Yeast infection. Don't wash the inside of your vagina. What causes brown discharge after a missed period? A yeast infection can occur during or after your period, as well as any time of the month . It will help reduce the odor and bacteria for a long duration. If the smell is very strong, fishy, foul, or is otherwise abnormal for you, and you have been washing daily, there is probably an underlying cause. This article has been viewed 533,314 times. These include: Other common symptoms to look out for include: If you miss a period, you may have brownish discharge in place of a regular period or have it sometime after your period would have ended. A period that lasts one or two days could be a sign of pregnancy, but there are many other reasons for a one- or two-day period. Other signs and symptoms of early pregnancy include: While brown discharge after a period by itself usually isnt a big deal, it could indicate a problem when accompanied by other symptoms. See additional information. Heavy flows and cramps can be a common experience during your periods. Most women have a musky or fleshy natural scent, but this varies from person to person. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. They pay a price for not dealing with menstruating each month though, in that the flow they get can have a stronger odor than one that is shed more regularly. Change your pad often. Use menstrual cups instead of pads and tampons to avoid the odour of your period. If you cant feel them, see your doctor for a vaginal exam to confirm. 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. Pro tip: You can also use a toothpick soaked in rubbing alcohol to clean out your menstrual cup holes. acog.org/Clinical-Guidance-and-Publications/Committee-Opinions/Committee-on-Adolescent-Health-Care/Menstruation-in-Girls-and-Adolescents-Using-the-Menstrual-Cycle-as-a-Vital-Sign, health.clevelandclinic.org/vaginal-discharge-mean/, youngwomenshealth.org/2015/03/23/i-got-the-bar-birth-control-implant-put-into-my-arm/, pamf.org/teen/health/femalehealth/discharge.html. 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. Smelly greenish discharge: If you have strong smelly greenish discharge after periods then it is possible that you are suffering from trichomoniasis caused by infection with Trichomonas vaginalis. Elaine. In such cases, you should get yourself examined by a gynecologist and take the required medicine. Infections in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus. Committee on Adolescent Health Care, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Avoid scented products You may see red, brown, and even black blood during your period. This can happen at the end of a period, when you dont have to insert a new tampon as often and you have no further bleeding. See additional information. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Use cotton panties as they help in preventing the infection from spreading. 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. The user removes the cup every four to 12 hours, pours the collected blood into the toilet or sink, and washes the cup before reinserting. Let it sit for a few hours to overnight, then wash on warm with your regular detergent. Baby wipes are made for an infant's sensitive skin, so they should not sting, but discontinue use if they burn, itch, sting, or you get an infection. This website helped me numerous, "This has helped me a lot! A normal period consists of blood, menstrual fluid, excess tissue, and an unfertilized egg. Occasionally, brown and bloody discharge could be a sign of a problem when its accompanied by other symptoms. The first time you get your period, you might feel worried or self-conscious. Get tested for vaginal infections if your odor persists or is very strong. Keep a tampon or pad with you in your purse, locker, and/or car for emergencies. Trichomoniasis, aka trich, can cause a putrid, fishy odor from the penis or vagina. Try switching to a menstrual cup or tampon during your period, but be sure to change them. While some odors are completely normal when you have your period, others may be a sign that you need to see your doctor. It really just depends on how well your uterus sheds its lining and the speed at which it exits your body. Sometimes there aren't enough showers or fresh undies in the world to fix that post-period funk. Deodorizing products, such as wipes and sprays, arent recommended because of the possibility of irritation. There could be other complications present if the discharge is present even after one or more weeks after your periods. (2015). "Healthy" periods can have a slight smell of blood. How to Have Compassion for Yourself and Why It's Important, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2015/02/tired-of-tampons-here-are-pros-and-cons-of-menstrual-cups/, http://www.newhealthadvisor.com/Why-Does-Period-Blood-Smell.html, https://nau.edu/health-services/health-promotions/sexual-health/womens-health/, http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/reusable-vs-disposable-pads, http://rhsmedical.rutgers.edu/services/womens-health-visits/vaginal-problems/, https://www.csuohio.edu/health/feminine-hygiene, http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/genital-odor, http://www.bustle.com/articles/93776-what-to-wear-during-your-period-if-comfort-is-your-ultimate-goal, http://www.berkeleywellness.com/self-care/sexual-health/article/vaginal-odor-causes-and-remedies, http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/menstrual-cycle/art-20047186?pg=2. ago. Change your tampon or pad regularly. Dr. Noriega is a Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist and medical writer in Colorado. Instead of using perfume to mask the smell (guilty), Streicher tells her patients to try .css-7qz8rz{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#f7623b;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:background 0.4s;transition:background 0.4s;background:linear-gradient(#ffffff, #ffffff 50%, #feebe7 50%, #feebe7);-webkit-background-size:100% 200%;background-size:100% 200%;}.css-7qz8rz:hover{color:#000000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;-webkit-background-position:100% 100%;background-position:100% 100%;}RepHresh's Odor Eliminating Gel after their period, which helps the good bacteria flourish. Itching can also indicate that you may have an infection. DOI: What can cause brown discharge after a period? J Clin Med. Spray the mixture onto your armpits. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Good. My Vagina Smells: Fishy Fishy smelling vaginas are common, but not necessarily normal or healthy. Bathe regularly to prevent future odors of this type. Strong odor can be a sign of an infection like bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection or trichomoniasis. Keep a supply of tampons or pads in your bathroom so that you won't have to run to the store when your period starts. It is one of the most normal human processes imaginable. Its a fairly common practice, but doctors recommend against it. This odor is most often attributed to bacterial vaginosis, a type of infection. Others have brown discharge that comes and goes for a week or two. You do not need to use a special soap made for your genitals; these are a marketing gimmick meant to exploit your self-consciousness about your period. You may also experience missed periods followed by brown discharge if youve recently started using a new hormonal birth control. Pelvic inflammatory disease. It may also appear thicker, drier, and clumpier than regular blood. This can be especially problematic if you tend to wear disposable pads, which trap bacteria, blood, and sweat between the layers of plastic. Avoid scented products. A forgotten tampon causes the absolute worst vaginal odor, Dr. Streicher says. Youre better off using unscented products and wearing breathable cotton underwear and clothing to keep unpleasant odors at bay. Some of them aren't anything to worry about. If you already notice a strong odor, try some of the following tips for good vaginal hygiene (and if that doesn't help, consult a doctor): Dont wear tight pants or tight underwear. What deodorant is best for armpits that smell? By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. If there are any fishy or foul-smelling odors associated with your period, seek medical advice. As frustrating and possibly alarming as it can be, brown discharge after your period is pretty normal. Moreover, if you already have an infection, douching can push bacteria into the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries.. Here's what the different period blood colors mean and when to see your doctor. This can be as simple as making sure you change tampons, liners, or pads every few hours. In such cases, the odors are accompanied by other symptoms, such as vaginal discharge or pelvic pain thats not related to normal menstruation. 5. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. I'm a believer in healthy living. Some of these are: Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar works by restoring the acidic nature of the flora present in the vagina. Teens Health reports, "changing your pad every 3 to 4 hours (more if your period is heavy) is good hygiene and helps prevent bad odors." One of the silver linings of investing in a menstrual cup includes its volume capabilities. Moreover, if this smelly discharge is associated with a sensation of burning in the vagina, then it could be due to Chlamydia infection. If blood gets on your clothing or sheets, rinse with cold water as soon as possible and then rub with a laundry pre-treatment product such as Spray n Wash or Shout. Sometimes brown discharge happens in place of a period. I sat for 2 hours and the smell and discharge has gone. For more information about your period from our gynecologist co-author like recognizing your bodys signals, scroll down. 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