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’ve been reading this for years from many women yet it’s not really being addressed as it should be. I started having this issue in my mid-thirties and there wasn’t a doctor around that had any answers. I found that probiotics are a big help to balance out the natural bacteria. Many women will not admit this but we let men have their way with us during menstruation and I feel it is part of the problem, especially if they ejaculate. It is important to let one’s body rest from sexual activity while the equipment is recalibrating. Men might pout but it is important to let our bodies purge. Avoiding hot tubs is important as well.
Mine smells like fish and it’s awful! My period ended 6 days ago and the odor is still here. I’ve tried everything: baby wipes; Vagisil; Apple cider vinegar; and nothing is working! I was in the car and it smelled so bad my mother said something smelled like “dirty coochy” I don’t know what to do.
It seems you have a vaginal infection. You must see a doctor who can prescribe an effective medication. The over the counter creams may not work.
This is the first time the smell has been as strong, and it happened right after my period ended last month. I use tampons, I am sexually active, and currently on birth control (the pill). It has a hint of the normal smell, but mainly it’s really musky, almost a sour milk kind of smell but not as bad. It’s weird to describe. My discharge is its normal white milky color, no discoloration there. Though I have been having a lot more discharge than normal, and it’s quite annoying.
Hi Miranda, a common reason for more white discharge than usual is birth control pills. This is nothing to worry about though. In some cases it may be a new kind of food habit or a new beauty product (soap/cream, something you use down there) too.
Mine is like rotten eggs, that smell kills me
Can anyone tell us what Method she has tried and how it worked? expecially the unpleasnt smell after periods?? Seems that’s the most common we all have. Thanks
I noticed when I use a certain condom brand I tend to get the foul smell (a few weeks later) ONLY after I’m getting over my menstrual cycle. I don’t get it! Does this happen to anyone?
I have smelly blood but only at the end of my cycle and it’s blood mixed with yellow/cream something. It smells like rotten potatoes – bad smells.
It’s best to have your situation assessed by your doctor to confirm if there are any underlying issues that are causing the odour..
Am having the same problem too. And it’s very awful. I visited my doc but the treatment didn’t help
i get exactly the same smell and it kills me deep down, i just can’t take it anymore. someone please tell me what i can do in the meantime, i just got a job and i don’t wanna miss any days
You can try eating a lot of citrus fruits, particularly lemon,oranges.. and eat yogurt atlist twice a day. You can also use yogurt to use as femenine wash,the pure one no flavor. Do that everyday. I had the same issue before and this diet helped me a LOT..
I am having the same problem I will try the apple cider vinegar. I hope it works.
Mine odors like rotten egg
This is bacterial vaginosis and it can be treated over the counter.
Your vagina odor changes throughout your cycle. When your on your period your ph levels can get thrown off and that can cause an odor. Try changing your pads more often and make sure to shower each day. This should help cut down on the odor.
Usually it’s because our PH is off. It happens to me also. I usually take a bath and soak for 2 days straight when I am going off. I am know actually tonight am trying the Apple Cider method and adding a cup to my bath water and soak with that. Most women say the odor goes away immediately. Try that and make sure to get the organic kind. Also eat yogurt get plain yogurt and add your own flavor to it.
Hi..I was wondering why does the last couple of day’s of my menstrual cycle smell? It don’t itch It does not hurt when I pee It just smells really awful..But once my period is gone So is the smell..It smells like rotten blood Like dried up blood
I just developed the same smell two months ago and I can’t stand it it smells like something rotten I though I was rotting inside anyway it craps the hell out of me I need to see a dr
Did you see a dr? If so, what did they say?
Mine does too did you find anything out? It’s so embarrassing I feel like everyone can smell it
I am now cancelling a date because of this… I feel like my insides are rotten!
Bacterial vaginosis is a terrible set back for a lot of women today but get Jarrow probiotic from Amazon, take 2 at nights before bed and within a few days the odor is diminished.
Since I had an abortion I have been having a smelling menses and after that I always have a smelly discharge. I have gone for series of scans and was told my womb is normal and I have used some medication and no improvement at all. Please advise me I’m worried because I’m still single – I hope it will not affect my child bearing…this is the second year now.
You need to revisit the doctor and indicate that the prescribed medication is not working; it seems you may need a different medication.
I have just finished my period yesterday and my discharge has a faint smell, it is slightly yellow but more of a whitesh colour ( it has been going on for a while now). However, I don’t know if it could be an infection because there is no irration or rash nor it hurts when I pee.
Please help me understand I’m only 15, I’m too scared to tell my parents and go get help they’ll will be so angry. x
It is normal to have a discharge after a period so please do not be embarrassed about it. Please share the concern with your parents so that you can get the required medical attention. The discharge may worsen so try to get the courage to talk to them. If you can’t speak to your parents about it see if you can find a family member or friend who can speak to them on your behalf.