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 have this smell after and before my menstrual cycle.According to my last check on my one month over bleeding ,my gynecologist said I have a uterus fibroid. Can this also cause the smell .
Hello there Joycelyn, some women who have a fibroid have reported a smelly discharge, however please speak with your gynecologist directly about this.
Hi please help me. I have my period for 14 days and it’s still flowing, there is an unusual strong smell. Is this normal?
Hello Beverly, no, this is not normal. Having a period for 14 days straight is very abnormal. Please see your doctor for him/her to examine you. All the best.
Hi, after my period I have brown discharge and it smells foul, this happens every time after my period but only for about 3 to 4 days is this normal.
Hello Alexis, if this is out of the norm please mention to your doctor next time you see him/her. Could just be old blood being discharged from your body.
At the begining of my period its always dark brown/red Then after the first few days its bright red. Also at the end of my period my vagina smells really really weird. Idk how to explain it. But i can shower and wash really well and still has that smell. I have no clue what it is or if its normal. Its not every month but does occur often. I have endemetriosis could that be part of it?
Hi there Kaylee, this might indicate the presence of an infection, see your doctor around that time so they can properly assess you. All the best.
Hi! After my period couple days I have clear watery smell for few days then it gone! It that normal?
Hello Linnie, is this the first this is happening? Do you have any other signs or symptoms? Could just be regular discharge if you answer to both questions is no.
Hello my period ended yesterday and today I have a brown smelly discharge,why is that?
Hi there Tiffany, is this out of the norm? Has this ever happened before? It’s normal for you to have a brown discharge when a period is ending but it should not be of a pungent odor.
Hello.
help me. it’s two weeks after my period and I smelly blood discharge, and abdomen pains, cramps, the comes a moment where can stand because of the cramps.
Hi there Metty, you should really see your doctor if this pain is unbearable and prevents standing. See your doctor ASAP.
Actually after the day when period over itching started and foul smell come what would be the reason
Hi there Tanvi, you might have an infection of some type. See a doctor if you realize anything outside of the norm. All the best.
I just came off my period and my discharge is clear but haves a foul smell what is this? I don’t have any symptoms besides the foul smell of my discharge which had occur after my period
Hello Anna, I am not sure if you might have picked up an infection, check with your Health Care Provider if this does not clear up.
I have a smell a few days after my period. Itd not a fishy foul smell but strong. No discharge. But the smell is strong.
Hi there Maria! That foul smell is mainly caused by a breakdown in the PH of the vagina’s acidity, which means a breakdown of the good bacteria living in the vagina. Which occurs mostly after periods.
Comment Text*I have this smelly green discharge on my underwear ,around my vagina I have small pimples that are itching I tried drinking more water and washing every 2 hours but still no change plz help
Hey there Asiphe Rasi, it sounds as though you have picked up some form of vaginal infection that washing and drinking water will not cure. See your doctor ASAP!
Hello ,thanks i read a lot of comment’s and i have similar problem after my period my discharge is color brown and white and with a bad smell that sometimes i can smell it even without checking my underwear ,i just want to ask if is this normal since i didn’t feel any pain,itch or anything its just only the bad smell bcoz m very worried .thank you
Hi there Lenie! Vaginal odor is caused by the overgrowth of normally occurring vaginal bacteria, which in returns causes an infection. You can use a douche in vagina to get rid of the odor but I would recommend you consult with a physician first and use his recommendations. Regards
Thanks for sharing this information. If you are affected by vaginal odor after the period, then you should take steps to ensure that you are following good hygiene habits. For prevention, it is important you should take bathe frequently. This would be beneficial for prevention of this problem.
Hi I have my period in August for July or June but a few days before I start seeing green color smelly odor and this happened right through my period. I have never experience anything like this before. My nipples were very tender too. I have decided to go see a doctor but would it have anything to do with pre-menopause condition
I have a brownish discharge with foul smelly after periods, for several times i used anti-fungal but still there. Its so annoying, help please
Hi,after my period I had that foul smell for some days then is gone.is that natural?last year I had my cervical test and they said that all is good.but every time I do smell something after my period it makes me scared..