Now, some folks worry if their period has a distinctive odor. But let’s dissect this, shall we?
Think about it – when you cut yourself, is there an odor? Hopefully not! Period blood is just like any other bodily blood, with a bit of extra pizzazz. It’s not dirty, it’s not rejected body fluids, and it’s not the body’s way of flushing out toxins. But it’s not the same as the blood when you cut your finger, either.
Why Does My Period Smell?
You see, period blood has some extra goodies mixed in – It has tissues from the uterine lining, or endometrium which is like a cozy nest for a baby if an egg gets fertilized. But if there is no baby on the way, your body gets rid of this lining plus some blood and that’s your period!
As your period flows through the cervix and vagina, it picks up a dash of mucus and secretions and even a sprinkle of normal healthy bacteria. It’s like a biological smoothie, if you will.
Now we know that everybody’s period has its own unique scent – it’s like a signature perfume but a bit more… earthy or minerally. The scent happens when the blood, tissues, mucous, and normal bacteria mix up on the way out of the vagina.
Let’s address the elephant in the room – those gym locker-esque odors? Yeah, that’s not the vibe we’re going for. These are most likely caused by not having great hygiene practices during your period.
How to Prevent Period Odor
Changing period products regularly is crucial for preventing period odors. When you let your pad or tampon sit around for too long, it becomes a breeding ground for a bacterial fiesta that can start to smell funky. So, what’s the solution? Change them more often than you change your mind about what to watch on Netflix! Every 4 to 6 hours is the magic number.
Taking showers every day, and making sure to use soap, can also keep period smells at bay. The skin around your private parts has sweat glands and healthy bacteria. These glands make a thick liquid that bacteria love to eat, and when they do, they make a stinky smell (kind of like a bacterial fart). When you add period blood to the mix, it can get pretty smelly.
Period Hygiene Hack
Here’s a Girlology hygiene hack: Soap where there’s hair and just water in there! That’s right, lather up those outer regions where hair grows, making sure to hit all the nooks and crannies. Then, let water wash away period blood inside the lips or labia.
Please don’t think about using deodorizing products (including essential oils) that come in wipes or sprays, and no scented period products! These can irritate or cause an allergic reaction to the sensitive vulvar skin. And you shouldn’t douche either. Your lady bits are not in need of a deep clean plus the process can get rid of healthy vaginal bacteria. Your vulva is not a botanical garden! It shouldn’t smell like a field of daisies or a bouquet of roses.
So, that’s the deal: Good hygiene habits can help keep those normal period smells in check. It’s best to take a bath or shower every day, switch out your period products every 4 to 6 hours, and avoid using sweet-smelling products. Keep it simple, keep it natural, and keep those delicate ecosystems thriving.
