Vaginal Odor After period – Why Does It Happen and How To Get Rid Of It

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

rephresh lubeThis 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

waterworksThis 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

represh probioticThis 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

phD feminineThis 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

renew gentle feminine washThis 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

vagsilVagisil 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

Monistat Stay Fresh Gel, Odor Eliminating Gel for Feminine Care, Fragrance Free Vaginal Gel, Prefilled Applicators, 4 Count
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

vH essentials Vaginal Odor Treatment - pH Balanced Vaginal Suppositories - 6 Tablets With Applicator, White, (667-06)
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

Organic Glide Feminine Body Wash 5 fl oz - Natural Cleansing Mousse with Unique Probiotic Support, pH Balanced, Gentle for Sensitive Skin & Intimate Areas, Refreshing Magnolia Scent (1-pack)
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
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