Deal With Menstrual Odour

Any body odor can be problematic for anyone who wants to be around other people. However, menstrual odor can be an especially annoying, as well as potentially embarrassing, issue for lots of people. While some odor is perfectly normal (blood has an iron tinge), you can decrease odor caused by a disruption of the pH balance or the bacterial environment of the vagina. By choosing the right menstrual products for your body, maintaining proper hygiene, and preparing for your period, you can decrease the overall menstrual odor.

Steps

Choosing Your Menstrual Products

  1. Use a menstrual cup. If you’re used to tampons or pads, it may be a bit of a switch to use menstrual cups, but they are linked to less odor than either tampons or pads. Menstrual cups are often available at local pharmacies and grocery stores. In addition to the benefit of less odor, menstrual cups will save you money and are more environmentally friendly than tampons and disposable pads.[1][2]
    • Check a doctor before using a menstrual cup if you have an IUD, as it can move the strings out of place.[1]
    • Change the menstrual cup every twelve hours or when you experience leakage.[1]
  2. Change pads or tampons frequently. The cause of odor during menstruation is the growth of bacteria or pathogens when the blood stagnates for too long. Make sure you change pads or tampons every four to six hours to avoid stagnation.[3] For lighter days, you may only need 1 to 2 pads or tampons, while on heavier days, you may need 8 to 10.[4]
  3. Avoid using scented pads or tampons. The fragrances used in tampons can disturb the vagina’s pH balance, which can lead to the increase of bad bacteria, which causes the odors in the first place.[3] Scented products can also increase your risk of vaginal infection.[5]
    • There are plenty of non-scented products out there, and some, such as reusable cotton pads, often avoid the toxic chemicals commonly associated with the disposable pads and tampons, though there are some disposable pads and tampons that don't have the harmful chemicals, and may be available in your local health food store.[6]

Maintaining Proper Hygiene

  1. Take showers daily. Avoid fragrances or harsh soaps, as these can irritate the vagina. Use a gentle soap and your hands to clean the vaginal area. This will also reduce the sweat in the area, which can increase the menstrual odor.[3] You may want to shower more than once on heavier days.
    • Don’t wash the inside of your vagina. Wash only the vulva area, which is the outer part of your vagina.
  2. Don’t douche. Douching disrupts the natural bacterial balance in the vagina. It has also been linked to numerous health problems including yeast infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, and problems during pregnancy.[7][5] Normal showers and changing of pads, tampons, or cups can help mitigate foul odors.
  3. Avoid scented products. Scented products can cause irritation in the vagina, and lead to a bacterial imbalance. This includes feminine wipes and spray deodorizers. They can also decrease the vagina’s natural protection against infections. As bacteria is typically the cause of menstrual odor, it is important to avoid these products.[8][5][9]
    • If you wish to wear a perfume or fragrance, try ones that go on your wrist or neck, as they do not have the same concerns as vaginal fragrances.
  4. Check with your doctor. If the odor is persistent or accompanied by an unusual (grey/greenish) discharge, then you should see a doctor. The presence of a persistent or unusual odor or discharge can indicate an STI or some other infection that requires medical attention.[8]
    • Note, there is a vaginal scent that is normal, and does not require medical attention. Typically, you should seek medical attention for vaginal odor if it is fishy or different from normal.[10]
    • Itching can also indicate that you may have an infection. See a doctor if your vagina itches along with having an odor.

Planning Ahead for Your Period

  1. Bring extra underwear. While we all hope that we’re prepared for any emergency, sometimes we forget that even the best menstrual products can leak and get blood on our underwear and clothing. During your heaviest days, it might be a good idea to bring an extra pair of underwear and pants.[3]
  2. Wear cotton underwear. Wearing cotton underwear allows for more air to reach your vagina. This helps it stay dryer during your period. Synthetic materials, on the other hand, trap moisture leading to bacterial growth.[8][3]
  3. Wear loose clothing. Doing so allows your vagina to breathe. This also helps keep the amount of sweat low.[8] Wearing loose clothing has the added benefit of being more comfortable if you experience menstrual cramps.
    • For instance wearing gauchos, skirts, or loose shorts or pants, instead of tight-fitting jeans or pants, can make your genital area more airy.[11]
  4. Watch what you eat. Certain foods such as garlic, broccoli, or blue cheese, can increase vaginal odor. While it may not directly increase menstruation-related odor, it certainly won’t help if food is increasing your vaginal odor. Try cutting out offending foods all at once and adding them back slowly, to see what might be the culprit.[12]

Tips

  • Keep a period bag with you containing spare pads/tampons/cups, change of underwear, plastic bags to put used products, and whatever else you may need.
  • If you are wearing a tampon and may be concerned about leaking, simply wear a thin liner in addition to the tampon.
  • Bring an extra pair of underwear.
  • Avoid fragrances or harsh soaps when washing your genital area.
  • Always bring hand wipes with you to freshen you up and make you feel less gross.

Warnings

  • You should seek professional medical help if you notice an abrupt change in your vaginal odor. These steps are for normal menstrual odor only.[12]
  • If you notice an abrupt change in your menstrual cycle, you may need to see a doctor.[13]

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2015/02/tired-of-tampons-here-are-pros-and-cons-of-menstrual-cups/
  2. ↑ http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/ins-and-outs-menstrual-cups-%E2%80%93-how-do-they-differ-tampons-and-pads
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 http://www.newhealthadvisor.com/Why-Does-Period-Blood-Smell.html
  4. ↑ https://nau.edu/health-services/health-promotions/sexual-health/womens-health/
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/douching.html
  6. ↑ http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/reusable-vs-disposable-pads
  7. ↑ http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/122-a70/
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 http://rhsmedical.rutgers.edu/services/womens-health-visits/vaginal-problems/
  9. ↑ https://www.csuohio.edu/health/feminine-hygiene
  10. ↑ http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/genital-odor
  11. ↑ http://www.bustle.com/articles/93776-what-to-wear-during-your-period-if-comfort-is-your-ultimate-goal
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 http://www.berkeleywellness.com/self-care/sexual-health/article/vaginal-odor-causes-and-remedies
  13. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/menstrual-cycle/art-20047186?pg=2

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