Maintaining freshness while wearing a pad relies on a few core hygiene practices and product choices. Period odor is normal and usually only noticeable to you, but these steps can help minimize it.
Shower regularly
Shower at least once a day during your periods8. Wash your private parts daily, especially outside of the vagina by wiping from front to back. Avoid chemical products that can alter your vaginal pH levels, which in turn, may lead to infection2.
Change your pad, tampon frequently. Try different brands, they may differ when it comes to controlling odor. Bathe or shower every day, use baby wipes a few times a day if you think its helps.
Period smell is generally not noticeable to other people. And if you notice a spike in the odour, it most likely is related to your hygiene practices. One of the best ways to avoid period smell is by staying fresh and clean.
How to Feel Fresh After Your Period
However, if you find yourself repeatedly thinking, “I can smell my period through my pants,” it could indicate: Heavy flow soaking through pads or tampons. Sweat and moisture buildup in tight clothing. A strong infection-related odor.
And since you've asked, I have to tell you—aside from the risk of TSS from tampons—there really is no “healthier” choice. What is important is proper use and comfort. You should change your tampons ever 4-6 hours and pads every 2-4 hours. As for the comfort part, that is really up to you!
Dr Holmes says pads are more likely to generate odour than tampons, so if you're worried about vaginal odour, tampons may be a better choice for you. Change both pads and tampons regularly, and clean your crevices regularly, too.
A natural scent is totally normal and can shift throughout your cycle based on hormones, sweat, and daily habits. If the smell is suddenly strong, fishy, or unfamiliar, it could be a sign your vaginal pH is out of balance.
Even though reusable pads are designed for durability and comfort, wearing any pad for too long can lead to: ✅ Bacterial growth – Warm, moist environments can allow bacteria to thrive. ✅ Unpleasant odours – Even with good airflow, fluids can cause smells over time.
During menstruation, you should avoid heavy/intense exercise, excessive caffeine, alcohol, salty/sugary foods, and tight clothing, as these can worsen cramps, bloating, and mood swings; also, practice good hygiene by changing menstrual products frequently (every 3-4 hours for tampons) to prevent infection and avoid strenuous activities if you feel fatigued or in pain.
Otherwise, menstrual flow that smells bad, fishy, yeasty, or rotten could be a sign of: changes to your vaginal pH. a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) such as chlamydia. a vaginal infection like bacterial vaginosis (BV) or thrush (particularly if it smells yeasty like bread)
Should I shower more frequently during my period? It depends on your comfort and activity level. Daily showers are a solid baseline, and on heavy-flow days or after workouts, an extra quick rinse can help you feel refreshed and reduce odor caused by sweat and bacteria (not the blood itself).
During your period, you should be able to: Wear a standard pad or tampon for three to four hours without changing it. Wear a single menstrual product without having to double up (wearing two pads or two tampons at the same time) at any point. Wear a single overnight pad while you sleep at night.
Shower regularly and only use mild, unscented soap and warm water to clean your vulva. Bathe and put on a clean outfit shortly after exercising so that you're not sitting for too long in hot, sweaty clothes or a damp swimsuit. Warm and wet environments are ideal places for harmful bacteria growth. Don't douche.
Personal hygiene and lifestyle
Removing some of the bacteria on your skin regularly can prevent unpleasant body odor. Keep your armpits shaved, so sweat evaporates quickly and doesn't have as much time to interact with bacteria. Hair is a breeding ground for bacteria. Regularly wash clothing, and wear clean clothes.
We get it — it's a common problem, but sometimes it can make you self-conscious (“wait, can other people smell that, too?!”) and affect your confidence. Inner thigh odor is caused by various factors, including excessive sweating, fungal infections, poor hygiene, and hormonal changes.
Remove your clothes and smell them
Sweat usually means you've become a love environment for bacteria growth, and bacteria is what gives off the stench. Go by the golden rule of body odor: If you can smell any odor on yourself at all, others can smell it a lot more.
You may have even wondered, “Why does my period smell so bad?!” The first thing you need to know — odor during your menstrual cycle is normal. In even better news — it's unlikely anyone else can smell it!
The three most common menstrual products in Korea are disposable pads, liners, and tampons. The most commonly used of the three are pads.
Nonenal® (also known as 2-Nonenal) is a naturally occurring compound responsible for the distinct odor associated with aging. It typically appears after age 40, becoming more noticeable in both men and women.
Key points. Periods that last for more than 7 days are considered heavy. Periods that require a new tampon or pad after less than 2 hours or involve passing large clots are considered heavy. Your healthcare provider can determine if you might need testing for a possible bleeding disorder.
While it is not recommended to swim with a sanitary pad in place, both tampons and menstrual cups are completely safe to use internally. Many competitive swimmers use these options when participating in practices or events on their period. Period-friendly swimwear has also recently entered the market as an option.
Why would pads win? Pads “take-it-to-the-matt” when it comes to absorbency, especially with all of their neat super-hero accessories like wings and mesh. They are also great for unpredictable periods; you know, the periods that act like a misbehaving four-year-old at Walmart?