Is it normal to have foul ordor during your menstrual cycle?

Answer 1

No, it's not normal to have a bad odour after menstruation.

The vagina is full of bacteria that normally co-exist happily without any problems, the acidic pH of the vagina keeps harmful bacteria under control and helps the healthy bacteria thrive - menstruation changes the pH so can effect bacterial balance, thus posing higher risk of odour or even infection.

What menstrual products you use is the biggest factor when it comes to odour following menstruation. Tampons are a major cause of vaginal health and hygiene problems because they give bacteria the perfect place to multiply while preventing vaginal cleaning, and by keeping flow in contact with the vagina it effects pH. Commercial pads can also cause bad odour as they stop air-flow to the genitals so create the perfect warm moist environment for bacteria to thrive, some chemicals in these types of pads also interact badly with bodily fluids to cause bad odour. Use more hygienic options like menstrual cups, softcups, cloth pads, or even just organic pads.

Answer 2

Positentially it may point to a vaginal infection. Some odour is normal during menstruation, it's also more likely that you will experience bad odour if you use tampons or commercial menstrual pads*. If the odour is unusual for you it may point to a vaginal infection, something like Bacterial Vaginosis - if odour continues after menstruation see your doctor for treatment.

Tampons allow massive bacterial growth in the vagina while effecting vaginal pH and preventing vaginal cleaning, and commercial menstrual pads prevent air flow so make you sweaty and chemicals in the pads can cause odour when they come in contact with bodily fluids.

Answer 3

A bad odour is a sign of something being wrong with vaginal health, typically an infection or it may be a temporary imbalance in vaginal flora. The vagina is normally acidic in pH to kill harmful bacteria but allow healthy bacteria to thrive, menstrual flow can effect this pH putting you at higher risk of infection.

What menstrual products you use is the biggest factor when it comes to odour during or after menstruation. Tampons are the worst for vaginal hygiene as they give bacteria the perfect place to multiply within the vagina, prevent vaginal cleaning, keep flow in contact with the vagina to further effect pH, and many brands contain harmful ingredients. Commercial pads are also a big factor as being plastic backed they prevent air-flow so make the genitals sweaty and stop blood drying, which is more favourable to bacterial growth, also chemicals in these pads can cause bad odour or effect bacterial growth. If you normally use tampons switch to morehygienic options like menstrual cups or softcups, if you normally use pads switch to cotton or cloth pads.

If odour continues for a few days after menstruation then see your doctor to test for vaginal infections like Bacterial Vaginosis.