Menstrual Odor - DrDonnica.com - The First Name in Women's Health

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Menstrual Odor

Q: I have tried medical books and cannot find an answer to my problem. I have an offensive odor during my period and when the period is finished the odor is gone. I have scheduled an appointment with my gynecologist but I am due for another period before the appointment, can you help me?

Dr. Donnica: This is a tough question, because an offensive odor to one person, may seem normal to another.�Most women notice a distinct odor during their menses and this may be compounded by increased sweating in the pubic area during that time of the month. There are several approaches you can try.� One is to use deodorant tampons and change them each time you go the toilet.� Tampons have also recently been shown to reduce the risk of endometriosis, which is another benefit.� Wearing cotton undergarments and avoiding pantyhose may also help minimize sweating and odors.� Some women like to use douches and other feminine hygiene products (from cornstarch baby powder between the thighs to sprays), which may help.� Another strategy is to talk to your doctor about using birth control pills.� Although that won't change the odor per se, it often reduces the amount of menstrual flow and the length of time that you're bleeding.� Many women use birth control pills to skip periods intentionally; you can eliminate this problem (the period and the odor) altogether every other month.

Created: 8/15/2002 - Donnica Moore, M.D.

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