Vaginal odor, especially an offensive smell after menstruation, is a problem that most women have to deal with. It is a very annoying ailment that causes much embarrassment and discomfort during times of intimacy. If you are affected by vaginal odor after period, then you have come to the right place.
First, you should know that most women have experiences with a foul-smelling discharge at the end of their menstrual cycle.
In general, the discharges which occur after menstrual periods have no odor or a faint smell. However, you could notice an odorless transparent or white discharge, smelly off-white or white, creamy discharge, green foul-smelling discharge or a brown smelly discharge.
In most cases, it is caused by the remnants from a shedding endometrial lining, but the cause could be linked to pathological diseases as well and call for urgent medical attention.
The problem might not affect all women the same way and with the same level of intensity, but everyone has to deal with to a certain extent.
Vaginal Odor after Period – Why Does It Happen
If you notice that you have a smelly white discharge after period, then it is possible that it’s caused by a yeast infection or thrush.
Candida albicans causes this infection and it happens whenever change occurs in vaginal flora.
This will hit your hormone balance hard, so you need to see a doctor or gynecologist to get prescription medication.
If your vaginal odor is accompanied by a yellowish green and frothy discharge after period, this could indicate that you have gonorrhea.
This should be promptly treated as it can progress to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) [1].
If you have a creamy gray/off-white discharge with a fishy smell after period, you could be affected by bacterial vaginosis.
This condition will require you to get checked by a doctor in order to get the necessary treatment. On the other hand, you could have a Chlamydia infection if the smelly discharge is accompanied by a burning sensation inside the vagina.
The best way to know is to get tested at the earliest possible time because the disease can lead to infertility if treatment is not done in time.
If you have a slightly green discharge with a strong smell, then it is highly likely that you have a disease called trichomoniasis.
This is an amoebic infection that is potentially harmless, but some reports say that it can spread into the Fallopian tubes. For this reason, you have to visit your doctor as early as possible to find a cure.
Another cause of this smelly vaginal discharge is a forgotten tampon. This might be hard to believe but this happens to a number of women.
Some women forget to take out the tampon on the last day of their period and it festers during this time to cause a smelly discharge.
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In case of a smelly, brown discharge after period, there is the possibility that it’s caused by bacteria. It is now possible to find feminine washes on the market to get relief from this problem.
However, the best approach is to get a checkup done at a gynecologist’s clinic for the doctor to find the underlying cause of the smelly discharge.
You could be dealing with other complications if the discharge is occurring for one or more weeks after your menstrual period.
It cannot be stressed enough about how important it is to contact a doctor at the earliest possible time to avoid any serious health problems.
Vaginal Odor after Period – How to Get Rid Of It
As soon as you notice a vaginal odor after a menstrual period, you should take steps to ensure that you are following good hygiene habits. For prevention, it is important to bathe frequently and trim the pubic hairs.
You should not do excessive vaginal douching or stop doing it completely if you notice an offensive and persisting vaginal odor. It is also important to change your sanitary pads and tampons regularly when menstruating as well as to use a non-irritating brand.
Helpful Products For Preventing, Eliminating or Minimizing Vaginal Odor, Discharge and Itching
Here are some products which a lot of women found helpful for treating their vaginal odor:
RepHresh Vaginal Gel
This special lubricant comes with pre-filled applicators and has been shown to help maintain healthy vaginal pH, relieve feminine discomfort and eliminate feminine odor. A package will come with 4 pre-filled applicators and each one lasts for 3 days.
Click here for more info and reviews
WaterWorks Natural Vaginal Cleansing System
This is a natural and safe solution which helps to eliminate feminine odor.
This cleansing system uses stainless steel which in combination with running water is a recognized method of eliminating the volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) that cause vaginal odor.
Click here for more info and reviews
RepHresh Pro-B Probiotic Feminine Supplement
This is a probiotic feminine supplement which balances yeast and bacteria to maintain feminine health and helps you minimize smelly or excessive vaginal discharge. The dose is one capsule per day and a box will last you one month (30 days).
Click here for more info and reviews
pH-D Feminine Health Support
This is a homeopathic treatment which, according to the reviews, a lot of women find very helpful.
The main ingredient is Boric acid which has been confirmed through a clinical study as an effective natural defense against unbalanced vaginal pH.
Click here for more info and reviews
Renew Gentle Feminine Wash by Luxxx Beauty
This is a pH Balanced and gentle feminine wash with Cucumber and Aloe Vera for antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
It helps to minimize odor and reduces symptoms of infection. This wash is paraben free and safe for sensitive skin.
Click here for more info and reviews
Vagisil Feminine Wash with Odor Block Protection
Vagisil Feminine Wash will help you clean away odor and also keep it from happening in the first place.
Although a lot of women report that this product has helped them I have to warn you that it contains sodium laureth sulfate. If you’re sensitive to it or you’re trying to avoid it, choose another product.
Click here for more info and reviews
Monisat Stay Fresh Gel
This is a newer product that according to their site, keeps you fresh for 3 days. It’s a gel that coats the vaginal area to maintain a health vaginal pH.
They do state that it should be used in the 3 days before and after your period but not during your period for the best results.
If you are someone with recurrent odor (that is not an infection and has been evaluated by a doctor), this product might be for you.
Click here for more info and reviews
VH Essentials Vaginal Odor Treatment: pH Balanced Vaginal Tablet
This is a treatment that is inserted directly into the vagina and is stated to stimulate the body to regain and maintain the correct balance which can eliminate odor.
It is a 6-day treatment so plan on using it well before or after your period. It’s also recommended that you don’t have any sex during that time.
So if you and your partner don’t want to take that much time off, this might not be the treatment for you and you can try another one.
Click here for more info and reviews
Organic Glide Probiotic Natural Feminine Intimate Body Wash
If you feel that bacteria is the reason for the odor, this could be a good option to try. It’s organic and the probiotics can help to improve the immune system to positively affect the vagina and reduce and eliminate odor.
Safe enough for daily use. However, the current one is sold out on their site but you can always pick it up elsewhere (or have it shipped).
Click here for more info and reviews
A Natural Remedy
While there are plenty of options on the market as you can see above, some women want to also try the natural route. Apple Cider Vinegar or Baking Soda can be added to a warm bath.
The vinegar is an antibacterial and antiseptic while the baking soda can help balance the pH level (which sometimes causes the odor).
These are two products that many people have in their house generally and using them to help get rid of odor can be beneficial as well.
Speak With Your Doctor
Although the products listed above do help, keep in mind that in case of serious vaginal infections, you should consult a doctor to get the appropriate treatment such as antifungals or antibiotics.
You might need anti-fungal vaginal creams in case of vaginal thrush, so it’s best to consult your gynecologist or doctor before using any gel or cream internally.
You need to discontinue sexual activities if you notice pain and a smelly discharge.
Conclusion
It is important to know that menstrual cycle will play a part in the way how your vagina smells. In fact, it’s normal to have a musky (very pleasant) or mild odor around the mid-cycle, and a stronger odor immediately before and following your menses.
If you think that the smelly vaginal discharge is a problem, you should discuss the matter with your doctor to start getting treatment as soon as possible for the underlying cause.
References
- 1. https://flo.health/menstrual-cycle/health/vaginal-discharge/green-vaginal-discharge
I’m 2 days off of my period and I don’t have any irritation I can just smell myself? I can like smell my vagina and it doesn’t smell bad it just smells musty I guess. Are there any natural ways to take away this odor? It usually only last about a week but I don’t want to smell like this anymore lol
You may have a vaginal infection that needs immediate treatment. Please consult a doctor.
I don’t know who this woman is but it is very likely that there is nothing wrong, I have been experiencing this my whole life and all of my testing is perfect every year. The doctor says my pH is off, which means you don’t eat enough good bacteria. Yogurt will help but I hate yogurt, so half cup of vinegar and half cup of salt in the bath water is the solution.
You don’t have to eat the yogurt. I learned from my gyno that plain yogurt that has live and active cultures can be applied inside. You take a small amount of yogurt on your finger and stick it inside of you. The good bacteria eats the bad bacteria. I’m 29 and have been doing this since I was 15.
Does it work
Does the vinegar and salt help?
I would carry feminine wipes just to keep her fresh at musty moments!!
I recently had sex with my boyfriend while on my period without using a condom now I’ve been discharging white and I have a bad odor I’ve tried douching for about a week now and it hasn’t gone away what could the problem be?
It seems you have a vaginal infection that needs to be treated by a doctor. Consult your doctor as soon as you can.
Don’t douche it dries you out and messes with your PH balance
I do experience heavy flow during menstruation, pain also, it usually last for four days and then brownish discharge flows for like two days, this month it came as usual then after 10 days slight blood stain was noticed though I experience this too after two weeks of menstrual flow but this time around the stain takes longer days to stop and very smelly. What is happening to me pls?
It seems you may have a vaginal infection that needs medical attention. Consult your doctor for immediate treatment.
Hi I’ve finished my period 2 weeks ago, so I started having intercourse again and my period came back with very foul smell. Ever since get yellow discharge with very strong smell, and doesn’t seem to be clearing. have panty liner on 24/7 which is irritating me now. What could it be am I leaving it to long to see a doc?
Hi,Abnormal discharge may be yellow or green, chunky in consistency, or have a foul odor. Abnormal discharge is usually caused by yeast or bacterial infection. If you notice any discharge that looks unusual or is foul smelling, you should see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
I have discharge that is clear & like white on my panties. It smells on my panties but it’s still on my vagina like around on panties like period happen…and it smells like my period but it happens before period time …I have no idea what’s going on what to do.
The odors may be caused from a bacterial infection, hormonal changes in your body, STD’s or a fungal infection. You need to consult your doctor for treatment.
After two days of my menstrual
My Vagina smell like rotten meat
It smells very bad that I can’t even smell myself
What is the cause
Hi Rena, sounds like you have an infection. I would contact your doctor.
Hey there. I have been off my period for only a day now but I have noticed each month how there is a foul odor afterwards. However, my discharge is completely clear and very liquidy. And it happens every couple of weeks. Could this be normal or is the clearness of the discharge be a warning sign?
Experiencing an odor after a period is normal for some women. You can gain more information by reading our blog at http://womanjunction.com/vaginal-odor-period-happen-rid/ In addition to other things, the post explains that “discharges which occur after menstrual periods have no odor or a faint smell. However, you could notice an odorless transparent or white discharge, smelly off-white or white, creamy discharge, green foul-smelling discharge or a brown smelly discharge. In most cases, it is caused by the remnants from a shedding endometrial lining, but the cause could be linked to pathological diseases as well and call for urgent medical attention. The problem might not affect all women the same way and with the same level of intensity, but everyone has to deal with to a certain extent.”
Do u have the same answer for everything! I mean really,come on. I think you need to come up with a better answer for these woman that are looking for an answer. Thanks
Hi Angie, feel free to join in with your suggestions. thank you, we appreciate it!
Thank you!!
I was wondering why I have this burning sensation inside my vagina while having sex after 2-3 days is this normal…please help…
Hello. This could be caused from vaginal dryness, an infection or chemical irritants from condoms, feminine sprays of bubble baths, etc. You should avoid sex until these symptoms clear up. Consult your doctor especially to determine if you have vaginosis or a yeast infection.
I had a discharge 2-3 days before my period, I also had a bad odor and I also had a fever of 101.9 and headache. Went to Doctor two days after symptoms started and was told I may have a bug and took urine testing and swabs came back normal and std testing done in office so doctor sent off culture. Only the urine culture was sent out not the swabs so I do not know if its positive for gonorrhea or chlamydia. So next day I came on my period, normal flow but still foul smell. Now after my period no discharge, still have foul odor and urinating more, no itching, irritation. I cannot go to doctor for another 5 days. Should I go to the ER?
Hey I have never had ha odor before but it just suddenly started coming and I had forgotten a tampon I in once but the odor went away. Now after every period for the first 2 or 3 days I have this random odor and irk what to do
Tisha same thing has happened to me and I thhough I had a urine infection at first just wear a tampon for the day after your period and change it the same time as per usual and after that wear a small pad or liner because it’s not that much and I do recomend sleeping pant less because it allows the vagina to breathe and get rid of odour and use femfresh or vagil .
I also have this smelly yellowish discharge after my period. I talked to my gyne and gave me flagyl then the smell gone. But after my next period, again there’s a smelly yellowish discharge. Do i have to take antibiotics each time after my period? How should i get rid of it permanently? Thanks in advance.
using RePhresh helps with bacterial vaginosis (BV) immediately. BV is usually the diagnosis when the doctor prescribed Flagyl.
I had experienced vaginal odor for almost a month and experienced dryness of vagina during sex intercourse…im 34 yrs old…some rashes coming in my skin sometimes…please help me
Hi Malidora, if the remedies from the article don’t work for you then you might have an infection. please speak with a professional as soon as possible
I noticed that 3-4 days after my period I have this fishy odour from down below and there is a brownish discharge but after the 4th day it is gone and everything is back to normal but how do I get rid of it entirely ?
Hello Happiness, I dont think you can get rid of it entirely but there are things you can do to minimize it like use vagisil,eat yogurt,Bathe regularly, using warm water, and mild soap to clean the vaginal area,Urinate and wash immediately after sex to flush bacteria from the vaginal area and Make sure to avoid scented female products and douches to clean the vagina.
I thought I forgot a tampon inside me on my 3rd day of my period because it was nowhere to be found when I went to the restroom. I didn’t see anything in the toilet. I went to urgent care and had a doctor shove her fingers in me just to tell me that I didn’t have one in me…it’s been about 4 days since this happened; ended my period about 3 days ago. I have a foul odor coming from down there, is it possible the doctor missed the tampon? All she did was search with her fingers…a finger can only go so far. Shouldn’t she have used an ultra-sound thing or something?
It seems you developed a vaginal infection from having the tampon in for so long. The doctor did the right thing; just like the finger, the tampon “can only go so far.” You need to consult your doctor for treatment.
I have discharge that is clear or white but it’s not on my panties…it smells on my panties but it’s still on my vagina like around my clitoris…and it smells like my period but it’s not…I have no idea what’s going on.
It seems you have a vaginal infection that needs to be checked out by a medical doctor.
It seems you have a vaginal infection that needs to be treated by a doctor. This infection will not go away unless it is treated.
it’s been two months now after my period I have this disgusting odor that is unpleasant..it last for more than 5 days..it’s irritating and I’m feeling uncomfortable with my self..I don’t even know how to tell my husband about it. when I refuse to make love and make excuses.. it happened after I took a morning after pill. two months back that’s when I started having this terrible smell. pls help what could I do?.
Hi Keke. It seems you have a vaginal infection that requires medical attention. Please see a doctor; it may be necessary to treat your husband as well to avoid re-infection. Be honest to him about this uncomfortable situation.
I like to do things on a more natural scope. I do not like taking taking medication at all but sometimes we have to. I have had this for the past 4 months and decided, last month, to sit in some warm water with a half cup of apple cider vinegar. I think it was a bit more than a half cup and it tingled a bit but after two hours, there was no smell. It used to last for four to six days after my period and after those two hours….NOTHING! You can try it. I think mine was a fluctuation in PH but I will try this month if it happens again.
How long were you in the water with apple cider ?
Hope that helps
Thank you for the advice. how do I conceive