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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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