Bacterial vaginosis: CDC fact sheet. But if you start noticing anything out of the ordinary, you may want to get it checked out. So, what's a girl to do? What Does It Mean If You Have Spotting Instead of Your Period? Everyone is different. You will need to see your doctor for a prescription to treat BV. Sometimes it can occur with other health conditions. During your heavy days, you may need to change it every hour or two. 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. These are most likely caused by not practicing good hygiene during the menstrual cycle. Not only are these fermented foods and drinks good for your gut, but they can also help maintain your vagina's pH balance. Dont wear tight pants or tight underwear. What Can I Do About My Post-Period Funky Odor? While most odors are healthy, some may be signs of an infection. In fact, self-treatment of perceived vaginal symptoms can sometimes create a problem where there wasnt one before. A strong odor from down there may be cause for worry, as it could be a sign of an infection. You may see red, brown, and even black blood during your period. 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. A birth control implant is a type of hormonal birth control that is implanted into the upper arm, just under the skin. These steps are for normal menstrual odor only. Change the menstrual cup every twelve hours or when you experience leakage. It can also change the pH of your vagina , allowing it to become a breeding ground for different bacteria or an infection. See a doctor if youre worried about your discharge or have a lot of it. Changes to your menstrual cycle, such as missed periods or irregular periods, or heavy periods could also indicate a problem. Daily showers are also important, and you can help prevent period odors by cleaning the outside of your vagina only. The more blood that collects in one place and comes into contact with air, the stronger your odor will be. 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? 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? 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. Switch to Tampons or a Menstrual Cup Sanitary napkins frequently present a more noticeable smell. This is normal, but if it bothers you, consider wearing tampons or menstrual cups, or changing your pad more frequently. Get acquainted with your natural smell. Brown discharge can replace a period or come after a missed period during early pregnancy. Some women like the convenience of only dealing with having a period a few times per year. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. They may even have a slight metallic smell from iron and bacteria. Jan 31, 2017. Change sanitary pads and tampons frequently. Moreover, if you already have an infection, douching can push bacteria into the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries.. It happens when your blood comes into contact with air. Often, drinking more water will clear the odor. Get tested for vaginal infections if your odor persists or is very strong. Even a stranger in the bathroom will likely be willing to help you out if you are in need. 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. Instead, just ensure to clean your private area daily with plain warm water and mild soap. Excessive flesh around the folds and inner thighs due to being overweight can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Many people feel self-conscious during their menstrual cycle, but menstruation is a natural process. Shower every day using a mild soap to stay clean and hygienic. Spray the mixture under your arms. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. 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. Here's the deal: The vagina requires a low pH in order to be inhabited by healthy bacteria. This occurs when you forget to remove your tampon, and the old tampon is still in your body. Use a menstrual cup instead of tampons; as your vagina changes pH during your period, the old pH discharge will be emptied out every time, rather than letting it sit against your vaginal walls soaked into a tampon. Black, Brown, Bright Red, and More: What Does Each Period Blood Color Mean? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is impossible for a tampon to get "lost" in your body, so if it's still in there, you should be able to. A change in vaginal odor can be due to the last food you ate, sex, hormones, or a medical symptom. Urine that has an unusual smell may be a sign of diabetes, an infection, eating asparagus, or using certain medications, among other causes. There are some alternatives that you can use, if you don't have cup wipes or a proper liquid wash at hand. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. I avoided using scented feminine products and douches in the vaginal area. 2019;8(1) doi:10.3390/jcm8010076. The blood from a miscarriage can be red, but it can also be brown and resemble coffee grounds. You should seek professional medical help if you notice an abrupt change in your vaginal odor. Because they are worn internally, they can help reduce the smell of menstrual blood during your period. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Brown discharge after your period usually isnt a cause for concern as its nothing more than old, dried blood. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Cope-With-Your-Period-on-Vacation-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Cope-With-Your-Period-on-Vacation-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Cope-With-Your-Period-on-Vacation-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid1864780-v4-728px-Cope-With-Your-Period-on-Vacation-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"