2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. If the smell is very strong, fishy, foul, or is otherwise abnormal for you, and you have been washing daily, there is probably an underlying cause. Server responsed at: 04/18/2023 9:34 a.m. Shower every day using a mild soap to stay clean and hygienic. It doesn't smell the greatest, and it's stressing me out. 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. Chose an unflavored and organic product, which is a rich source of lactobacillus. Even a stranger in the bathroom will likely be willing to help you out if you are in need. 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. A normal period consists of blood, menstrual fluid, excess tissue, and an unfertilized egg. By using our site, you agree to our. Use unscented baby wipes for a quick way to freshen up on the go. Some of these are: Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar works by restoring the acidic nature of the flora present in the vagina. Switching to a different type of birth control can be a solution to this period smell issue. If you wear tampons, know the warning signs of, Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects a womans hormone levels. When the temperature is comfortable to touch, sit in the basin and carefully cleanse the entire genita area until the water cools. According to the Eastern Carolina University Family Practice Center, you should change your pad or tampon every three to four hours 2. ", "I learned that ibuprofen helps reduce a long period. 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. Dry your clothes in the sun: Dry your clothes in the sun as the sun's UV rays can kill bacteria and freshen up your clothes, which can help to reduce vaginal odors. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Remember, it is natural to have a body that smells like a body, and genitals that smell like genitals. 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. 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. This will also aid in maintaining the pH balance of your vagina, resulting in no period blood odour. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. We include products we think are useful for our readers. I have vaginal odor, I have been to the doctor to get it checked out. It can be thin and watery one day, and thick and clumpy the next. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Eating too much sugar can also lead to an overproduction of yeast. This occurs when you forget to remove your tampon, and the old tampon is still in your body. Lifestyle factors. Typically, you should seek medical attention for vaginal odor if it is fishy or different from normal. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. As frustrating and possibly alarming as it can be, brown discharge after your period is pretty normal. All texts are contributed by our excellent writers. This scent is usually mild enough that others can't smell it through your clothes, but you'll be able to smell it when you use the bathroom or change your clothes. Dont wash the inside of your vagina. Occasionally, brown and bloody discharge could be a sign of a problem when its accompanied by other symptoms. Maintain a healthy weight . Trichomoniasis, aka trich, can cause a putrid, fishy odor from the penis or vagina. This occurs when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is altered by the hormonal changes, leading to multiplication of the fungi. .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! Menstruation in girls and adolescents: Using the menstrual cycle as a vital sign. See a doctor if youre worried about your discharge or have a lot of it. 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. BV is sometimes accompanied by itching or burning, but other times there are no symptoms except a foul smell. [8] You may want to shower more than once on heavier days. Use a gentle soap and your hands to clean the vaginal area. Thanks wikiHow for educating me on how to stay fresh during my periods!!! While the scientific evidence is still sketchy, there is some suggestion that certain oral probiotics can protect against bacterial vaginosis. Black, Brown, Bright Red, and More: What Does Each Period Blood Color Mean? Wear cotton underwear. Keep a tampon or pad with you in your purse, locker, and/or car for emergencies. J Clin Med. Blood that takes longer to exit your body becomes darker, often brown. A birth control implant is a type of hormonal birth control that is implanted into the upper arm, just under the skin. Use the recommended amount of detergent and be sure you wash everything, including your underwear, daily. They may even have a slight metallic smell from iron and bacteria. There could be something else going on. Spray the mixture onto your armpits. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Do All Periods Smell The Same Spray the mixture under your arms. Wash thoroughly to remove any fluid. I wash them on the normal cycle with the prewash option on. Early Signs Of Alzheimers May Appear In Your Eyes. This article received 16 testimonials and 84% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. (2015). It's sort of going to ruin my plans for the weekend, it's embarrassing too. You shouldnt douche either, as the process can get rid of healthy vaginal bacteria and lead to infection. 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. There are some alternatives that you can use, if you don't have cup wipes or a proper liquid wash at hand. She also authors blogs on nail art blog and women's self esteem. For more information about your period from our gynecologist co-author like recognizing your bodys signals, scroll down. Your period can produce an odor, which may even be different month to month. The first time you get your period, you might feel worried or self-conscious. I use the period panties so have the issue with the scent on my hands after hand washing. Its normal for menstrual periods to have a slight odor. Summary. Last Updated: February 17, 2022 Don't be afraid to ask a friend for a tampon or pad if you need one. Soak in the water bath for around 15 minutes. If you experience spotting instead of your normal period, it could be due to a number of different things. When could brown discharge be the sign of a problem? wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. It can also change the pH of your vagina , allowing it to become a breeding ground for different bacteria or an infection. This article was co-authored by Carrie Noriega, MD. You should seek professional medical help if you notice an abrupt change in your vaginal odor. 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. I have vaginal odor, I have been to the doctor to get it. Many people feel self-conscious during their menstrual cycle, but menstruation is a natural process. Are Kourt's Lemme Gummies Doing What They Claim? Instead, just ensure to clean your private area daily with plain warm water and mild soap. Labiaplasty recovery has several different phases, each marked by its own set of sensations and activity guidelines. So, what's a girl to do? With cloth pads, I rinse/wring them out until most of the blood is gone, then put them in the washer with baking soda in the prewash and vinegar in the fabric softener. Eat a balanced diet. DOI: What can cause brown discharge after a period? It can begin as many as 10 years before the official start of menopause, usually in a womans 30s and 40s. Committee on Adolescent Health Care, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 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? You might want to consider seeing a doctor to get checked for a vaginal infection, especially if the odor persists after your period ends. Be sure to discard it in the trash can, as they are not made to flush and can clog sewer lines. 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.. Add a cup of ACV to your water bath and sit in it for around 20 minutes. If you are wearing a tampon and may be concerned about leaking, simply wear a thin liner in addition to the tampon. This article has been viewed 679,244 times. White vinegar and salt: Add these two ingredients in the proportion of 1:1/2 and mix into your water bath. 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. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Moreover, if you already have an infection, douching can push bacteria into the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries.. Get acquainted with your natural smell. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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. Switch to Tampons or a Menstrual Cup Sanitary napkins frequently present a more noticeable smell. Sometimes it can occur with other health conditions. A yeast infection can occur during or after your period, as well as any time of the month . 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. This article has been viewed 533,314 times. Your first period can start at any time but might be accompanied by sore breasts, mood swings, or pain in your lower abdominal muscles called cramps. Avoid scented products Infections in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus. How do I get rid of the smell or make the blood come out faster. 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. The 10 Best Cooling Weighted Blankets, FTW! Wipe thoroughly or soak your menstrual cup for an hour in a water and clear vinegar mixture (50-50 is a good ratio). This will help vagina breathe easily. Smegma can occur in uncircumcised males, causing dead skin cells, fluids, and oils to build up. We avoid using tertiary references. How to Prevent Vaginal Odor after Period Maintain personal hygiene by bathing regularly and trimming pubic hairs. To prevent spreading of bowel bacteria it is recommended to wipe from front to back. Try switching to a menstrual cup or tampon during your period, but be sure to change them frequently. 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