Periods don’t pause life. That’s why you carry on with your day as usual. However, somewhere during this active day, you suddenly notice a foul smell coming from you.
And you start panicking. “Can others notice my period odour, too?”
Period odour is a pretty common concern amongst menstruators of all ages. Anxiety surrounding it is also equally common. However, what’s really uncommon is discussing it openly amongst your peers. So naturally, the worries keep piling up every cycle.
Today we are discussing where this period odour comes from and how you can manage it. Let’s understand it together clearly and calmly.
Reason Behind Period Odour
Normal period blood is a mix of vaginal fluids, uterine lining, and, of course, blood. Upon leaving the human body, it gives only a very mild metallic scent. For many, it’s almost odourless too.
It develops odour in only these three instances:
- Over prolonged exposure to the air
- Upon mixing with bacteria and sweat on the skin
- Wearing the same pad for an extended time
These are the primary reasons why you get a stronger smell when you use external period products. Not because of any major hygiene issue, but only because of the menstrual blood’s prolonged exposure to moisture and air.
Can Menstrual Cups Prevent Period Odour?
Yes.
Unlike external period products (like a pad), a menstrual cup sits in your vaginal canal and collects blood internally. This collected blood does not get exposed to the air unless the cup is removed. Hence, this way, the chances of the development of any foul smell are decreased significantly.
Menstruators specifically choose these menstrual cups for women for this reason. To avoid discomfort as well as awkwardness surrounding the period odour.
How Menstrual Cups Assist in Controlling Odour
Menstrual cups help in these three unique ways:
- No Exposure to Air: The period blood stays within the cup, meaning the oxidation and its originating smell are minimal.
- Minimum Moisture on Skin: Pads tend to trap blood as well as sweat against the vulva. Thus, giving rise to an environment where bacteria that cause odour can multiply. Whereas the cup doesn’t come in contact with your external skin at all.
- Safer & Longer Wear Time: Menstrual cups can be worn for up to 8 hours, depending on the flow. That is a longer time compared to pads. Therefore, you do not need to change frequently.
All these points make a world of difference to the lives of the women who work for long hours.
FAQs About Menstrual Cups and Odour
Do Menstrual Cups Develop Odour On Removal?
Only a mild metallic smell comes from the collected blood when you remove the cup. And that’s normal. However, stay aware of these symptoms:
- A fishy, foul and strong smell. Any such smell can be a sign of bacterial imbalance or infection.
- If this smell stays even after your periods, consult your gynaecologist immediately.
Healthy periods should never smell foul.
Can a Menstrual Cup Change the Way My Vagina Smells?
No, a menstrual cup should not and cannot change the natural smell of your vagina.
It is an inert object and doesn’t interfere with your intimate environment. Thus, making it one of the safest internal period products. Moreover, the vagina is a self-cleaning organ. It can maintain a healthy bacterial balance on its own. Therefore, you should never opt for any product that claims to “deodorise” your vagina. It might be harmful.
If you opt for menstrual cups online, it should be only because of these reasons:
- Leak protection
- Comfort even during periods
- Reduced moisture build-up on the vulva
- Period confidence
Odour reduction happens as a byproduct of all these factors, not because it somehow manages to alter something in your body.
What Happens If I Use a Menstrual Cup and Still Get an Unpleasant Odour?
In this case, ask yourself the following four important questions:
How often are you emptying the cup?
Because even if the cup can provide up to 8 hours of leakproof protection, you might need to empty it more often during heavy flow days.
Is the cup being washed properly?
Do not forget to rinse the cup with clean water and a mild cleanser like Sirona Menstrual Cup Wash if needed.
Are you sterilising your cup enough times?
You need to keep your menstrual cup in boiling water for at least 5-7 minutes, both before and after your period.
Does your discharge seem unusual?
Foul odour accompanied by irritation or itching can be a symptom of an infection such as Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). Such an infection is unrelated to cup usage and needs immediate medical consultation.
More Tips to Keep Period Odour in Check
Irrespective of which period product you use, adopting these simple habits will help.
- Changing/cleaning your period product frequently
- Washing your external vulva area with water
- Not using any harsh soaps or scented products on your intimate area
- Staying hydrated always
- Wearing only breathable cotton panties
Final Advice
Period odour does not come from poor hygiene, but from blood’s exposure to moisture and air. Menstrual cups minimise this contact and ensure that there is minimal odour disrupting your day.
And as an icing on the cake, it also stays invisible throughout your day. So you do not need to worry about either the blood or the smell coming from it. All that remains to focus on is your goals and the day ahead.
