Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Choosing Hygiene Products
• Method 2 of 3: Personal Care
• Method 3 of 3: Preparing for your upcoming period
• Tips
• Warnings

Any unpleasant body odor can be a real problem if you need to be around other people. Menstrual odor can be particularly annoying and uncomfortable - a problem many women experience. In some cases, menstrual odor is normal (it has a slight iron odor), in other cases it may not be very pleasant, especially if the pH balance and the bacterial environment of the vagina are upset. Choosing the right menstrual hygiene products, maintaining personal hygiene, and getting ready for your period in advance can help you reduce bad odor.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Choosing Hygiene Products

1. 1 Use a menstrual cup (mouthguard). If you're used to using tampons or pads, it will take a while to get used to your menstrual cup, but it's worth it. With cups, there is less menstrual odor than with tampons and pads. You can buy menstrual cups at pharmacies or online stores. They not only reduce menstrual odor, but they also save money and are more environmentally friendly than tampons and pads.
   • If you have an intrauterine device (IUD) installed, check with your gynecologist if you can use a menstrual cup, as the cup can move the IUD.
   • Change your menstrual cup every twelve hours or whenever you feel it starts to leak.
2. 2 Change your pad or tampon often. Menstrual odor is caused by the growth of bacteria and pathogens when the blood stagnates for too long. Change your tampons or pads every 4-6 hours to avoid stagnant blood. In the early days of your period, you may need about 8-10 tampons or pads, but in the last days only 1-2.
3. 3 Do not use perfumed swabs or pads. Chemicals in commercially available tampons and pads can upset the pH level, and this leads to an imbalance between "good" and "bad" bacteria, which is the main cause of bad odor. Scented hygiene products can also increase the risk of vaginal infections. Many odorless products can be found in stores today. Some of these hygiene products, such as reusable cotton pads, do not contain the harmful chemicals often found in pads and tampons. However, there are also disposable pads and tampons that do not contain such harmful substances.

Method 2 of 3: Personal Care

1. 1 Take a shower daily. Try not to use scented or harsh soaps, as they can be irritating. Use a mild soap to cleanse your private area and vagina. This will help reduce sweating in the area, which can also cause unpleasant menstrual odor. You may need to shower more than once a day, especially during the early days of your period.
2. 2 Don't douche. Douching disrupts the natural bacterial balance of the vagina. It can lead to a variety of health problems, including fungal infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, and problems during pregnancy. A regular shower and changing your pads, tampons, or emptying your menstrual cup on time should be enough to reduce bad odor.
3. 3 Don't use flavored foods. Scented personal care items can irritate the vagina and lead to bacterial imbalances. This applies not only to feminine sanitary napkins, but also to deodorants. All of these remedies can reduce the vagina's natural defenses against infections. Since bacteria are the cause of the unpleasant odor, it is important to avoid the use of such products. If you do want to use a perfume, only apply it to your neck or wrist.
4. 4 If the foul odor is accompanied by unusual discharge (green or gray), see your doctor. The presence of an unpleasant odor that is constantly present or different from the usual one, as well as unusual discharge, can indicate an STI or some other infection. Such cases require medical attention. Be aware that vaginal discharge is smelly - this is normal. It is usually necessary to see a doctor if the discharge has a fishy or odor that differs from normal.

Method 3 of 3: Preparing for your upcoming period

1. 1 Carry a spare pair of underwear with you. We all hope we're prepared for any kind of emergency, but we often forget that even the best hygiene products can leak and stain underwear and clothing. This is why it would be helpful to bring a spare pair of panties and trousers with you, especially in the early days of your period.
2. 2 Wear cotton underwear. To help your intimate area and vagina breathe better, wear cotton underwear. This will keep the area dry during your period. Synthetic materials trap moisture and lead to bacterial growth.
3. 3 Wear loose clothing. This will allow your vagina to breathe and will also reduce sweating in that area. Loose clothing will also be more comfortable - this is especially important if you have menstrual cramps. For example, to help your intimate areas breathe better, you can wear dresses, skirts, or loose shorts or pants, rather than tight jeans or trousers.
4. 4 Watch your diet. Certain foods, such as garlic, broccoli, or blue cheese, can increase vaginal odor. While they do not increase bad breath directly during menstruation, these foods are not recommended if you are trying to combat bad breath. Try to avoid the foods listed above and any foods that you think might negatively affect menstrual odor.

Tips

• Carry your period purse with you: spare pads / tampons / bowls, a change of underwear, plastic bags for used hygiene products, and any other items you may need.
• If you've inserted a tampon and are worried about leaking, use a thin pantyliner as a supplement.
• Carry a spare pair of underwear in your purse.
• Do not use harsh or strongly scented soaps on intimate areas.

Warnings

• If you notice that your menstrual odor is too strong or has changed, see your doctor. The above methods are only suitable for situations where everything is normal and you do not have any problems that require the attention of a doctor.
• If you notice changes in your menstrual cycle, you should also see your doctor.