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.
Disclaimer: This post might contain affiliate links. In case you buy through these links, we might receive a small commission, which helps us operate this website. Learn more here.
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 had this problem of foul smelling discharge, treated it with Amoxiclav and it went away, only to return at the end of my menses.brown color and really awful smell.. What do i do?
Hi Emem, Call your doctor. It could be that the infection didn’t go away completely and you need another round of treatment or there could be something else going on.
Hello… My period last seven days and it comes out so painful after the cramps yellowish watery discharge and smells awful.
Hello Hannah Paul, this should not be happening. See your doctor about this ASAP.
I have no discharge but my vag smells super bad after my period everytime and itches soo bad. I use to have sex all the time but I haven’t had sex in 9 months. What could this be..?
Hello Tiana, read below to understand why you have a vaginal odor after a period and how you can get rid of it:
https://womanjunction.com/vaginal-odor-period-happen-rid/
My discharge is yellow and smells like an old bloody tampon and I also put my finger in my vagina to check it out and it smells even worse. I had my period like 3 days ago, it still smells horrible I never had this problem before. Maybe it could be because of tampon I’m still new to using them so I’m not sure
Hi there Emily, this sounds to be an infection. Read the following link: https://womanjunction.com/vaginal-odor-period-happen-rid/
I had sex and he nutted inside me but my period came 10 days later… I just got off my period 3 days ago but I still have a fishy odor smell down there. I have a milky white light brown discharge…. help ??!
Hello Johanna, this could be due to an infection.
After my period and mid way i get a light yellow discharge with an offensive smell.. partner has noticed. Been tested with swabs. Pee tests and negative for any STD etc. What could it be? It also follows with stomach pains. I did have an abortion 8+ weeks ago and it’s happened ever since. Never had this issue before it.
Hello Jaude, you need to be re-examined for any infections.
I have normal discharge but with a fish smell, I normally experience such after my flow. What should I do?
Hello Fejiro, please use the following link to get more insight on this: https://womanjunction.com/vaginal-odor-period-happen-rid/
I do have little brownish discharge after menstruation but it doesn’t smell, what could that be?
Hello Mira, this is normal right after a period.
Hello there I am amber I have a very big problem with my monthly period and vaginal discharge it very annoying smelly very fishy I don’t know what’s the color of it green or white I think….much more with my monthly period very dark color…what can I do?how to get rid of it any medicines to shy to ask for a doctor?
Hi there Amber, please see link below to read more about this: https://womanjunction.com/vaginal-odor-period-happen-rid/
So I have been getting this brown smelly discharge (for approximately 2/3 days) after every period for the past 4 months.. after that everything gets back to normal. This worries me though. What causes this and should I seek help?
Hello Thobela, please read the below link to gain more insight on this:
https://womanjunction.com/vaginal-odor-period-happen-rid/
Hi please help me, only this happen to me that when I finish my menstruation, usually my menses 3 to 4 days only, but now this is my problem I have a discharge its brown but its smell so bad, what can I do. Please thank you.
Hey there Cha-Cha, sorry to hear this. Please see link below explaining the cause of this:
https://womanjunction.com/vaginal-odor-period-happen-rid/
My partner is saying my vagina smells haven’t had this problem before but have also finished a treatment that lasted 3 mths of taking tablets in jan. Since starting the treatment my periods have been on off light heavy not coming at all. This time I’ve finished periods 3-4 days ago and partner saying during sex the smell is that bad he wants 2 throw up last 3 days but I don’t smell it. He said I need 2 see a doctor its that bad. I just think its because of the treatment and periods been all over place for 8mths or more.
Hello Tara, this is cause for serious concern. Please see the doctor who originally prescribed this.
My issue isn’t discharge more so just the smell after my period and lasts about 2 to 3 days, then it’s gone. But the smell is very strong. Have already checked for tampon.. any ideas
After my periods,I have bad smelling discharge,so please i need help, thanks,
Hello there Nanky, please see your doctor to rule out a possible infection.
My menses come twice a month. One of the two cycles have extreme clotting. Along with this i get uti, yeast infections and bacterial infections. The foul odor is the most unpleasant especially with my husband. Suggestions??
Hi there Jennifer, this must be very hard for you, please see your doctor to rule out possible ongoing infections and get treated.
My menses comes one day with cramps and spots for two days and it’s not even bright red… After menses, I discovered that my vaginal smells and I have whitish discharge… Thanks
Hi there Bella, please see your doctor for a thorough assessment as to why this happens.