How To Get Rid Of Period Smell After Period In South Africa

Overview

A menstrual period consists of the shedding of an unfertilized egg, blood, and uterine lining tissues. It’s completely normal for this combination to have a slight odor after it exits the vagina. This is most likely related to the vaginal substance itself, but bacteria and acidity can also play a role.

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.

Generally speaking, period odors aren’t noticeable to others. Good hygiene practices can also combat normal period odors and make you more comfortable during menstruation.

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.

How To Get Rid Of Period Smell After Period In South Africa

Other odor changes during your period can include a “sweaty gym” smell or an odor of onions or salt. These are most likely caused by not practicing good hygiene during the menstrual cycle.

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.

Daily showers are also important, and you can help prevent period odors by cleaning the outside of your vagina only. Deodorizing products, such as wipes and sprays, aren’t recommended because of the possibility of irritation. You shouldn’t douche either, as the process can get rid of healthy vaginal bacteria and lead to infection.

Avoid scented tampons and other products, as these can cause irritation and allergic reactions. You’re better off using unscented products and wearing breathable cotton underwear and clothing to keep unpleasant odors at bay.

Home remedies for vaginal odor

If your vagina smells a little off, and that scent is NOT accompanied by other symptoms, you may be able to relieve your symptoms on your own.

Shower or bathe regularly

Get this: The off smell could just be a sign you just need a shower!

“The area can accumulate sweat, dead skin, and dirt,” says Gersh. And just as those things can affect the smell of your pits, they can affect the smell of your vagina.

Maintaining a regular hygiene practice can help avoid the accumulation of the scent that you don’t like.

But if the scent has already taken root and you don’t have time to shower, simply take a warm washcloth and wash your pubic mound and outer lips.

“Even just using your finger to swish the warm water around the vulva is adequate,” she says.

For the record: Loofahs are *not* a good substitute for washcloths. Loofahs can cause small tears to the delicate genital skin, and expose the area to possible infection.

Stop washing inside your vagina

To be clear: while you can (and should!) wash the outside of your vagina (aka the vulva), you should not start going in your hole with water, washcloth, or soap.

“It’s true that a vagina is a self-cleaning machine,” says Gersh. “The natural make-up of bacteria inside the vaginal canal is designed to keep the canal healthy and clean — and that bacteria doesn’t need any help from you to operate optimally.”

Washing inside the vaginal canal isn’t just unnecessary, it’s downright dangerous. Washing inside the vaginal canal — especially with fragrant soaps — can upset your vagina’s natural bacterial make-up and pH.

And when your vagina’s natural bacterial make-up gets disrupted? You put yourself at risk of developing infections like bacterial vaginosis (BV) which (negatively) impact your vaginal odor.

Check for recent product swaps

Did you recently change your detergent? Start using a different body wash? Switch up your toilet paper brand? All of these things can impact your vagina, according to Gersh.

“Take some time to think through what things have changed in your routine,” she says. “What soaps you’ve been using, the type of underwear you’ve been wearing, and how tight your clothes are could all be the culprit.”

Switching up your sexual lubricants, sex toy cleaner, and type of condom (or other barrier methods) could also be the culprit.

Stay hydrated

Nope, we’re not talking about booze. We’re talking about the good ‘ole fashion clear stuff: water.

Drinking plenty of water is good for more than just your skin. It can help your vagina’s overall health, too, by encouraging healthy sweating and fluid release, says Deysach. The more you know!

Eat a balanced diet

As a general rule, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, will elicit a softer scent compared to greasy, fast foods.

As Gersh puts it, “A balanced diet makes for a healthy body, and that includes your vagina.”

Just be warned: “Some very strong-smelling foods like asparagus, garlic, and onions can result in a stronger smelling cooch,” says Deysach.

So, if you’ve been eating a whole lot of asparagus, garlic, and onions recently, simply cutting out those foods could return your vagina to its natural scent.

Prescription treatments for vaginal odor

“There are no prescription medications to treat just vaginal odor,” says Gersh. Read that again!

However, an unusual vaginal odor is a by-product of vaginal bacterial disruption, infection, or hormonal disruption, she says, all of which can be treated with medication.

For example, a bacterial sexually transmitted infection like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis — all of which can impact vaginal scent — can all be cleared up with a prescription antibiotic, she says.

Antibiotics can also be prescribed for other kinds of infections, such as BV, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and yeast infections.

“And for people with menopause who are experiencing changes and odors and other symptoms associated with hormonal changes, you can prescribe localized or oral hormone replacement medications that help,” she says.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it normal to have a smell after period?

Does period blood smell go away?

Period blood can have a metallic smell, like a copper coin. This is typically due to the presence of iron in the blood and is not usually a cause for concern. However, it should not persist much longer after the period ends.

How do you flush out your period?

What about your underwear, clothes, and bedsheets? To remove menstrual blood stains, follow the same advice for removing regular bloodstains from your clothing. Rinse the items under cold running water to remove most of the stain. Then treat with a little soap.

How do I get rid of the odor down there?

Types of vaginal odor.
Adopt good hygiene measures.
Use internal menstruation products.
Care for the vagina after sex.
Consume probiotics.
Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing.
Cut sugar and boost hydration.

What is the treatment for smelly discharge?

Anyone with unusual or smelly discharge — from any part of the body —should see a doctor. The cause is often an infection. Depending on the type, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics, antifungal medications, or antiviral medications.

Why do vaginas smell?

‘The vagina has a natural bacterial flora that’s there to keep a good balance,’ explains Dr Rosén. It’s because of this natural bacteria that the cervical mucus in the vagina always has a smell. You may also experience changes throughout your menstrual cycle as the pH balance in your vagina changes.

How does lemon stop your period?

Drinking a shot of lemon juice won’t delay your period or make it stop. Using a hormonal birth control method is the only way to lighten or control when you get your period: When taking a hormonal birth control method, like the pill, ring, and patch, you have the ability to skip your period. It’s safe and super easy.

How can I get rid of smelly discharge naturally?

Some diet changes can help reduce foul-smelling discharge and regulate the naturally-occurring vaginal flora. Therefore, it is important to eat 3 to 5 portions of fruits and vegetables, as well as probiotics, which can be found in natural yogurt and kefir.

Why do I smell down there even after I shower?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) This infection is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. Symptoms may include a strong, fishy odor and a thin, gray discharge.

Do bananas affect your period?

Banana: With a high content of vitamin B6, banana is a great food for boosting your mood and keeping you happy! It is also rich in potassium and magnesium, which reduces bloating. Along with that, it also helps in digestion. So, enjoy bananas during your periods and keep those period problems at bay!

Is it good to drink lemon water during periods?

One should have a glass of warm lemon water during period as it reduces the agonizing pain. It also keeps you hydrated which keeps the system flushed and running smoothly.

Do orgasms help cramps?

When you orgasm, your body releases chemicals like oxytocin and dopamine that act as painkillers and help deal with menstrual cramps. The blood rushes to the uterus and helps relieve cramps as you orgasm.

Can ginger stop periods?

Although it’s often used as a home remedy for irregular periods, there’s no scientific evidence to support claims that ginger can treat irregular periods.

Why do females eat chocolate on their period?

The reduction of your feel-good hormone paired with the increase of your stress hormone makes you crave sugary foods, so that you can boost your serotonin levels once again and cheer yourself up.