Why Do I Have An Odor After My Period

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How Can I Improve The Smell Of My Period Blood

First of all, if you’re worried about the smell of your period, check in with your doctor to make sure there are no infections going on. Once you’ve eliminated the chances of any infection, there are many things that you can do to try and reduce the smell of your period blood.Here are a few tips:

• Change your period protection frequently. Depending on your flow, how often you need to change will be different, but you can experiment and see what works for you.
• If you wear tampons, make sure you don’t leave them in too long this will stop bacteria from building up, which will help keep smells to a minimum and also stop you from getting toxic shock syndrome.

Why You Smell Before Your Period

Among possible reasons of your off-smelling self before your period can be one of the following:

Your vaginas normal pH is below 4.7 which fall under the acidic side. However, your pH level changes before, during, and after menstrual period, as well as when you engage in sexual activity. In effect, your vaginas pH levels become basic, causing it to emit a fishy scent down there.

If you notice that you smell different after eating certain foods, try changing it preferably with more whole foods. If that does not change that weird smell, you may want to consider consulting your doctor about it.

When you have your menstrual period, its understandable that you smell quite a little off. However, it can be another story when you smell bad before your menstrual period. One of the possible reasons is that you may have an infection.

Among possible infections that can occur in your vaginal area include vaginitis, yeast infection, cervix infection, bacterial vaginitis, and in worse cases, a sexually-transmitted disease such as Chlamydia.

In this case, you should not delay the symptoms and consult your doctor immediately for treatment.

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Is It Normal For Period Blood To Smell

Does period blood smell even if nothing is wrong? Yes, though it is usually pretty faint. A normal period consists of blood, menstrual fluid, excess tissue, and an unfertilized egg. 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. Some people cant smell their periods at all.

Do All Periods Smell The Same

Not all period odors are created equal. It varies from person to person based on things like hygiene, body composition, diet, and lifestyle. While each individual is different, women popularly report the stench of decay, the funky smell of fish, or even a carton of rotting eggs. Stinky period smell is completely normal, and something that every woman suffers with, whether theyre willing to admit it or not.

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Tips For Masking Menstrual Odor

Masking menstrual odor is easier than you might expect, especially when you have help from the experts at Moody Sisters. Freshen up your hoo-ha with the Feminine Cleansing Wash, with ingredients that are safe for your most intimate places. This pH balanced cleanser is formulated with witch hazel, amber extract, several essential vitamins, and scents like lavender and tea tree, so you have a perfectly clean punani after every shower.

For those on-the-go moments when you need to do away with dirty period odor, youve got to get your hands on the Moody Sisters Vaginal Cleanser Feminine Spray. Compact enough to carry everywhere, our feminine spray fits neatly in your gym bag, backpack, or purse. The formula is gentle enough to also double as a diaper solution. Swap out expensive baby wipes, and spritz your babys booty with our cleanser spray instead. This gentle, aloe-based solution is mild enough to use regularly. Backed by dozens of five-star reviews from satisfied customers, youll want this best-seller to be a regular part of your routine.

In addition to stocking up on these natural vaginal cleansers, here are 4 simple steps to reduce period smells:

How To Get Rid Of Menstrual Period Odor

Menstrual odor is usually mild and not detectable by those around you. Still, occasionally it may be strong enough to become problematic, and you need to take steps to eliminate it. If no infection is present, this means just a few simple changes in your menstrual routine. If infection is present, your doctor can help you clear up the infection and the odor.

Get acquainted with your natural smell. It’s not normal to have strong menstrual period odor, but it’s also not normal to have zero odor. When blood comes in contact with air, it takes on its own scent.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. Your own menstrual scent is normal and you shouldn’t aim to have a completely scent-free period.

Take a bath or shower, even if you’ve already bathed that day. It could just be that some menstrual fluid is hanging around due to a heavy or thick flow. Wash thoroughly to remove any fluid. Bathe regularly to prevent future odors of this type.

Change your pad often. According to the Eastern Carolina University Family Practice Center, you should change your pad or tampon every three to four hours 2. The more blood that collects in one place and comes into contact with air, the stronger your odor will be. Changing your sanitary product often prevents this problem.

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Youre Sweaty Down There

Feeling swampy? Dont freak out, dealing with a sweaty crotch is actually pretty normal. Most of your body is covered in eccrine glands, which produce a watery sweat that doesnt always lead to a funky smelly. But other parts of your bodyespecially your armpits and groinare home to apocrine glands, which release more of a stinky sweat, Suzanne Friedler, M.D., of Advanced Dermatology in NYC.

Wearing panty liners and exercising frequently can also lock in odor since heat gets trapped. Some people also deal with excessive sweating, a condition known as hyperhidrosis. Its more common around your underarms, hands, and feet, but can also affect your crotch area.

Treatment: Ditch the panty liners, look for underwear made of breathable cotton, and try to change immediately after your workout Trimming your pubic hair also helps since it can trap odor, especially during the warmer months.

Reasons For A Chemical Odor

• Urine. Urine contains a byproduct of ammonia called urea. A buildup of urine in your underwear or around your vulva could put off a chemical smell. Keep in mind, urine smelling strongly of ammonia is a sign ofdehydration.
• Bacterial vaginosis. Its also possible a chemical-like smell is a sign of bacterial vaginosis. A chemical smell often falls under the category of fishy, says Minkin.

Bacterial vaginosis is a very common infection. Symptoms include:

• gray, white, or green discharge

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What Can I Do About My Post

Hey, at least it’s normal.

Sometimes there aren’t enough showers or fresh undies in the world to fix that post-period funk. Why? 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. Your period blood is actually to blame.

Related Story

• What Do Probiotics Have To Do With Your Vagina?

So, what’s a girl to do? Instead of using perfume to mask the smell , Streicher tells her patients to try RepHresh’s Odor Eliminating Gel after their period, which helps the good bacteria flourish.

Causes Of Abnormal Vaginal Odor

Abnormal vaginal odor could be due to a variety of different things. The cause may be very simpleâpoor hygiene, douching, vaginal deodorant, or sweating.

Sometimes, it is a result of a more serious health condition, such as a certain genital infections or cancer. Chlamydia and gonorrhea do not typically cause abnormal vaginal odor.

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The Most Common Causes

Abnormal vaginal odor is usually caused by one of the following:

• Bacterial vaginosis

In rare cases, abnormal vaginal odor may result from a yeast infection or vaginal or cervical cancer.

The table below describes the most prevalent signs and symptoms of each causative factor which will help to distinguish between the possible causes.

Trichomoniasis Or Other Stis

A fishy vaginal odor could potentially arise if youve contracted an STI like trichomoniasis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection, it affects 3.7 million people across the United States.

Also known as trich, it occurs when a protozoan parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis is transmitted during intercourse. Anyone can get it, and it presents symptoms such as genital itching and painful urination and intercourse. If you have trichomoniasis, you may detect a fishy vaginal odor, frothy yellow-green discharge, and vaginal soreness and swelling.

However, only 30 percent of people with trichomoniasis display any symptoms. Thats why its crucial to get regular STI screenings if youre having sex with different partners. Please do not attempt to diagnose or treat trichomoniasis at home. If ignored, it can create serious complications like pelvic inflammatory disease or preterm birth if youre pregnant.

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Vaginal Discharge And Odor

Smelly or Fishy Discharge is Not Normal

Recognizing Normal and Abnormal Discharge

• Heavier than usual

Should I Be Concerned About A Fishy Vaginal Odor During Pregnancy

While pregnant, a fishy odor either in your urine or vaginal discharge is a potential sign of a urinary tract infection or BV. Left untreated, the condition could lead to preterm birth or low birth weight.

Following childbirth, the development of a fishy vaginal odor may be from a postpartum infection. Please make an appointment to see your health care provider to follow up.

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Why Does My Period Smell

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Overview

Any odors you might notice during your period can also fluctuate. Healthy periods can have a slight smell of blood. They may even have a slight metallic smell from iron and bacteria.

Generally speaking, period odors arent noticeable to others. Good hygiene practices can also combat normal period odors and make you more comfortable during menstruation.

A strong odor from down there may be cause for worry, as it could be a sign of an infection. In such cases, the odors are accompanied by other symptoms, such as vaginal discharge or pelvic pain thats not related to normal menstruation.

Learn more about some of the common odors associated with periods, and which symptoms warrant a doctors visit.

What Is Vaginal Odor

Vaginal odor is the smell that your vaginaand usually your dischargegives off. A certain amount of vaginal odor is normal, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists . But if the odor is strong and noticeable, its possible that you have an infection or other problem, ACOG says.

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Why Do I Smell Bad Before My Period

Each individual has his own unique scent that varies depending on that persons hygiene, diet, and even genetics. On the other hand, many women notice that their natural scent changes during their menstruation cycles.

Having a weird smell during your menstrual period can be quite embarrassing. It can even affect their social interactions with their friends and loved ones, more so if they have sensitive noses.

However, it can be just as embarrassing when you realize that you actually smell bad before your period. Why is this so?

First of all, being a little bit off before your monthly period should generally not cause any alarm except for medical reasons that will be discussed later on. It does occur among women even if you have high hygiene standards.

You Are On A Birth Control Pill

Are you currently taking any birth control pill? Then it may be the reason you are spotting after your period. During the first few months on a pill, you may notice spotting sometimes. As your body adjusts to these synthetic hormones, it usually stops by the 3rd to 6th month. Therefore, any spotting on the pill may not be a problem just yet.

Do you feel heavy bleeding with blood clots? Then is important to contact your healthcare provider.

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How To Prevent Getting Smelly Down There

At the end of the day, having a good hygienic practice can help minimize any bad odors. Likewise, you can do the following to prevent getting smelly down there:

What Does It Mean When Your Period Smells Like Death

Is it normal for your period to smell like blood?

Healthy periods can have a slight smell of blood. They may even have a slight metallic smell from iron and bacteria. Generally speaking, period odors arent noticeable to others. Good hygiene practices can also combat normal period odors and make you more comfortable during menstruation.

Why do I have a coppery smell after my period?

A coppery smell can also be due to less common, but serious, causes of vaginal bleeding. The metallic scent shouldnt linger too long after your period is over.

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What Is The Normal Smell Of Virgina

Normal vaginal discharge has a mild, musky scent that is not unpleasant. This means that a very slight smell is normal. Any foul or strong smell, or a smell that is unusual, is a sign that things are out of balance, and that you should get yourself checked out.

What happens after your period ends?

What Soap Is Good For Body Odor

The 17 Best Soaps & Body Washes for Body Odor in 2021

• American Crew Deodorant Body Wash. …
• Botanic Hearth Tea Tree Body Wash. …
• Defense Everyday Tea Tree Soap. …
• Defense Soap Body Wash Shower Gel with Natural Tea Tree Oil. …
• Dial Antibacterial White Soap. …
• Dial for Men Odor Armor Antibacterial Soap. …
• Dove Men+Care Extra Fresh Body Bar.

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When Your Discharge Reeks Of Rotten Eggs

Sometimes, its tough to pinpoint unpleasant odors. Do your panties smell like garbage or rotten eggs?

Regardless of how you describe the stench, a rotten smell often points to some kind of decay or infection.

Heres how to identify the source:

• First, check for a forgotten tampon, sponge, or other foreign objects.
• Next, see if the smell dissipates with a simple wash or pad change.
• If your flow still reeks, call your doc. Rotten odors typically indicate a medical problem like BV or an STI.

Myth #: Period Sex Is Gross

The Truth: You now know that you can get pregnant while youre on your period. This brings us to another myth that people love to obsess overperiod sex. While the truth of this myth is more subjective than others and is absolutely a personal preference, we want to dispel any fears that period sex is unhygienic or unhealthy.

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When Your Flow Smells Fishy

If your flow smells fishy, somethings up. This kind of odor usually indicates bacterial vaginosis . Sometimes its a symptom of trichomoniasis.

Most folks who get BV report an abnormally strong, fishy stench. Thats because BV is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in your vag.

If you have BV, youll probably have other symptoms before, during, and after your period:

• burning, especially when you pee or have sex
• a watery gray or white discharge when youre not on your period

Sometimes, smelling fishy also indicates trichomoniasis, which is a curable sexually transmitted infection. Symptoms of trich include:

• genital redness and soreness
• green or yellow discharge

Both BV and trich require medical treatment. After your doc diagnoses you, youll probably need to complete a round of prescription meds.