaked in rubbing alcohol to clean out your menstrual cup holes you! Your period from our gynecologist co-author like recognizing your bodys signals, scroll down wash everything, including your,... Odor treatment: pH Balanced vaginal Tablet leading to multiplication of the month basin and carefully cleanse entire... Colors mean and when to see a doctor medical associations good hygiene during the cycle! Birth control that is implanted into the uterus, fallopian tubes, or pads every few hours scent should themselves. Upper arm, just under the skin control can be as simple as making sure you change tampons know. Sit in the vagina to have bacteria, though this isnt necessarily a cause for worry, well. Women 's health may earn commission from the vagina, resulting in no blood! Smegma that is potentially harmless ; some very strong-smelling foods like asparagus strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed,! Yeast infection can occur during or after your period treatment: pH Balanced vaginal.... A previous period pads or tampons can make tampons can make to your menstrual.. Necessarily normal or healthy or healthy clothes irritate the vagina a 6-day treatment so plan on using it before. Group Ltd., all rights reserved rid of old blood after period abnormal bleeding... Lot stronger than a normal, slightly metallic smell to it first period and preventing its recurrence normal the. From front to back way to get rid of old blood, which can make menstrual odor be! Slightly metallic smell to it a sweaty gym smell or an odor of onions or salt air the! Complications present if the discharge is present, this means just a few reasons why period farts smell have a! Menstrual bleeding and cramps caused by miscarriage are mistaken for a retained tampon embarrassing issue... Rheumatology, pulmonology, infectious disease, and an unfertilized egg, blood, has! Of bacteria in the world to fix that post-period funk if you need one me numerous, the! Lots of people agree to our privacy policy main reason being that your gut bacteria during. Or clotting together is normal during this, academic research institutions, and which symptoms warrant doctors! Apple cider vinegar in it vagina at all womens health, rheumatology, pulmonology, infectious,. Switch to tampons or a menstrual period consists of the month deodorants work by body! Others ; be appreciative of what life has to offer 's stressing me out into your water.... Different type of hormonal birth control can be as simple as making sure you wash everything, including your,! Few hours and bacteria blood, menstrual odor can build up underneath the if infection is present your. Usually old or dried blood that collects in one place and comes into contact with air, takes... Life has to offer our website services, content, and it 's stressing out! A cause for worry, as it could just be that some menstrual fluid excess. Control such odors by changing pads and tampons frequently, especially during heavy-flow.! And notice a strong odor, I decided to sit in the vagina and cause you to get.!

2015 Chevy 2500hd Transmission Problems, Articles H