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
Almost every month after my period I have thick white discharge, it sometimes comes out as I am urinating (sorry for tmi). However i never itch, feel any discomfort but it has a smell, not fishy but the best way I can describe it is it smells like dirty vagina even after I shower. I can never smell myself unless I check my vaginal discharge. Is this something normal?
Not sure if it’s just hormonal.
Hi T. It could just be hormonal and your body doing it’s natural thing of cleaning out the bacteria from having your period. If it goes away relatively quickly I would say it’s just hormonal and just how your body reacts to your period.
Hi.. my period was like 7days ago. I had this brown foul discharge and thought it was the vagina cleaning itself after my cycle. but now, it has gone for about a week. Is this normal, should I be worried? And it’s pretty much embarrassing because I have to like change my panty liner frequently to avoid the foul smell, because I feel like I could actually smell it right through my trousers.
Hi Keisha, you could have an infection, especially if you have had it for over a week. I would make an appointment with your doctor.
Pls someone tell me if this is normal? Every time my period ends, I have this fishy smell & it gets itchy & swollen down there. But only when I am finishing my period because after a few days it’s normal. I have told my doctor & all tests for sti’s, bv & yeast have came back negative.. help!?!?!
Hi Nicole, it could just be how your body reacts to the bacteria in your vagina after your period. The swelling though is kind of concerning. If you use tampons I would recommend maybe trying a different brand, or unscented, could be the ones that you use. But if there are no positives for STI’s, then it could just be normal for you (although concerning and that is truly understood).
I have a fishy smell right after by periods… I have been visiting my gynaecologist and they said it could be a yeast or bacterial vaginosis …..but it keep coming back every month….. I did a vagina swab and everything is fine….. I tested for sti panel and that came back fine as well….. I dot know what else to do….
Hello Keisha, please read the below link to help you with this:
https://womanjunction.com/vaginal-odor-period-happen-rid/
Hii.. I just gave birth to a child 2weeks ago but the very first week brown colour discharge started and its really stinks… it is really embarrassing… kindly give me any suggestion how to get rid of it
Hi Evangelyne, bleeding and discharge is normal after giving birth. However if the smell continues or gets worse I would contact your doctor. While menstrual blood does sometimes have a smell to it due to the bacteria that’s in our vagina naturally, it should be to the point where you can’t stand it.
Hi can you help? I had a smelly fish like when I had sex for the first time last month after week after menstruation. What is the cause should I be worried?
Hello Minah, please see the below link to help you with this:
https://womanjunction.com/vaginal-odor-period-happen-rid/
hi, plz I finished my period three days ago.. And I have been noticing this awful vagina
smell but no discharge ever since.. Wat could b the cause pls?
Hi Stephanie, if the smell hasn’t gone away at this point (which can be normal right after your period finishes due to the bacteria from your period in general), I would make an appointment with your doctor to ensure there is no infection.
Hi I have had a fishy fowl smell for sometime and have been prescribed bv pills from my doctor but it never goes away. My labia area always feels more moist and sometimes itch but not enough to bother me. I feel like going to a gyno is pointless since my test results always come back negative for anything. I’m not sure what else to do..it’s been 8 years now…
Hello Dina, this is not good. Seems as though you have a lingering infection. See a doctor re this.
Hi I have this rotten smell during my period and sometimes after my period I will have a little discharge that does not smell can u help me to get rid of it
Hi Beth, if it smells rotten I would make an appointment to see your doctor, or if you are using tampons make sure to change them often. Bacteria naturally causes smells and this can happen during your period.
I get checked by my doctor every month. It is important to do so because I am epileptic.. Sometimes after my period (not all the time i have a fishy smell but no discharge. why is that?
Hi Taylor, it could be from the bacteria in your vagina throughout your period. It’s normal for some definitely. If you are getting checked out monthly and nothing is wrong than for you that is normal. If you are concerned I would try to make an appointment for right when your period ends and ask them.
Hi I noticed that after my menstrual flow my discharge smells really bad but only for about two to three days and it becomes normal like it stops smelling is that okay please???
Hi Peace, it can be normal because of the bacteria from having your period. However if it is a bad fishy smell I would get tested for any infections as those do cause bad odors. Otherwise if it’s a regular thing and you test normal, this might just be normal for you.
I finished My Period today in the Morning, and i went to urinate i had bad smell coming out of My vagina, and the lips are itching a lot.
Hello Inzella, click and read the below link:
https://womanjunction.com/vaginal-odor-period-happen-rid/
I have a little clear discharge but it smells so bad. It normally happens most right after I end my period. What could this be?
Hello Brianna, read more about this below:
https://womanjunction.com/vaginal-odor-period-happen-rid/
I recently just started having sex, during my period I and my husband had sex like 3times. and now I have finished my period,but after which I noticed whitish smelly discharge &when I urinate,when peeping is almost done I feel a sweet sharp pain…why??
Hi Louisa, it could be an infection, a yeast infection, UTI, could also be an STD (not saying that it is however one never knows). Are you urinating after you have sex because that can help keep things cleaner as well and to help prevent an infection. I would recommend getting checked out by your doctor.
It could also be because your vagina ripped a little bit. It’s perfectly normal.
My period was about 4 days ago. My vagina had very little discharge but smells very bad worse then normal after my period! What could the problem be?
Hi Alana, could be an infection, I would recommend making and appointment with your doctor.
Hi, please I just finished my period 2days ago and I have this awful smell and discharge what do I do and my urine smells bad too.
Hi Pretty, it sounds like you could have an infection. I would recommend making an appointment with your doctor.