Period odour is a common concern for many people during menstruation. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including bacteria growth on menstrual products, poor hygiene practices, or hormonal changes in the body.
To combat period odour, it’s important to maintain good hygiene practices.
Vaginal odour: Is it Normal For the Vagina to Have a Smell?
It is completely normal for the vagina to have its own unique and natural scent. The vagina is home to a delicate balance of bacteria and pH levels, which can affect its natural odour.
The scent can change depending on a variety of factors such as menstrual cycle, sexual activity, diet, and hygiene.
Now, the concern is how to get rid of the period smell after a period.
Vaginal secretions can also contribute to the natural odour of the vagina. The vagina is home to a delicate balance of fluids and substances produced by the cervix and the walls of the vagina which help to keep it clean and healthy.
It’s important to note that every woman’s body is unique, and what may be considered normal for one person may not be the same for another. The most important thing is to pay attention to your body and to be familiar with what is normal for you.
If there is a noticeable smell or a strong, fishy odour or if the vaginal secretions are greyish-white and thin, it is important to seek medical advice.
As these symptoms may indicate a vaginal infection such as bacterial vaginosis (BV). Other symptoms such as itching, burning, redness, or pain should also be taken seriously.
How to Get Rid of Period Smell After Period: Remedies and Treatments
1. Practice Good Hygiene:
Practising good hygiene during your period is important for maintaining overall health and reducing vaginal odour. One key aspect of this is cleaning the vulva and anus thoroughly.
This can be done by using mild soap and warm water, making sure to rinse off all soap thoroughly.
It is also important to change sanitary products (such as pads or tampons) regularly, at least every 4-8 hours, to prevent the build-up of bacteria that can cause abnormal vaginal odours. A forgotten tampon can lead to a higher risk of possible infection.
In addition to cleaning the vulva and anus, it is also important to shower regularly during your period. This can help to reduce the likelihood of slight odour and yeast infection.
2. Change Products Frequently:
One important aspect of maintaining good hygiene during your period is changing sanitary products frequently.
Leaving pads or tampons in for too long can lead to a buildup of odour-causing bacteria which can lead to vaginal odour and bacterial vaginosis.
This can result in a strong and unpleasant vaginal scent, which can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. It’s important to change pads or tampons every 4-8 hours, or more often if necessary.
This will help to remove any bad bacteria or odour-causing substances that may be present.
It’s also important to note that tampons should be changed more frequently than pads. Tampons absorb menstrual flow and can harbour bacteria if left in for too long.
This can cause infections such as toxic shock syndrome (TSS) which is a rare but potentially fatal condition.
It’s also essential to choose the right absorbency level of tampons or pads, as wearing a pad or tampon that is too absorbent for your menstrual flow can lead to a build-up of bacteria and abnormal vaginal odour.
3. Wear Breathable Underwear:
Another important aspect of maintaining good hygiene during your period is wearing breathable underwear. Cotton underwear can help to keep the area dry and reduce abnormal vaginal odour.
This is because cotton is a natural and breathable fabric that allows air to circulate and wick away moisture. This helps to keep the area dry and reduces the likelihood of yeast infections and vaginal odour.
When choosing underwear during your period, it’s important to look for cotton underwear that fits well and is not too tight. This will help to prevent chafing and vaginal itching, which can lead to odour.
Avoid synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester, as they trap moisture and heat which can lead to an increase in vaginal bacteria and odour. Sweaty clothes may increase other vaginal symptoms.
It’s also important to change your underwear frequently during your period, as well as after showering or bathing. This will help to keep the area clean and dry and reduce the likelihood of vaginal symptoms and odour.
4. Avoid Certain Foods:
Certain foods can cause an increase in unpleasant smells during your period, so it’s important to be mindful of what you eat.
Spicy and fried foods, for example, can cause an increase in body odour, including menstrual odour.
This is because these foods can cause your body to produce more sweat and oil, which can lead to a build-up of period odours and a fishy smell.
Foods that are high in sugar can also cause an increase in unpleasant odour during your period. This is because sugar can feed the bacteria that live in the vagina, which can lead to an overgrowth of these bacteria and an increase in odour. All these make the vagina smell and release a fishy odour.
Additionally, consuming a lot of processed foods that are high in artificial preservatives, colourings, and flavourings can cause an imbalance in the body, which can lead to odour.
5. Use a Probiotic:
Probiotics can be an effective way to reduce odour during your period. Probiotics are live microorganisms (healthy bacteria) that, when consumed, can help to balance the bacteria in the vagina.
This balance is important because an overgrowth of certain bacteria can lead to an increase in strong odour.
Probiotics can be taken in supplement form or by consuming probiotic-rich foods such as yoghurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut.
They can help to restore the balance of good bacteria in the vagina and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria that can cause odour.
6. Use a Menstrual Cup:
Menstrual cups can be a great alternative to traditional menstrual products such as pads and tampons to absorb period blood.
One of the benefits of using a menstrual cup is that they are known to reduce odour. This is because they are made of non-absorbent materials that do not trap bacteria and odour-causing substances like traditional menstrual products can.
They also hold more menstrual fluid than traditional products, which means that they need to be emptied and cleaned less frequently, reducing the likelihood of odour.
7. Use a Steaming Herb:
Steaming herbs have been used in traditional medicine for centuries to help with menstrual issues and improve overall vaginal health.
The heat and steam from the herbs can help to open up the pores and release trapped bacteria and odour-causing substances.
Using a steaming herb like mugwort, basil, or rosemary to reduce odour during your period is easy and convenient. Here are a few ways to use steaming herbs:
1. Herbal Tea: You can make tea by steeping 1-2 tablespoons of the herb in a cup of boiling water for 10-15 minutes. Once the tea has cooled a bit, you can use it to rinse the vaginal area.
2. Sitz Bath: Fill a shallow bath or a sitz bath with warm water and add a handful of the herb. Sit in the bath for 15-20 minutes to allow the steam and herb to work on reducing odour.
3. Herbal Steam: Boil a pot of water and add a handful of the herb. Cover your head with a towel and lean over the pot, allowing the steam to reach the vaginal area for about 10-15 minutes.
It’s important to make sure the herbs you use are safe and of good quality, and consult with a healthcare professional before use, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions.
Keep in mind that steaming herbs should not be used as a replacement for good hygiene practices such as showering regularly, cleaning the vulva and anus, and changing sanitary products frequently.
8. Keep the Area Dry:
Keeping the area dry is an important aspect of reducing odour during your period. Here are a few ways to keep the area dry:
- Avoid tight clothing: Wearing tight-fitting pants or leggings can trap heat and moisture in the vaginal area, which can lead to bacterial growth and odour.
- It’s best to wear loose and comfortable clothing during your period to keep the area cool and dry.
- Use a hair dryer: After showering or bathing, use a hair dryer on a low setting to dry the area thoroughly.
- Make sure to hold the dryer at least 6 inches away from your skin and avoid using it on the highest setting as it can burn your skin.
- Use a clean towel: Avoid using the same towel for your body and for drying the vaginal area after showering or bathing.
- Make sure to use a clean and dry towel to dry the area thoroughly.
9. Use a Deodorant or Fragrance-Free Powder
To reduce odour during your period, you can try using a deodorant or fragrance-free powder in the area or a natural spray or essential oils.
1. Deodorant or powder: Apply a deodorant or fragrance-free powder to the area to help mask any odour.
2. Natural spray or oil: Use a natural spray or oil like tea tree oil, lavender oil, or witch hazel to help neutralize any unwanted smells. Simply spray or apply a few drops to the area.
10. Keep Your Vaginal pH Balanced
Maintaining the pH levels of the vagina is important for preventing odours during your period. Here are a few ways to keep your pH balance in check:
- Use a pH-balanced wash or gel: You can use a pH-balanced wash or gel to keep the area clean and prevent odour.
- These products are specifically designed to maintain the pH balance of the vagina, which can help to prevent the growth of odour-causing bacteria leading to bacterial vaginosis.
- Avoid harsh soaps and washes: Avoid using soaps and washes that contain harsh chemicals or fragrances, as they can disrupt the pH balance of the vagina and lead to odour.
- Eat a nutritious diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to maintain the pH balance of the body and reduce the likelihood of bacterial overgrowth and odour.
- Hydrate yourself: Drinking enough water can help to flush out toxins and bacteria, which can help to maintain the pH balance of the vagina.
10. Wash Your Clothes Separately:
To avoid cross-contamination and reduce vaginal odour during your period, it’s important to wash your clothes separately.
- Use a separate laundry basket: Keep a separate laundry basket for your clothes during your period, so they don’t get mixed with other clothes.
- Wash your clothes separately: Use a separate load of laundry to wash your clothes during your period, so they don’t get mixed with other clothes and avoid cross-contamination.
- Use fragrance-free detergent: Use fragrance-free detergent to wash your clothes during your period, as fragrances can cause irritation and lead to vaginal odours.
- Dry your clothes in the sun: Dry your clothes in the sun as the sun’s UV rays can kill bacteria and freshen up your clothes, which can help to reduce vaginal odours.
11. Avoid Douching:
To reduce odour during your period and maintain the balance of bacteria in the vagina, it’s important to avoid douching.
Douching is the practice of cleaning the vagina with water or a solution of water and vinegar, baking soda, or other substances.
It is usually done by squirting the solution into the vagina using a douchebag or bottle with a nozzle.
Douching is often done to clean the vagina and eliminate odours, but it can also be done for other reasons such as to remove menstrual blood after the period.
However, douching is not recommended by healthcare professionals as it can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina and lead to various health issues, such as an increased risk of vaginal infections and irritation.
12. Talk to Your Healthcare Provider
An odour can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor hygiene, sexually transmitted infection, certain foods, or medical conditions.
It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider if you’re concerned about an odour, as they can help determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment.
Some common conditions that can cause body odour include diabetes, overactive sweat glands, and certain metabolic disorders.
However, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and get an appropriate treatment plan.
These 12 tips can surely help you get rid of your period smell, however, if you have any concerns regarding these tips you can always consult your doctor for better approaches.
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