Period FAQs

why does my vagina smell after my period

by Elfrieda Veum Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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The strong smell is likely due to the blood and tissues exiting the vagina along with bacteria. It's normal for the vagina to have bacteria, though the amount can fluctuate. The resulting “rotten” smell from bacteria mixed with menstrual flow shouldn't be strong enough for others to detect.

Full Answer

Why does my vagina always itch after my period?

What can cause vaginal itching during a period?

  • Causes during a period. Hormonal changes are a possible cause of vaginal itching during menstruation. ...
  • Other causes. The following conditions can cause vaginal itching at any stage of the menstrual cycle, including during menstruation.
  • Home remedies. Certain home remedies can help treat and prevent vaginal itching.
  • Treatments. ...
  • When to see a doctor. ...
  • Summary. ...

Why do I pee Alot after my period is finished?

There are two reasons for urinating a lot after the period. 1. Pelvic vasodilation during menstruation, pelvic organs (including the uterus, bladder, etc.) congestion, mild swelling, bladder nerve sensitivity, combined with congested uterus compression resulting in volume reduction, unequal suffocation of urination; 2.

Why is there bad vaginal smell during intercourse?

Vaginal odor can change from day to day during the menstrual cycle. An odor might be especially noticeable right after having sex. Sweating also can cause a vaginal odor. Bacterial vaginosis is an overgrowth of bacteria typically present in the vagina. It's a common vaginal condition that can cause vaginal odor.

Why do I still have discharge after my period?

What can cause brown discharge after a period?

  • Dry period blood. Blood that takes longer to exit your body becomes darker, often brown. ...
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects a woman’s hormone levels. ...
  • Perimenopause. Perimenopause is when your body begins to make the natural transition to menopause. ...
  • Birth control implant. ...
  • Sexually transmitted infections. ...

See more

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What does it smell like during your period?

Any odors you might notice during your period can also fluctuate. “Healthy” periods can have a slight smell of blood. They may even have a slight metallic smell from iron and bacteria.

What to do if your period smells?

If your period smells and you notice unusual symptoms , see your doctor. There could be something else going on.

What does it mean when you smell fishy?

You may have bacterial vaginosis if the “fishy” smell is accompanied by:

Why does my poop smell like it's down there?

A strong odor from “down there” may be cause for worry, as it could be a sign of an infection. In such cases, the odors are accompanied by other symptoms, such as vaginal discharge or pelvic pain that’s not related to normal menstruation.

Why does my tampon smell rotten?

A “rotten” smell can occur when a tampon is left in for too long or forgotten. This can happen at the end of a period, when you don’t have to insert a new tampon as often and you have no further bleeding.

Why do women have vaginosis?

While the exact cause of this overgrowth isn’t understood, bacterial vaginosis seems to be most common in women who are sexually active. Douching may also increase your risk for this type of infection.

How to stop menstrual odor?

Proper hygiene habits can help combat the usual odors associated with menstruation. This can be as simple as making sure you change tampons, liners, or pads every few hours.

How To Manage Vaginal Odor After 50

Does My VAGINA Smell Normal? Causes & Treatments | Thrush, Bacterial Vaginosis, Smelly Discharge STI

When To See A Doctor

Its always a good idea to see your doctor if youre experiencing unusual changes in your vaginal health. Brown discharge after your period isnt usually a cause for concern, but you may want to see your doctor if you have any other symptoms, such as pain and itchiness.

Period Smells Like Death

Your period can produce an odor, which may even be different month to month.

When Your Discharge Reeks Of Rotten Eggs

Sometimes, its tough to pinpoint unpleasant odors. Do your panties smell like garbage or rotten eggs?

When To See Your Gynecologist About Vaginal Odor

Its the particularly stinky vaginal odors you need to pay attention to and bring to your doctors attention, especially when those odors are accompanied by:

How To Prevent Vaginal Odor After Period

Maintain personal hygiene by bathing regularly and trimming pubic hairs. Change sanitary pads and tampons frequently.

What Is Vaginal Odor

Vaginal odor is the smell that your vaginaand usually your dischargegives off. A certain amount of vaginal odor is normal, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists . But if the odor is strong and noticeable, its possible that you have an infection or other problem, ACOG says.

Why does my vagina smell like a penny?

Many people report smelling a coppery, metallic vaginal odor. This is usually nothing to worry about. Rarely, it signifies a more serious problem. A coppery smell can also be due to less common, but serious, causes of vaginal bleeding.

What is the smell of a vagina?

1. Tangy or fermented. It’s very common for vaginas to produce a tangy or sour aroma. Some compare it to the smell of fermented foods. In fact, yogurt, sourdough bread, and even some sour beer contain the same type of good bacteria that dominate most healthy vaginas: Lactobacilli.

What are the red flags of a bad smell?

In general, abnormal odors should be easy to spot. They’re the ones that make your face scrunch up. Rotting fish, dead organism, decay — these are all red flag odors. If there’s a serious cause, often other symptoms will appear alongside the smell.

Does menopause affect pH?

Menopause also has an effect on vaginal pH. “Due to a lack of estrogen, women in menopause end up with less vaginal mucosa,” says Minkin. “Vaginal mucosa lines the vagina and nurtures the Lactobacilli bacteria. So, without these cells you can end up with a much higher pH.”.

Can Vicks vaporub cause bacterial vaginosis?

Widely acknowledged by the medical community as harmful to the natural balance of vaginal flora, this common tool that cleans the vagina might actually cause bacterial vaginosis instead. Last year, the internet even suggested using Vicks VapoRub as a DIY treatment for vaginal scents.

Why does my discharge smell after my period?

Another reason for smelly discharge after period could be a forgotten tampon. You may not believe this but this is quite common in a large number of females. Some females forget the tampon in its place during the last day of menses and the tampon festers leading to a smelly vaginal discharge.

Why does my vagina smell white after menses?

1. Smelly white discharge: If you have a smelly white discharge after menses, then there is a possibility of a thrush or a yeast infection due to Candida albicans. This occurs when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is altered by the hormonal changes, leading to multiplication of the fungi. Your body’s hormonal balance is disturbed, ...

Why does my period smell fishy?

Gray/off-white creamy discharge that smells fishy: If the smelly discharge after period is off-white or gray in color, is creamy and smells fishy, then it could be from bacterial vaginosis.

Why does my period have a greenish discharge?

Smelly greenish discharge: If you have strong smelly greenish discharge after periods then it is possible that you are suffering from trichomoniasis caused by infection with Trichomonas vaginalis. Trichomoniasis is an amoebic infection that is potentially harmless.

Why does my vagina smell like it's burning?

Moreover, if this smelly discharge is associated with a sensation of burning in the vagina, then it could be due to Chlamydia infection. In such cases it is recommended to get tested at the earliest because Chlamydia, if not treated early could result in infertility. 3. Smelly greenish discharge: If you have strong smelly greenish discharge ...

Why does my discharge smell brown after menses?

5. Smelly, brown discharge: If you experience smelly, brown discharge after menses, then it is quite possible that it is caused by some bacteria. It is recommended to get yourself checked with a gynecologist to find the underlying cause of the problem.

Why do you have to pass urine after sex?

Pass urine after having sex as it removes bacteria from inside and outside the vaginal canal. If not removed, bad bacteria can move up to bladder leading to infections. To prevent spreading of bowel bacteria it is recommended to wipe from front to back.

What Causes Period Blood To Smell

Period blood can sometimes be a little smelly, but it may surprise you to learn that in most cases, your period isnt the one to blame. One of the biggest reasons why period blood smells is because it has to exit through the vagina, which is full of bacteria.

A Tampon Youve Forgotten To Remove

There have been instances of people seeking help for a bad vagina smell and finding its caused by a tampon thats been left in for days, sometimes longer, says Dr Rosén.

How To Get Rid Of The Smell

There are several ways you can do away with the sweet smell in your vaginal discharge. However, most of these methods will work only when you are sure it is not an infection or other issue but the natural odor of the vagina. They include:

What If My Vagina Smells Bad During My Period

Some people still feel shame or embarrassment about their periods, and how it smells is no exception. But again, regularly cleaning yourself should ease your worry about vaginal odor during that time of the month.

Can Everyone Smell When Im On My Period

Generally, your period wont be noticeable to others. If it is strong enough to be noticed through your pants, for example, its more likely that you have sprung a leak than anyone can smell anything through your menstrual care device.

Different Kinds Of Vagina Odors

While you may have already realized that your vagina has some sort of a scent, there are actually different types of vaginal scents depending on its state or condition.

Bleeding Or Spotting 2 Weeks After Period

Spotting 2 weeks after your period can be a sign of ovulation, which occurs about 10 to 14 days after the start of the menstrual period and is a result of sudden changes in hormone levels.

What Is Vaginal Odor

Vaginal odor is the smell that your vaginaand usually your dischargegives off. A certain amount of vaginal odor is normal, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists . But if the odor is strong and noticeable, its possible that you have an infection or other problem, ACOG says.

What Changes To Expect As You Age

As you get older, your estrogen levels decrease, causing an imbalance in your pH levels.

What Is Not Normal

Any of these can be a sign of infection. If you notice any of them see your health professional. This is very important if you think you could have a sexually transmissible infection .

When Should I Seek Treatment For Abnormal Vaginal Odor

Vaginal issues are one of the most common reasons women seek medical care. If you are experiencing prolonged abnormal vaginal odor, or odor accompanied by discharge, burning and itching, you should seek medical care. Untreated vaginitis can lead to vaginal infections that can spread to the uterus or fallopian tubes.

How Dangerous Abnormal Vaginal Odor Is

Again, the cause of abnormal vaginal odor determines whether you may develop serious health complications and your prognosis.

When To See A Health Care Provider For Fishy Vaginal Odor

If you have a fishy vaginal odor that wont go away even after trying the techniques above, its time to see a health care professional. This is also true if the fishy vaginal odor comes with any itching, burning, or bleeding.

Treatment For Foul Smelling Discharge

The treatment for foul smelling discharge depends on the cause, and so the gynecologist may prescribe antibiotics, antifungal medication or creams to be applied directly on the vagina.

Why does my vagina smell metallic?

“The two most common reasons for a metallic odor are both normal … blood and semen," OB-GYN Gil Weiss tells Romper. “Blood contains molecules of hemoglobin, which all incorporates iron. It is precisely this iron which contributes to metallic smell.

What does it mean when you smell fishy?

Fishy smells typically mean a bacterial infection. Yeasty smells like beer or bread mean an overgrowth of yeast. A rotting odor might be a forgotten tampon or other infection. A fecal smell, while it could just be hygienic, might point to a vaginal fistula.

Can you smell a miscarriage?

Also, if you think you're getting your period and instead get implantation bleeding, you could get the smell and a baby, which, if you aren't expecting it, might freak you out.

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