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
After every period , I get a horrid smell. It’s weird though because it’s mainly bad when I sweat , I feel I can smell it so I become self aware 24/7 it last for about 4-5 days and it’s gone . Am I leaving my tampons in too long? I feel no pain , itching nor anything. When I wipe & smell there is zero smell but when I’m just walking or laying down it hits me in my face . What is this?
Hi Courtney, vaginal odor may be the cause of an internal infection or poor hygiene of vagina. Apart from frequent bathing, trimming the pubic hairs is also important. Ensure a regular change of sanitary pads and tampons when menstruating and use a brand that will not cause any irritation to the vagina.
I have the same problem right after my period or during the last days. Soon as it comes out I feel it I can smell it, it’s like it’s stuck on me like a scent ok i fowl. However soon as I wipe it vanishes totally. It doesn’t last too many days though. I get scared too and lose confidence in this short period of time
Hi! I had history of yeast and BV. It constanly comes back after every period. Now i have this foul smell again after (every) period. My OB- GYN constantly prescribed me Antibiotic. It tastes awful really. What can i do about recurring Vaginitis? :'(
Hi there Anne,
You may want to discuss alternate treatment such as inter-vaginal treatment with you OB-GYN. Additionally, there are some precautions that may help to reduce the incidence and recurrence of BV including – wipe front to back, cotton underwear, no douching, no feminine products, use a mild soap, preventing unprotected sexual encounters
Hello, I’ve had recurring BV for quite some time now & tried EVERYTHING but nothing has helped me until now. I found a probiotic that is specifically made for women with targeted live cultures. I order it from Amazon it’s called Raw Probiotics for Women with 85-100 billion live cultures in it. Give it a try! I’m happy with it. Good Luck
Hi I have a problem after my period ive got a smelly discharge and the color is brownish it happened to me 2 times. Now i am observing this in my period because i had this after my last period too.it happens then now also it will not last either 2 to 3 days only . now im 26 yrs of age I dunno what to do please help me what im goin to do, and whats the treatment . Looking forward…
Thank you
Hi, Brown and smelly discharge could be because of stress, pregnancy or probably infection, lack of hygeine etc. you should see your doctor if it is too frequent.
My ovulation period doesn’t work for me. Now I am pregnant because days that I think I am safe, I am actually not safe. My last period was 23 April. I thought I should be safe on the 15th of May, 2016. But now I am pregnant. What’s going on?
you only get to know you are safe on that day if you have regular cycle. if you do not have a regular cycle, it might be difficult to know when you are ovulating.
regards
Like Gloria Estefan says, “The rhythm (method) is gonna get you (pregnant). It’s about the most unreliable birth control there is. If your periods are very, very regular and you’re very, very lucky, rhythm can prevent SOME pregnancies. But its failure rate is about 18-25% per year.
I just discovered I have a white discharge that smells fishy before and after menstrual. and I smell it when I have sex and feel pain as well….
You have an infection please go get checked if you feel pain during sex and get the fishy smell
Hi I have a very bad smelly discharges after periods and a small rush feels like cut or a burn then when I urinate it burning and it smell too much after sex, discharges a thick something, even in the middle of time I get that small it’s terrible and I have been to a gynecologist she sad there is nothing wrong me I went to do pap smear it came out normal but I feel terrible and uncomfortable when it comes. I have tried everything in my power, please help me
Hello Noma, what you are having could be symptoms of vaginal infection.Try keeping your vaginal area as clean as possible, you can use vipes, wear a soft and clean cotton underwear. Probably, this will make you feel better.
Hi my girlfriend have got a bad smell after period,its so bad ….white and cream white thick discharge…and sometimes the is small rush….and when she urinates it feels like burning. please help
Hi Kenneth. it sounds like your girlfriend has an infection. she should visit her doctor or gynecologist who will prescribe her a therapy
I have a yellow thick discharge with a foul odor with burning and painful urination. That came right after a period.. what is this how do I get rid of it??
Hello Tiffany, your symptoms could be of vaginal infection. For starting you should keep your vagina clean, wear clean and soft cotton underwear, try not to use any scented soap. If you continue to face these symptoms, consult a doctor.
I have a sour vaginal discharge after period. No itching. No pain. What could it be? 🙁 Thank you.
I’m dealing with the same brown discharge after ever cycle. I have been to the gyno several times and she keep giving me the same results bacterial Vaginosis. How is this possible? Why is it constantly appearing? The medication she prescribes to me only work for a short period of time, could it be something else wrong?
A lot of women experience the brown discharge after their cycle. It is a fixture of blood and fluids your vagina is cleansing out. I get this myself but it only happens a day or 2 after. I think your doctor may be misdiagnosing you. I would get a second opinion. Some doctors do make mistakes.
I have a discharge that smells fishy but it’s a clear discharge. I’m not itching or anything. So what do you think it could be?
Hi. Unfortunately, you have bacterial vaginosis and this requires medical treatment. Your doctor will prescribe the medication to treat this condition.
hello, i have finished my period 3 days ago, but still have discharge and it STINKS i haven’t had sex in 11 months as just had a son.
I’m so tight down there been given some stretchers so no sex so no its not a STI!
PLEASE HELP THIS SMELL IS EMBARRASSING AND MAKING SELF CONSCIOUS
Hi Tina, it could just be your body reacting with the bacteria from your period. However, you could also have an infection not related to an STI, so I would recommend making an appointment, especially if it’s bad enough to worry that others are smelling it too.
Hey .. I’m terrified , I have a foul odor down there that is just horrible . The past two times I have hit my period it has been like this . I have a brownish like discharge and a really bad smell . I use tampons, I Also heard that could be a reason why ? But I’m terrified . I have a appointment set up with my gyno next Friday . I’ve had a fishy like smell since I was 14 when something terrible happened and I’ve had it ever since … I’m currently 18 years old and the past two months it has been doing this .. I’m terrified that I’m going to get some terrible news 🙁 please help me on what you guys think it might be . Thank you
The smell of each woman is different. The brown discharge is likely blood that comes out when the vagina is cleansing itself. You may have a mild yeast infection or you can be going through a hormonal change. I don’t think you have anything serious to worry about. Cleanse it well and use virgin coconut oil topically down there. It will disinfect the area and kill a yeast infection if you have one. It also helps with odor.
I got my depo shot 2 weeks ago & I’m still spotting & the smell is awful. I had my pap smear 2 weeks ago as well & the Dr said that there was nothing wrong, but I was extremely red & had some discharge. I don’t think I should still be spotting. Any suggestions ladies?
Spotting after getting a depo injection is normal. Research indicates that at least 70% of women on the depo injection experience spotting in the first year.
It’s best to get a second opinion on the matter based on your condition. It is not normal to have a foul smell coming from your vaginal cavity.
I noticed a weird smelling odor last week on Saturday. But it has now stopped. Do I still need to go visit a doctor for treatment?
It’s best to err on the side of caution so still visit the doctor.
It’s been two months since the smell has started after I finish my period. The smell lasts for 1 week. But my discharge is a light brown color. The smell is not as bad smell but it tends to get worse when I am sweating. I drink plenty of water, I am very clean down there. I honestly don’t know what it is.
I just got off my period twp days ago, and the next morning my boyfriend and I did the do. After, I had the fishy smell and lightish brown discharge. No itchy or physical discomfort.