{"id":7839,"date":"2023-10-02T02:01:24","date_gmt":"2023-10-01T19:01:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=7839"},"modified":"2023-10-02T02:01:24","modified_gmt":"2023-10-01T19:01:24","slug":"post-period-smell-what-is-normal-for-the-vagina","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=7839","title":{"rendered":"Post-Period Smell: What Is Normal for the Vagina?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"drop-cap text-big text-gray\"> <span class=\"drop-cap__first text-dropcap \">W<\/span>hen it comes to talking about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/vagina-smells\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/vagina-smells\/\">vaginal smells<\/a> of any sort, I\u2019m firmly on \u201cTeam Normalize That Vaginas and Vulvas Aren\u2019t Supposed to Smell Like Fruit or Flowers\u201d because, well, that\u2019s not what they are. In fact, a perfectly <a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/symptoms\/17905-vaginal-odor\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/symptoms\/17905-vaginal-odor\">healthy vagina can smell sour, bittersweet, or metallic<\/a> due to normal variations in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/vaginal-flora-lactobacillus-health\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/vaginal-flora-lactobacillus-health\/\">vaginal flora<\/a> (aka the mix of yeast and bacteria within the vagina) caused by anything from changes in your diet or your sweat levels to hormonal shifts, and yes, your period. But what does it mean when a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/TwoXChromosomes\/comments\/tm3rdx\/does_your_vagina_smelltaste_different_after_period\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/TwoXChromosomes\/comments\/tm3rdx\/does_your_vagina_smelltaste_different_after_period\/\">vaginal smell lingers<\/a> post-period or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/TwoXSex\/comments\/16795g\/smells_fishy_down_there_for_a_few_days_after\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/TwoXSex\/comments\/16795g\/smells_fishy_down_there_for_a_few_days_after\/\">shows up afterward<\/a>?<\/div>\n<p>According to obstetrician-gynecologist <a href=\"https:\/\/www.clinicspots.com\/blog\/dr-himali-maniar-patel-gynecologist\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.clinicspots.com\/blog\/dr-himali-maniar-patel-gynecologist\">Himali Maniar Patel, MBBS, DGO<\/a>, it can be totally normal to have some degree of vaginal odor after your period ends\u2014and not just when you\u2019re actively bleeding, when it might seem obvious that things could smell a little off down there.<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<hr\/>\n<p>It&#8217;s true that certain vaginal smells can signal an infection caused by an imbalance in the vaginal flora (more on that below). And ironically, some of the biggest <a href=\"https:\/\/mcpress.mayoclinic.org\/women-health\/vaginal-health-and-hygiene\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/mcpress.mayoclinic.org\/women-health\/vaginal-health-and-hygiene\/\">culprits behind that imbalance<\/a> are \u201chygienic\u201d products that promise to make you smell <em>better<\/em> down there. But, a post-period smell doesn\u2019t necessarily signify the presence of any condition. As it turns out, certain menstruation-related shifts can cause a normal, temporary post-period odor.<\/p>\n<h2>Why your vagina might smell after your period<\/h2>\n<p>A couple of different causes could be behind vaginal smelliness once your period subsides. A big one: leftover blood. \u201cA common reason for a metallic smell is the presence of iron in your period blood,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pediatrix.com\/find-care\/doctors\/Wetter-Amy-1912069071\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.pediatrix.com\/find-care\/doctors\/Wetter-Amy-1912069071\">Amy Wetter, MD<\/a>, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist at Pediatrix Medical Group. \u201cThis can linger, especially if you have brown discharge from leftover or old blood and tissue still making its way out.\u201d<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>\u201cA common reason for a metallic smell is the presence of iron in your period blood.\u201d \u2014Amy Wetter, MD, board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Some different-than-usual bacteria might also be growing or proliferating in your vagina post-period, causing a shift in how things smell. \u201cThe <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/vagina-ph\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/vagina-ph\/\">vagina requires a low pH<\/a> (acidic pH) in order to maintain a healthy bacterial balance,\u201d says Dr. Wetter. \u201cSince period blood has a high pH (basic pH), this can allow certain kinds of bacteria to flourish [more so than others], which may cause [temporary] odor or discharge.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Indeed, Dr. Patel says that \u201ca buildup of bacteria on the surface of your vulva or in your vagina\u201d is a major potential cause of any kind of post-period funk. \u201cThis can also happen more so around the time of your period due to hormonal changes and increased moisture near the area,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content \" style=\"\" data-module-init=\"related-content\" data-module-immediate=\"\" v-cloak=\"\">\n<div class=\"related-content__wrapper \" v-cloak=\"\" :class=\"{'is-loaded':isLoaded}\">\n<p> <span class=\"inline pr-6 text-seafoam-dark\">Related Stories<\/span> <\/p>\n<p> <related-content class=\"related-content__links\" parent-article-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/post-period-smell\/\" current-title=\"What It Means When Your Vagina Smells Fishy, Metallic, or Just Plain Funky After Your Period\" current-image=\"Luis-Alvarez-425x285.jpg\" v-on:parsely-posts-loaded=\"onPostsLoaded\" start-date=\"2023-04-01\" tag=\"div\" inline-template=\"\" url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/post-period-smell\/\" secret=\"w5ztterVB03LGZJLfXS0hf3EvQBuFFIWew9hmVQxthU\" apikey=\"wellandgood.com\" limit=\"3\"> <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"related-content__card mb-[10px] sm:mb-[20px]\" :class=\"{'related-content__card--full':posts.length === 1}\" v-for=\"(post, key) in posts\"> <a v-on:click.prevent=\"trackLinkGA($event, key)\" :href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/post-period-smell\/post.url\" data-url-source=\"related-content\" class=\"related-content__link\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"\"> <\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content__card--image bg-tan\" :style=\"{ backgroundImage: 'url(' + post.image_url + ')' }\"> <img :src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/post-period-smell\/post.image_url\" :alt=\"post.title\"\/> <\/div>\n<p> <\/a>  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p> <\/related-content> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Another surprising culprit:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/how-long-can-you-leave-tampon-in\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/how-long-can-you-leave-tampon-in\/\"> leaving a tampon in for too long<\/a> or after your period is done. (On that note, here\u2019s your friendly reminder to change your tampon every four to eight hours, at most.) The blood and secretions that collect on a tampon can lead to a \u201cfoul\u201d or \u201crotten\u201d odor as they allow for bacteria to grow, says Dr. Wetter. Not to mention, a tampon sitting in the vagina for too long can throw off the balance of your existing vaginal flora, which can increase your risk of an infection, like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/bacterial-vaginosis\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20352279\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/bacterial-vaginosis\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20352279\">bacterial vaginosis (BV)<\/a> or a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/yeast-infection\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20378999\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/yeast-infection\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20378999\">yeast infection<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/vaginal-infections-symptoms\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/vaginal-infections-symptoms\/\">Both of these infections<\/a> can cause vaginal discharge that can have a strong odor (in the case of BV, a fishy smell, and with a yeast infection, a sour or yeasty smell like sourdough) at any point in time\u2014which is why it\u2019s important to investigate further if you notice <em>excessive<\/em> smell or discharge post-period, says Dr. Patel, particularly if it\u2019s accompanied by other symptoms of an infection, like itching, burning, redness, or pain during penetrative sex.<\/p>\n<h2>How can you address a post-period smell?<\/h2>\n<p>Any non-infection-related vaginal odor you may notice after your period will subside on its own without any special treatment. But if you\u2019re looking to clear it up more quickly\u2014or prevent a post-period smell in the first place\u2014it may be helpful to brush up on your vaginal hygiene practices.<\/p>\n<p>Dr. Wetter and Dr. Patel suggest doing the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Shower daily, using only warm water to gently clean the vulva and around the opening of the vagina<\/li>\n<li>Shower and\/or change immediately after working out<\/li>\n<li>Avoid using any scented vaginal-care or hygienic products<\/li>\n<li>Do not douche<\/li>\n<li>Wear loose-fitting pants and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/gynecologist-approved-underwear\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/gynecologist-approved-underwear\/\">cotton underwear<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Stay well-hydrated<\/li>\n<li>Consume probiotics to help stave off infections (for example, by eating <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/best-yogurt-for-gut-health\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/best-yogurt-for-gut-health\/\">gut-healthy yogurts<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>When should you see a doctor for a post-period odor<\/h2>\n<p>Dr. Wetter encourages seeking medical care if any unusual-to-you vaginal odor lasts more than two to three days after your cycle, if it\u2019s accompanied by fever or chills, or if you experience pelvic pain. Also, if you notice discharge along with the smell, she adds, and it\u2019s yellow or green, it\u2019s a good idea to see a doctor. \u201cThese are all signs that you may have an infection (that may require medication to resolve), and not just a temporary change due to your menses,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<p>Seeing a physician can help you either rule out an infection or receive treatment for one, if they determine that that\u2019s the cause of the odor.<\/p>\n<p>The good news? Again, most post-period odors are totally normal, temporary, innocuous, and will go away on their own. And even if you do learn that your vaginal smell stems from an infection, the kinds of infections at play here are typically easily treatable, says Dr. Patel. \u201cWith the right treatment and care, you can quickly get back on track and feel more comfortable in your own skin.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div data-type=\"_mgwidget\" data-widget-id=\"1675549\">\r\n<\/div>\r\n<script>(function(w,q){w[q]=w[q]||[];w[q].push([\"_mgc.load\"])})(window,\"_mgq\");\r\n<\/script>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When it comes to talking about vaginal smells of any sort, I\u2019m firmly on \u201cTeam Normalize That Vaginas and Vulvas Aren\u2019t Supposed to Smell Like Fruit or Flowers\u201d because, well, that\u2019s not what they are. In fact, a perfectly healthy vagina can smell sour, bittersweet, or metallic due to normal variations in vaginal flora (aka &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":7840,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7839","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7839","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=7839"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7839\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/7840"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7839"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7839"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7839"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}