After My Menstrual Cycle, I Have A Foul Odor From Discharging. How Can I Alleviate This Problem?

Every month, your body undergoes a lot of changes when it is menstruating. In some, the level of these changes is normal, but in others the changes are so extreme that it affects the pH balance of the various fluids in the body. This in turn increases the level of acidity and alkaline properties in these fluids. This could be one of the reasons for the odor being present. If this is the case, there is not much you can do to get rid of the odor totally, you can only try and reduce it. An infection could be another reason for the odor. If the infection is mild, it can be taken care of at home. However, if the infection is severe, it will require medication. Whatever the reason, the one thing that you will need to do is make a few changes to your lifestyle during this time.

In the diet department, try and avoid eating foods such as eggs, red meat, raw onions, and garlic that emanate strong odor even after they are consumed. Instead, eat as much of fresh fruits and vegetables as you can during this time. Do eat parsley generously as it helps to get rid of body odor as well as bad breath. In the hygiene department, wear loose cotton clothes, if possible. If it’s not possible, make sure that at least your undergarments are made of cotton as this will help to absorb the sweat instead of trapping it. Trim or shave off your pubic hair to ensure that the discharge does not get trapped in the hair. It will also help, if you can change your undergarments 2-3 times and your protection 4-5 times during the day. Make sure that soap that you use is fragrance free and avoid using any kind of fancy wipes or deodorants around that area.

In the remedy department, cool some yogurt and apply that to your vagina and its surrounding area. Yogurt contains live bacteria, and it is just this bacterium that will attack any mild infection that is present and help clear the odor as well. When you draw a warm bath, pour a cup of vinegar in it to take care of the odor. Soak a fistful of fenugreek seeds, in 2-3 glasses of water, overnight. In the morning, boil this mixture, strain it and drink at least one glass of it. This too will help to get rid of the foul odor.

answered by M W

This is an extremely common problem that can be easily resolved by a few dietary and hygiene changes. However, if this odour occurs at other times or if t is accompanied by any swelling, itching or discomfort it would signify a fungal or bacterial infection. In such a case, make sure that you visit your gynaecologist immediately. The menstrual fluid discharge that occurs after the menstrual cycle always has a strong odour. However, in some cases (such as yours) the smell can be overpowering.

Vaginal mucus contains lactobacilli, bacteria that help to maintain the acidic levels as well as prevent infections. Therefore, do not use a douche as it will destroy these bacteria and leave you susceptible to infection. Using tampons allow micro organisms to thrive within the vagina and this can be one of the main causes of post menstrual fluid odour. I would therefore suggest that you avoid using tampons altogether.

Avoid eating red meats, oily food or excess garlic as these have been proven to increase menstrual odour. Follow a balanced diet that includes fruits and raw vegetables. The most important food to include in your diet is yogurt. Yogurt contains lactobacilli and this helps to reduce odour significantly if not eliminate it completely.

answered by G R