Foul Smell Menstruation: What to Do?
Generally, period blood has a slight odour, and it is entirely normal. But sometimes, it can lead to embarrassment and feeling uncomfortable. Many people experience a change in odour during their menstruation. A mild odour is typical and is caused by hormonal changes and blood pH. In relation to bacterial odour, if there is a bad odour or a foul smell, it could be caused by some other factors as well. In regard to the average hygiene routine, menstrual hygiene is one of the practices that should be followed correctly.
It is best to identify what is expected in most situations and what would require more attention than usual. If you are not experiencing a specific type of smell, then it could mean a lot of things. It could be the smell caused by bacterial infection. It can also be because of the natural bacteria present in the vaginal area.
Here Are Some of The Reasons And Causes Why Your Period Blood Might Have A Foul Smell:
Learn from Ujaas, the expert and pioneer in Menstrual health and hygiene awareness in the Indian landscape.
Prolonged Tampon Use:
When you are using tampons for an extended period, you might get a rotten smell. Prolonged use of tampons can also cause infections like the toxic shock syndrome. They are infections caused by different forms of bacteria which strain certain valuable toxins. Some of the other symptoms may include:
- A sunburn-like red rash.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Low blood pressure
- Headache or muscle aches
1. Vaginal Bacteria:
Your vagina can be a host to many different bacteria. Sometimes, the smell associated with the period can be pretty overpowering due to the presence of bacteria in the period's blood. The odour may vary as there is an increase or a decrease in the level of bacteria in your vagina.
2. Hormonal Changes in Blood PH:
The period blood has a distinct smell. This is because it has iron content. Your period blood tends to retain in the vagina for extended hours till it gets absorbed, which can, at times, lead to a mixture of bacteria existing in the vagina, leading to a foul smell. The smell can change in strength as the bacterial content within the vagina increases or decreases.
3. Poor Hygiene Habits:
Some other odour changes can be due to sweat. It is essential to clean your vagina daily and wash the inside and outside of your vagina correctly. Period hygiene is crucial, especially cleaning the vaginal area, your restroom, and your towel or other sanitary products. In most cases, the use of fragrant products like sprays or wipes does not get doctors' approval. This procedure can sometimes cause the loss of some other healthy bacteria from the vaginal area. These products can sometimes irritate.
4. Bacterial Vaginosis -
A powerful fishy odour will caution you about BV, which stands for Bacterial Vaginosis. Some of the symptoms might include:
- Vaginal irritation
- A foam-like or watery consistent vaginal discharge having a grey or milky white texture.
- Irritation in the vaginal area
Effective Measures to Prevent Foul Smell:
1. Period hygiene should always be a priority for every woman; therefore, if you use tampons, please change them every four to six hours. One should avoid using one single tampon for more than eight hours as it increases the risk of toxic shock syndrome. If you are using menstrual cups, make sure you clean them every day and sanitize them by rinsing them thoroughly after your period is over.
2. Tight fabrics can trap moisture and heat, which can lead to a foul smell and allow germs to grow. Thus, it is recommended to wear breathable and lightweight underwear.
3. Always wash your vagina inside out correctly. It is recommended only to use water as it is a self-cleaning organ. By using chemicals to clean it, you might change the natural pH balance. This can cause a foul smell.
4. It is strongly advised not to use any chemical-containing products. These can irritate your skin and can change your pH balance. Always choose unscented hygiene products that contain as few chemicals as possible.
5. Drinking enough water will prevent yeast infections that cause foul smell and wash out your urinary tract.
Importance of Taking Menstrual Health And Menstrual Hygiene Initiative:
Ujaas, the menstrual health and menstrual hygiene initiative believes that increased menstrual health literacy will help women manage menstruation better. They not only provide materials but also work to spread the message. The main focus is to ensure that women have easy and affordable access to sanitary products.
Most women in rural areas are unaware of the risks associated with poor period hygiene. Thus, educating them can help reduce menstrual health risks. The most crucial menstrual health and menstrual hygiene initiative is providing affordable products. This is especially true for low-income communities that cannot afford pads, which leads to health issues.
When to See A Doctor? - Let’s Understand.
If the odour is worsening and is becoming unbearable, then seeking a doctor's opinion is advisable. This is particularly the case when accompanied by symptoms of abnormal discharge, itching, or burning sensations. Sometimes strong smells can also be a symptom of serious diseases such as SITs, which need prompt treatment. Some odours are entirely normal, but others may be a sign. Some symptoms that can accompany these unusual odours are as follows:
- Green or yellow vaginal fluids.
- Heavier bleeding than usual.
- Pelvic pain or stomach pain.
- Worse cramps
- Fever
The healthcare provider will likely examine you and guide you towards risk-free menstrual health. Seeking advice from a doctor is always recommended if you feel anxious or worried about your health. Therefore, even if you don't get the symptoms mentioned above, you can visit a doctor to be on the safer side.
Conclusion
Knowing what is causing the foul smell, taking preventive measures, practicing good hygiene, and especially knowing when to seek medical attention will help you maintain overall well-being. In these modern times, more and more menstrual hygiene initiatives are being taken that will allow everyone to access the knowledge and resources needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle and better period hygiene.
Ujaas is founded by Advaitesha Birla. Through Ujaas, Advaitesha is committed to bringing about sustainable change by ensuring that girls are equipped with the right knowledge and resources to manage their menstrual health.