Is foul-smelling lochia after vaginal delivery due to being overheated?

Normally, lochia is composed of shed uterine lining tissue and blood after childbirth. Whether foul-smelling lochia following a vaginal delivery is caused by "being covered up" (i.e., lack of ventilation) depends on the underlying cause of the odor. If thick sanitary pads are used or not changed frequently enough, leading to prolonged moisture and poor air circulation, the foul smell may indeed result from such conditions. However, if the odor is due to bacterial infection causing vaginitis, it is not caused by being "covered up." Detailed explanations are as follows:

After delivery, a large amount of lochia is discharged. If thick sanitary pads are used or not changed regularly, the moist, warm environment can promote fermentation of lochia, resulting in an unpleasant odor. It is important to change sanitary pads promptly and clean the genital area regularly to maintain local hygiene.

If a woman experiences increased vaginal discharge with a fishy or foul odor after a vaginal delivery, this may be due to bacterial vaginosis or other infections, particularly because postpartum immunity is often reduced, making women more susceptible to infections such as vaginitis. In such cases, the odor is not caused by being "covered up," but rather by infection. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include medications such as metronidazole tablets, tinidazole tablets, or levofloxacin hydrochloride tablets.

During the recovery period after vaginal delivery, it is essential to keep the external genital area clean and dry, wear comfortable, breathable cotton underwear, change sanitary pads or liners regularly, and avoid using irritating cleansers to wash the private area.