Period blood has its own smell. But in some women, during periods, their vagina starts to smell so bad that they start to feel uncomfortable. Nowadays, women face a lot of difficulties to stand and sit around people. During periods, there may also be an unusual odor from the vagina, which can be very irritating. There are many reasons for this, but the biggest reason is carelessness during menstrual hygiene.

Hygiene during periods is very important. Apart from this, there are many other factors that need to be taken into consideration. Otherwise, one may face many other problems like infection, bad smell etc. during periods. If you know the causes of period vaginal odor, it will be easier to control them.

Health Shots spoke to Aastha Dayal, Obstetrician and Gynecologist at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram on this topic. The doctor explained the cause of bad breath during periods and also gave some tips to prevent it. So let’s go into more detail about it.

Know the Causes of Period Odor (Causes of Vaginal Odor During Periods)

1. Hormonal changes during periods

Changes in estrogen and progesterone levels during your cycle can alter the pH balance of your vagina. As a result, you will smell bad.

2. Bacterial activity

During your period cycle, blood coming out of your vagina can come into contact with bacteria. Bacteria break down the blood and in the process, certain compounds are released, which contribute to vaginal odor. This is a normal natural process. However, it sometimes produces a strong or unusual smell.

3. Neglect of personal hygiene

A good hygiene routine can help control period odor. During periods, sweat, dead skin cells, and bacteria build up in the vagina for a long time, making the odor worse. By taking regular baths, cleaning underwear, and changing sanitary products periodically, you can reduce menstrual odor.

Here are some common types of period odor

Period odor is caused by a combination of hormonal changes, contact with bacterial blood, and personal hygiene habits. Generally women experience these 5 types of period odors.

Metal: Your period blood contains iron, which gives off a metallic smell.
Rotten smell: Your period may smell rotten due to lack of proper hygiene or any infection.
Mild sweet smell: If your blood sugar levels are high, your period may smell sweet.
The smell of shit: Just like sweat causes body odor, your periods can also smell similar.
Fishy smell: If your period smells fishy, ​​it could be a sign of an infection such as bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis.

Learn Easy Ways to Avoid Period Smell Here (Tips to Avoid Period Smell)

1. Stay hydrated

Staying fully hydrated helps your body function properly and flush out toxins. Dehydration can cause ammonia-like odor during periods, so maintaining hydration by drinking adequate amounts of water can help reduce it.

Also Read: Vaginal Gummies: Can Vaginal Gummies Relieve Vaginal Odor? Learn all about these gummies from the experts

2. Maintain a balanced diet

A diet rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants can help improve health and reduce unpleasant odor during periods.

These foods reduce period odor:

curd
Cereals
Lean protein
Fresh fruits and vegetables

Foods that increase vaginal odor during periods:

High sugar foods
Processed, refined and fatty foods
Strong smelling foods like garlic and onion
alcohol

3. Use tampons or menstrual cups for better hygiene

Tampons and menstrual cups keep blood inside the vagina and prevent it from coming into contact with air. Due to this, the blood does not come in contact with bacteria and the smell of periods is also normal.

4. Maintain period hygiene

If your period blood smells fishy, ​​it means you need to change your pad or tampon. It is important to remember a few things to combat bad breath during periods.

Change your pad or tampon every 4 to 5 hours, even if the flow is light.
Do not hold urine for long.
Wash your vagina every time after using the washroom and dry it with a tissue.
Avoid wearing two pads at once. It causes bad breath and infection.
Change out of sweaty clothes and underwear.
Give the body adequate rest during periods.
Do not use a razor during periods.
Keep the vaginal area clean and dry.

Also Read: Vaginal odor is different between a vaginal infection and a UTI, experts tell the difference between the two.