You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. It is a quite annoying problem and can lead to major discomfort and embarrassment during intimate moments. Vagina Quiz: What Do You Know About Down Below. We avoid using tertiary references. Check a doctor before using a menstrual cup if you have an IUD, as it can move the strings out of place. It could just be that some menstrual fluid is hanging around due to a heavy or thick flow. If youre concerned that you may have forgotten to remove a tampon, try to feel at the opening of your vagina for the strings. Try switching to a menstrual cup or tampon during your period, but be sure to change them. 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. nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/menstruation/conditioninfo, kidshealth.org/en/teens/menstruation.html, cdc.gov/std/bv/stdfact-bacterial-vaginosis.htm, kidshealth.org/en/teens/feminine-hygiene.html, mayoclinic.org/symptoms/vaginal-odor/basics/definition/SYM-20050664, fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/InVitroDiagnostics/HomeUseTests/ucm126074.htm, girlshealth.gov/body/health_help/gynecologist.html. You will need to see your doctor for a prescription to treat BV. You may see red, brown, and even black blood during your period. Most people begin their period around age 12. 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. Every month, your body prepares to become pregnant. Dr. Noriega is a Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist and medical writer in Colorado. 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. Blood turns brown when its been sitting awhile. When the temperature is comfortable to touch, sit in the basin and carefully cleanse the entire genita area until the water cools. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Changes to your menstrual cycle, such as missed periods or irregular periods, or heavy periods could also indicate a problem. Often, drinking more water will clear the odor. This occurs when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is altered by the hormonal changes, leading to multiplication of the fungi. In fact, self-treatment of perceived vaginal symptoms can sometimes create a problem where there wasnt one before. VH Essentials Vaginal Odor Treatment: pH Balanced Vaginal Tablet. If your diet contains any of these or other pungent foods, consider eliminating the food to see if the smell improves. When blood comes in contact with air, it takes on its own scent. 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. 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. Boil 1 liter of water and add the Stryphnodendron bark. You can place a clove of garlic into your vagina for around 2 hours. She specializes in womens health, rheumatology, pulmonology, infectious disease, and gastroenterology. As your body prepares for your period; you might experience general symptoms known as PMS (premenstrual syndrome), which can include bloating, tiredness, moodiness, food cravings, headaches, and cramps. Other times brown discharge after a period is old blood from a previous period. Dont be fooled by advertising that claims you need expensive products to be clean. Change your pad often. These infections are easily cured with medications. I like to use more natural remedies. References All rights reserved. We've rounded up popular options based on a range of needs, whether you're looking for a. 5. Often, vaginal odor doesnt come from the vagina at all. Spray the mixture onto your armpits. It really just depends on how well your uterus sheds its lining and the speed at which it exits your body. It is also a good idea to wear dark pants or skirts. Yoga may also help reduce premenstrual symptoms. You might be able to control such odors by changing pads and tampons frequently, especially during heavy-flow days. It was gone after the 4th day. We avoid using tertiary references. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. If your period smells and you notice unusual symptoms, see your doctor. 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. Some women like the convenience of only dealing with having a period a few times per year. 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. Be sure to discard it in the trash can, as they are not made to flush and can clog sewer lines. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Its normal for the vagina to have bacteria, though the amount can fluctuate. I use the period panties so have the issue with the scent on my hands after hand washing. Menstrual cups can be worn for an extended period of time (up to 10-12 hours). Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. 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. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Its a fairly common practice, but doctors recommend against it. This combination of bodily fluids and tissue may have a slight smell to it, often metallic because of the iron in your blood, but it generally is not very strong or overpowering. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Perimenopause is when your body begins to make the natural transition to menopause. Sometimes brown discharge happens in place of a period. ", 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. Your period can produce an odor, which may even be different month to month. ", "It helped me a lot I now know how to keep myself fresh and comfortable even if I'm on my periods.". Itching can also indicate that you may have an infection. Brown discharge can replace a period or come after a missed period during early pregnancy. Douching comes from the French word meaning "to wash" or to "shower.". 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. This article has been viewed 533,314 times. In such cases it is recommended to get tested at the earliest because Chlamydia, if not treated early could result in infertility. Yoghurt will help in restoring the pH of the vagina, reducing the vaginal discharge after period and preventing its recurrence. Use a mild soap or body wash on your whole body, including your vulva, and rinse well. If I have been on antibiotics, could that be the cause of the horrible smell I started getting while on my period? Enjoy! Vaginal discharge can be a normal and healthy occurrence. The smell is usually caused by old blood, which has a bad, zoo-like scent when it oxidizes, Dr. Shepherd says. Garlic: Garlic has natural antibiotic properties and it kills bacteria and reduces odors. 10K followers View more on Instagram 95 likes Add a comment. Practicing yoga 35 to 40 minutes a day, 5 times per week, may help regulate hormones and menstrual cycles. A strong odor from down there may be cause for worry, as it could be a sign of an infection. Please Log In or add your name and email to post the comment. ago. All rights reserved. What Can I Do About My Post-Period Funky Odor? There could be something else going on. 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. ", "I learned that ibuprofen helps reduce a long period. Some of these are: Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar works by restoring the acidic nature of the flora present in the vagina. "Healthy" periods can have a slight smell of blood. Gonorrhea is considered a serious infection as it can slowly and steadily spread to the fallopian tubes. It happens when your blood comes into contact with air. an an Thu, Jun 23 My periods basically ended but I'm getting this brown old blood come out and it smells horrible. If you wear tampons, know the warning signs of, Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist. Generally speaking, period odors arent noticeable to others. 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. Notice the smell of ammonia around your vagina? It's sort of going to ruin my plans for the weekend, it's embarrassing too. Deodorants work by masking body odor with a more pleasant-smelling fragrance. There really are not any other home remedies to try. If you want to use food to maintain a healthy vaginal pH, try eating foods like sauerkraut, probiotic yogurt and kimchi, and drinking kombucha. Avoid Douching. The vagina is intensely acidic, naturally killing bad bacteria. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects a woman's hormone levels. These changes often cause brown discharge after your period and sometimes during other parts of your cycle. Overwhelmed by the ever-growing world of period underwear? The vagina's acidic environment and the presence of different types of healthful bacteria may. a cold compress or ice 5 to 10 minutes at a time to relieve pain and swelling . Dr. Noriega is a Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist and medical writer in Colorado. By choosing the right menstrual products for your body, maintaining proper hygiene, and preparing for your period, you can decrease the overall menstrual odor. Psych Experts Explain, Here's How Jenna Dewan Eats In A Day & Works Out, 13 Best Breathable Pairs Of Underwear, Per Ob-Gyns, 'My RA Symptoms May Have Been Caused By BII'. While some odors are completely normal when you have your period, others may be a sign that you need to see your doctor. Read on to learn about proper hygiene during your period to avoid feeling self-conscious. Normal smells are nothing to be concerned about, and small changes in scent should resolve themselves. Just when you think your period is done, you wipe and find brown discharge. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Approved. It can begin as many as 10 years before the official start of menopause, usually in a womans 30s and 40s. 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. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 679,244 times. Semen can irritate the vagina, producing smell or discharge. Cotton is a natural fiber that allows air to circulate properly, which can help prevent sweating and smells. Heres a rundown of what could cause brown discharge after your period finishes. Stainless steel soap or even just rubbing your hands on stainless steel can help a lot, I've found. The 10 Best Cooling Weighted Blankets, FTW! Early Signs Of Alzheimers May Appear In Your Eyes. While the exact cause of this overgrowth isnt understood, bacterial vaginosis seems to be most common in women who are sexually active. A "menstrual cycle" actually refers to the entire fertility cycle, usually 28 days, that results in a period once a month. Never, ever put you r period c up in the dishwasher! 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. womenshealth.gov. Avoid fragrances or harsh soaps, as these can irritate the vagina. A forgotten tampon causes the absolute worst vaginal odor, Dr. Streicher says. If you cant feel them, see your doctor for a vaginal exam to confirm. This odor is most often attributed to bacterial vaginosis, a type of infection. 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. I had my first period a month ago and now I know how I can keep clean. Don't be afraid to ask a friend for a tampon or pad if you need one. Wash thoroughly to remove any fluid. Healthy periods can have a slight smell of blood. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Here's the deal: The vagina requires a low pH in order to be inhabited by healthy bacteria. However, certain antibiotics can change the natural bacteria in the vagina and cause you to get a vaginal infection. Eating too much sugar can also lead to an overproduction of yeast. Stringy period blood usually means you're at the heaviest part of your menstrual cycle. Some of them aren't anything to worry about. Throughout your menstrual cycle, the color and consistency of blood can change. This article was co-authored by Carrie Noriega, MD. Early miscarriage could also cause these symptoms. Don't wash the inside of your vagina. To reduce odor during your period and maintain the balance of bacteria in the vagina, it's important to avoid douching. 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. Body wash on your whole body, including your vulva, and small changes in scent should resolve themselves in. Space, and small changes in scent should resolve themselves consider eliminating the food to see doctor! From Down there may be a sign of an infection odor doesnt come from the word... Advice, diagnosis, or heavy periods could also indicate a problem soaps! Also lead to major discomfort and embarrassment during intimate moments n't be afraid how to get rid of period smell after period ask a friend for tampon... Name and email to post the comment is considered a serious infection as it can and! Put you r period c up in the basin and carefully cleanse the entire area... 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