What Causes Smelly Discharge after Your Period?

Smelly white discharge: If you have a smelly white discharge after menses, then there is a possibility of a thrush or a yeast infection due to Candida albicans. This occurs when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is altered by the hormonal changes, leading to multiplication of the fungi. Your body’s hormonal balance is disturbed, therefore, you are required to visit a gynecologist and get a prescription medicine to treat the infection.

Gray/off-white creamy discharge that smells fishy: If the smelly discharge after period is off-white or gray in color, is creamy and smells fishy, then it could be from bacterial vaginosis. In such cases, you should get yourself examined by a gynecologist and take the required medicine. Moreover, if this smelly discharge is associated with a sensation of burning in the vagina, then it could be due to Chlamydia infection. In such cases it is recommended to get tested at the earliest because Chlamydia, if not treated early could result in infertility.

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. Trichomoniasis is an amoebic infection that is potentially harmless. However, according to some physicians, the infection could spread up to the fallopian tubes. Hence, visiting a gynecologist and getting treatment at the earliest is recommended.

Smelly, yellowish green discharge: If you have smelly discharge after period that is yellowish green in color and is frothy in consistency, then it is quite possible that you have contracted gonorrhea that is caused due to infection with Gonococcus bacteria. Gonorrhea is considered a serious infection as it can slowly and steadily spread to the fallopian tubes. Hence, prompt medical attention and treatment is important.

Smelly, brown discharge: If you experience smelly, brown discharge after menses, then it is quite possible that it is caused by some bacteria. It is recommended to get yourself checked with a gynecologist to find the underlying cause of the problem. There could be other complications present if the discharge is present even after one or more weeks after your periods.

Another reason for smelly discharge after period could be a forgotten tampon. You may not believe this but this is quite common in a large number of females. Some females forget the tampon in its place during the last day of menses and the tampon festers leading to a smelly vaginal discharge.

There are several home remedies available to get rid of the vaginal discharge and odor. Some of these are:

• Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar works by restoring the acidic nature of the flora present in the vagina. It is also greatly effective in fighting from various multiple toxins that can result in serious infections. Add a cup of ACV to your water bath and sit in it for around 20 minutes.

• White vinegar and salt: Add these two ingredients in the proportion of 1:1/2 and mix into your water bath. Soak in the water bath for around 15 minutes. The procedure should be repeated at least 2 times a week to restore the pH of the vagina and reduce any discharge and odors.

• Yoghurt: Eat more quantities of natural yoghurt. Chose an unflavored and organic product, which is a rich source of lactobacillus. Yoghurt will help in restoring the pH of the vagina, reducing the vaginal discharge after period and preventing its recurrence.

• Wash using mild soap and warm water: Don’t frequently douche. Instead, just ensure to clean your private area daily with plain warm water and mild soap.

• Garlic: Garlic has natural antibiotic properties and it kills bacteria and reduces odors. You can place a clove of garlic into your vagina for around 2 hours. It will help reduce the odor and bacteria for a long duration.

• Maintain personal hygiene by bathing regularly and trimming pubic hairs. Change sanitary pads and tampons frequently.

• Don’t wear tight pants or tight underwear. This will help vagina breathe easily. Tight clothes irritate the vagina, thereby, increasing the smell from the vagina. If tight clothes or jeans are worn regularly, they may lead to excessive vaginal sweating, which in turn triggers bacteria build-up, thereby leading to unpleasant smells.

• Use cotton panties as they help in preventing the infection from spreading.

• Pass urine after having sex as it removes bacteria from inside and outside the vaginal canal. If not removed, bad bacteria can move up to bladder leading to infections.

• To prevent spreading of bowel bacteria it is recommended to wipe from front to back.

I noticed that there was a brownish fishy-smelling discharge after period. It was gone after the 4^th day. To minimize it, I bathed regularly, used warm water and mild soap to wash the vaginal area. I passed urine immediately after sex. I avoided using scented feminine products and douches in the vaginal area.

I have been having a smelly vaginal discharge for the past 4 months after my periods. I like to use more natural remedies. Last month, I decided to sit in some warm water bath with ½ a cup of apple cider vinegar in it. I sat for 2 hours and the smell and discharge has gone.