Have you ever been out and about or just relaxing at home and thought, "I can smell myself through my pants"? We all have a slight smell that can come with our periods, and while it's completely normal and nothing to be embarrassed about, it's something that most of us would like to avoid. Luckily, period pants don’t smell if you use and maintain them in the right way. They're made with innovative materials that lock in the fluids that your flow throws at you, so you can stay worry-free.
Let's take a look at the common odours you might notice during your period and what they mean. Then, we'll also explain how to use Bodyform™ period pants to make sure you feel dry, fresh, and comfortable all day long.
Why does my period blood smell?
It’s completely normal for your flow to have a slight smell. Your blood contains iron and copper, which work together to form red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout your body. When combined with your vaginal flora (that's the mix of bacteria inside your vagina), a healthy flow will often have a metallic smell or even be slightly sweet.
You may even have old blood and bacteria in your vaginal canal which may be released during your menstrual cycle. These fluids can develop a stronger smell if they've been present for a while.
Everyone's vaginal flora is slightly different, so the exact smell of your flow will vary slightly. However, if you notice certain smells, it might be a sign that something is slightly off balance.
For instance, a rotten or fishy smell could be a sign of an infection like Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), or not changing your products frequently enough. Menstrual blood only smells when it mixes with the air, so not wearing your period products for longer than recommended will go a long way in eliminating odours.
It’s also completely normal to sometimes notice a sweaty smell, especially during hot weather or after a busy day of working, socialising or after a particularly intense gym session.
This happens because your body naturally produces extra sweat around your V-Zone (everything to do with your vagina, vulva and the V-shaped front of your body that you can see), which can mix with menstrual blood.
So, you might be wondering, what's the best way to keep yourself smelling good and feeling confident on your period while you go about your day? Well, with the proper care and intimate hygiene routine, reusable period pants are a great option to help you live fearlessly, all while keeping you comfortable and fresh.
Tips for odour-free periods and period pants
Period pants and proper hygiene are key to feeling fresh and confident whatever your flow. Whether you prefer the convenience of period underwear or need tips on keeping odours at bay while using other products, these simple strategies can help.
Change your products as recommended
When it comes to period care, safety and comfort are top priority. So, it's important to change your period products as often as recommended, but if you feel like switching them out sooner, that’s totally fine too — do whatever works for you!
If you're not sure how often you need to change, here's a quick guide:
- Period pads: Every 4 hours
- Tampons: Every 4-8 hours
- Panty liners: Every 3-4 hours
- Menstrual cups: Every 12 hours
- Period pants: Every 12 hours
These are just generic maximums, to make sure you're using specific products correctly, check the instructions on the packaging.
Keep up with intimate area hygiene
Keeping your body clean is something we all have to do to keep us feeling (and smelling) fresh, as well as taking care of our health and hygiene. That also goes for washing your intimate area. You should cleanse your vulva along with the rest of your body when you take your daily shower. And just as you might have a bonus shower if you're feeling a bit sticky (like after you've been to the gym), the same applies if you feel like you want a reset while on your period. Luckily, keeping your intimate area clean is very simple, just rinse with warm water and wash only the outside with a mild, unscented soap.
While it can feel great to have the rest of your body smelling floral or fruity, it's best to skip fragranced or deodorising products for your intimate area. Products such as wipes or sprays can be a bit harsh and irritating on delicate or sensitive skin.
It is also not recommended to practice douching (washing the inside of your vagina with water or other fluids), as this can flush out healthy vaginal bacteria and possibly lead to infections.
Try to avoid tight clothing and choose breathable fabrics
Wearing tight clothing during your period can trap moisture and heat, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to grow, which can lead to unwanted odours. Fabrics that don’t breathe well can make this even worse by limiting air circulation.
On a hot day, it's usually recommended to wear light, breathable clothing to keep you cool and dry, and your period underwear shouldn't be an exception. Materials such as cotton and polyamide wick moisture and sweat away from the skin and allow for natural air flow, allowing for full comfort throughout the day.
Better still, these fabrics won't feel unfamiliar to you. Cotton is often used in regular underwear, and polyamide is a popular choice for sportswear due to its moisture-wicking power. Our range of cotton period pants are available in a wide range of styles and colours, including our teens range, which is designed for ultimate protection with changing bodies in mind.
Why do my period pants smell after washing?
Washing, drying and storing your period pants according to the proper care instructions is very important to prevent the pants themselves from developing unpleasant odours.
Because period underwear is designed to trap blood and other fluids inside them, they need to be washed very thoroughly to ensure that all fluids have been removed, keeping the pants odour-free. Don't forget to rinse your pants with cold water before putting them in the wash to remove any surface-level blood or fluids.
Even if they have been washed completely, just like with other clothes, not drying them properly can also lead to a damp or musty smell. Make sure you don't dry them on radiators, heated airers or use tumble dryers, as this can affect the absorbent layers of the pants.
Luckily, our pants are made from materials designed to dry very quickly. However, because of the layers of absorbent materials, they may take extra time to dry fully compared to your regular underwear. Just make sure they're completely dry before storing them to avoid your pants developing a mouldy or damp smell.
Period smells are a completely natural part of your cycle, but the most important thing is feeling good and confident in your body, whether you're on your period or not. Luckily, period pants offer a helping hand when it comes to dealing with any smells that may arise from your flows. From our TriTech Performance to the odour-fighting body fabrics, we've thought of everything to help you feel fresh and confident throughout your day. All of this without compromising on protection, allowing you to live fearlessly all cycle long.
If you have more questions about how Bodyform™ period pants can be a great addition to your period care routine, find out more about how they work and how they're designed for your unique body and flow.
