A155 - Period Odour

__You may notice that menstrual blood has a characteristic smell. Usually, this odour is mild and barely noticeable, but sometimes it can become more intense or distinctive. While most smells are completely normal, it is worth paying attention to any sudden changes.__ 

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Menstrual cramps occur when the lining of the uterus, which has built up in preparation for pregnancy, needs to flake off and leave the body. For this to happen, the uterine muscles alternately contract and relax. These contractions can in turn cause crampy menstrual pains. Not everyone experiences these. Some feel only slight discomfort, while others experience pain in the lower abdomen or sharp pain radiating to the legs and back. Other symptoms that may accompany menstrual pain include:<br/>
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- diarrhoea.
<br/>
However, it is important to remember that although menstrual pain is common, acute pain caused by these cramps is not. You should consult your doctor if you have acute pain, if it impedes your daily functioning or if it intensifies over time. These symptoms may suggest that there are other factors behind what appears to be normal, expected menstrual pain.

A015 - T02 - Why period cramps happen and how do you know it's it?

Why period cramps happen and how do you know it's it?

A061 Don’t Be Worried about Your First Gynaecological Examination

There are six main energy-draining culprits that lead to PMS fatigue.

- Hormonal fluctuations – Oestrogen usually acts as a stimulant, but its levels drop significantly after you ovulate, depriving you of its energy. At the same time, your levels of feel-good serotonin also dip, leaving you without its mood-boosting effects as well. Meanwhile, the calming effects of progesterone begin to kick in, which makes you feel more mellow.

- Energy burning – When you ovulate, your body temperature rises and your body starts burning more energy in preparation for pregnancy. For the next few days, your basal metabolic rate can go up by 9 percent, draining your energy. This all adds up to making you feel more tired.

- Anaemia – If your periods are heavy, you lose a lot of blood, which could lead to an iron deficiency in your red blood cells. This makes it difficult for your tissues to get the oxygen they need, meaning your cells need to work harder to function normally.

- Giving in to other symptoms – You’re sore and you’re hungry. You’re not sleeping well and you feel bloated. It’s no wonder you’re not jumping for joy. All these factors may stop you from exercising, which would make you feel rejuvenated. It is hard to get motivated when faced with these factors.

- Cravings – Your fluctuating hormones may have convinced you to binge on chocolate or other sugary foods, triggering a sugar high that is followed by a crash. This cycle can repeat itself unless you recognise it and actively switch to healthier alternatives.

- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) – If you are experiencing severe emotional lows, this acute form of PMS may be to blame. In addition to physical symptoms, you may find yourself crying, lashing out at others, feeling out of control or losing interest in things that used to bring you joy. If this happens monthly, you should see a doctor.

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As long as your discharge is not itchy, smelly, or greenish-brown coloured, it is perfectly normal. Signs to look out for are cramping, pelvic pain or bleeding during sex, spots, weight gain, fever, or – as mentioned earlier – strange smells. This may indicate an underlying medical condition or serious hormonal imbalance that requires treatment.

These include things such as ovarian cysts, polycystic ovary syndrome, and cervical cancer (infection should be in this list as would be most common). These are rarely the cause, and they are often accompanied by other symptoms, so please don’t worry, but it is always worth getting the opinion of a medical professional.

A101 - T03 - When Should I Be Concerned About Brown Discharge?

When Should I Be Concerned About Brown Discharge?

A101 Should I Be Worried About Brown Discharge?

Should I Be Worried About Brown Discharge?

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Put quite straightforwardly, brown discharge is caused by bits of blood getting caught up in your discharge, leaving your body. Here is a list of possible reasons why you might be experiencing brown discharge every once in a while:

- __You Have Just Finished Your Period__ Thick brown discharge is often a sign that your body is cleaning itself by flushing out residual blood from your period. Bits may come out with your discharge in the days after you think your period has ended. Older blood tends to turn more brownish. You might see this during your period when the blood is a bright red in the first few days and becomes browner a few days in. See this as a positive thing, as it means that your body is doing a good job of keeping clean.

- __You Are About To Ovulate__ Brown sticky discharge can also occur due to the hormonal changes your body experiences during ovulation. Oestrogen levels rise, prompting your body to release an egg from your ovaries, so the change in discharge texture is completely normal.

- __It’s Not You, It’s Your Birth Control__ Random brown discharge can be your body’s reaction to a new birth control pill or you might have forgotten to take your pill for a few days recently. This is thanks to the hormonal changes, and the spotting should stop as your body adjusts. If you have forgotten to take your birth control pill it’s important to start taking it as soon as possible and consider emergency contraception if you have had intercourse.

- __Your Cervix is Irritated__ The cervix is fairly sensitive, so anything from a slightly careless pelvic examination to vigorous bedroom antics can be causes of brown discharge.

- __You Are Stressed or Depressed__ Stress and depression can cause the lining of the uterus to thin, and parts of it to come away at unexpected times. Try to identify and remove the cause of stress from your life. Take some time out to relax or, if it feels more serious, see a doctor about the way you are feeling. With the right self-care and support, this brown discharge should clear up.

A101 - T01 - What Causes Brown Discharge?

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Every woman at some point in her life experiences crampy menstrual pains. And how to get reduce period pain and cramps? You can start with warm compresses!

A015 How to get rid of period pain and cramps

How to get reduce period pain and cramps

If there’s a silver lining to getting period cramps, it’s that they often start a day or two before your period.

This gives you a nice (if uncomfortable!) heads up that your period is on its way, and enough time to check if your supply of pads and tampons is fully replenished from last month’s period.

You can also start wearing pantyliners to catch that first bit of period blood when it starts.

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A015 How to Get Rid of Period Pain and Cramps

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Many women already feel tired on the average day, stretched by various demands of family, school, work and social networking. However, if you are feeling even more worn down in the week before your period, it’s time to look at possible remedies for premenstrual fatigue. 

In the days leading up to your period, your feel-good hormones take a holiday. This happens just as your body needs them to provide the energy to power through the cravings, the loss of blood and the other transitions occurring at this time of the month. 

You can combat PMS fatigue by committing to some healthy habits.

A149-T01-Why Are You Tired Before Your Period? Causes and Remedies

Why Are You Tired Before Your Period? Causes and Remedies

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Period Hub - PH04 - Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal Discharge

While white-coloured discharge is totally normal, texture-wise it should be the same all the way through, without lumps – whether it is sticky, gooey, thin, elastic or thick. This alternative version with clumps in it is not so great, and is very rarely going to be a positive discovery. 

The closest thing we can compare it to is cottage cheese (and we’re so sorry if this puts you off your favourite jacket potato topping for life!) But if what you see in your underwear, or on the toilet paper when wiping after a trip to the loo, is thick curd-like discharge with white chunks in it, then that is what we are talking about here.

Other signs that you may have it include itching in the area, or some pain or swelling, and stinging during sex or having a wee. You might also notice a yeasty sort of smell in your underwear.

A128-T01- How To Recognize Yeast Infection Discharge?

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Pregnancy mucus at the beginning of pregnancy is a purely physiological symptom. Discharge during early pregnancy occur very frequently and plays an extremely important role, as it forms a special protective barrier for both the foetus and the mother, protecting the reproductive tract from infection. Normal mucus at the beginning of pregnancy is transparent or slightly tinged white or yellow. It can be tractable or thinned. In addition, a mucus plug is formed at the beginning of pregnancy, which passes away before the birth.

__1. Chances are your vaginal discharge will get heavier during pregnancy__
The majority of women will find they experience an increase in thin, milky white, or clear discharge during pregnancy, which is perfectly normal. 

This is because it is even more important to your body than usual, to prevent any infection travelling up your vagina to your womb – and to the baby. This discharge acts as a barrier supporting good vaginal health, while maintaining the PH balance within.

__2. Don’t be concerned when the vaginal mucus plug appears!__ 
Your body creates something called a pregnancy mucus plug to seal off the cervix and prevent bacteria from getting in. This stays in place until your baby is due. It looks like a big lump of jelly-ish, thick discharge in pregnancy, sometimes with streaks of blood in it. It can be quite disconcerting to have this mucus plug pop out, but it is a sign that your cervix is starting to open, and you may soon be going into labour! Assuming you are nearing full term, the appearance of the mucus plug – or ‘show’ as it is also known – is nothing to worry about. Otherwise check with your doctor.

__3. Clear watery discharge during pregnancy is generally nothing to worry about__
The texture of discharge can vary from person to person, and watery clear vaginal discharge in pregnancy is normally fine. It can occasionally be a sign of an STI though, so if you have any signs such as unpleasant or strange smells, or itchiness or pain in the area, it is worth getting it checked out by your doctor.

__4.  Thrush is quite common in pregnancy – but won’t harm you or your baby__
Pregnancy hormones affect the pH in your vagina, making your more prone to yeast infections. But thrush is more a problem just for being unpleasant to deal with, so it is worth knowing the signs so you can deal with it ASAP. If you notice a yeasty smell, stinging pain when you go to the toilet, or thick white cottage cheese discharge during pregnancy, these all point to thrush. It is worth mentioning to your doctor. He or she will give you treatment – generally in the form of a tablet or cream – to clear up the infection.

__5. Always pantyliners can help you feel fresh all day everyday__
If the increase in discharge is causing you discomfort it is worth investing in a pack of Always Dailies pantyliners. Wearing them on a daily basis can soak up excess liquid, and keep you feeling dry and fresh. They are dermatologically tested and safe to be worn daily. That way you can focus on more important things – like enjoying your pregnancy!


A127-T03-5 Things you should know about pregnancy discharge

5 Things you should know about pregnancy discharge

Don’t worry if you find you have white discharge after yeast infection treatment, as it may well just be parts of the medication leaving your body with your discharge. Alternatively, things may have returned to normal and you are just at a point in your cycle where white discharge is to be expected. 

Of course, if it is still lumpy or you are concerned that this is still a white yeast infection discharge, make a new appointment and go back to see your doctor with your concerns. 

A yellow discharge yeast infection is possible if your discharge naturally has a pale yellow or creamy tinge to it. But more likely than not, like a yeast infection with green discharge, it may signify that something else is going on (either as well as, or instead of a yeast infection). These colours generally tend to mean you have a bacterial infection or STI, and should get this looked at by a doctor, or at a sexual health clinic.

Pink discharge after yeast infection treatment may be a sign that the cream has irritated your vagina, causing a bit of bleeding that has mixed with your discharge. A small amount is not unusual, but if it continues, or if you are feeling raw or painful inside, do follow up with your doctor.

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It is worth noting that __some women may experience a distinctive smell during [menstruation](https://www.always.co.uk/en-gb/tips-and-advice-for-girls-and-parents/my-period/what-is-a-period/ "menstruation") due to individual body characteristics__. Regular, but not excessive, washing of the intimate area, especially in the morning, evening and after each visit to the toilet, as well as frequent changes of period pads, are essential measures to help reduce odour and ensure comfort during menstruation. [Period pads should generally be changed every 4-6 hours](https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-health/girls-and-young-women-puberty-to-around-25/periods-and-menstrual-health/choosing-period-products/ "Period pads should generally be changed every 4-6 hours"), but if you have a heavier flow, it’s important to change them more frequently to maintain hygiene and prevent leaks.

However, excessive use of products designed for the genital area such as deodorants or sprays should be avoided, as they can irritate and disrupt the natural bacterial balance of the vagina. The natural vaginal environment, based on *Lactobacillus* strains, protects against microbial proliferation and the formation of unpleasant odours. Excessive chemicals can lead to infections, such as bacterial vaginitis or yeast infections, which further compound the problem.

In order to support a healthy bacterial flora, it is a good idea to use suitable period pads, such as [Always Infinity Normal period pads](https://www.always.co.uk/en-gb/feminine-products/sanitary-towels/always-infinity-with-smartfoam/always-infinity-normal-sanitary-pads-with-wings/ "Always Infinity Normal period pads"). It is also important not to forget to use gentle lotions, avoid prolonged hot baths and always wash the vaginal area in the correct direction - from front to back. __If, despite good hygiene, the period blood odour persists or other worrying symptoms such as pain or burning occur, it is necessary to consult a doctor__.

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When you’re pregnant, every little change in your body takes on greater significance, and you can read each of them as a sign of what is happening with your baby. That is great, as long as you don’t over-interpret, or assume everything is an indication that things are going wrong! The same thing applies to your discharge.

A127 - Vaginal discharge during pregnancy: What's normal?

FPGA - Download PDF- Not sure where to start?

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Learning how to manage [period pain and menstrual cramps](/en-gb/period-hub/symptoms-explained/what-is-pms/ "Period pain and menstrual cramps" "Period pain and menstrual cramps") can be hugely helpful in adjusting to menstruation and enjoying puberty as best you can. How to get rid of period pain? It all depends on your body, sometimes home remedies are enough to relieve period pain and sometimes you need to see a doctor.

How to manage period cramps? Here are our best tips for how to get rid of period pain (or at least decrease the pain):

A015 - T03 - How to Get Rid of Period Pain and Cramps.  10 remedies to try

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## Other changes to your hormonal balance

Things like stress or new birth control pills can also change your hormonal balance and cause light bleeding before your expected period. While it can be unnerving, it’s nothing to be alarmed about.

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To be honest, you probably don’t need to do anything for the time being. It is rarely a sign of an actual issue, but brown discharge can be disconcerting – as well as a bit of a nuisance, thanks to the marks it can leave in your underwear.

If you are worried though, keep a diary to track how long this discharge lasts for, and make a note if you suffer any other symptoms at the same time. Whatever the cause, brown vaginal discharge is actually incredibly easy to manage. Simply using a [pantyliner](/en-gb/feminine-products/panty-liners/ "Pantyliner") will keep it off your knickers (yay for not ruining your favourite pair!).

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With Always Infinity FlexProtect Night Extra (Size 4) period pads with wings, you may even forget you are wearing a pad so you can enjoy a good-night sleep.

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A012 Article Flash card first Image Bleeding between Periods

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