is your period supposed to smell

by Mrs. Sadye Rau IV Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago

A menstrual period consists of the shedding of an unfertilized egg, blood, and uterine lining tissues. It's completely normal for this combination to have a slight odor after it exits the vagina. This is most likely related to the vaginal substance itself, but bacteria and acidity can also play a role.

Is it good or bad for your period to smell?

How do you stop the smell of your period?

Remedies and Treatments for Vaginal Odors

Maintain a Healthy Weight. Often, “vaginal odor” doesn’t come from the vagina at all. ...
Switch to Tampons or a Menstrual Cup. Sanitary napkins frequently present a more noticeable smell. ...
Use a Condom and Pee After Sex. Semen can irritate the vagina, producing smell or discharge. ...
Try. ...
Don’t Douche. ...

Is it normal to like the smell of your period?

Period smell is not general, it depends on person to person..i don't know what's the science behind these different smells tho…so yes, you need to consider that, it's not generalized Nah! I like my period smell as well. It's so attractive for me. It's so tempting. My period smells sweet and also it's a very new kind of smell for my senses !

Why does my period really smell?

This Is Why Your Period Smells

Metallic or Like Iron. "The period itself is basically endometrial tissue that's built up over the course of the month. ...
Fishy. "As blood exits the vagina, especially if there's a lot of bleeding, it can change the pH of the vagina," Dr. ...
Sweet. ...
Rotten or Foul. ...

Should period blood have a smell?

Period blood can have a metallic smell, like a copper coin. This is typically due to the presence of iron in the blood and is not usually a cause for concern. However, it should not persist much longer after the period ends.

What should your period smell like?

While each body is different, healthy period blood often smells metallic or sweet because of the iron and copper content in your blood mixed with vaginal bacteria. If the mix of bacteria in your vagina (aka your vaginal microbiome) changes, your period blood may take on a different scent.

Why does my period blood smell fishy?

If your flow smells fishy, something's up. This kind of odor usually indicates bacterial vaginosis (BV). Sometimes it's a symptom of trichomoniasis.

Can others smell my period?

Myth No. While we each have our own unique scent, menstrual blood itself has no odor. It's made of blood and tissue that sheds from your uterus, and when mixed with the naturally occurring bacteria in your body, may smell a little less than fresh.

How do you stop your periods from smelling like pants?

2. How to stop period pants smellingChange your period pants frequently.Rinse your period undies thoroughly.Store menstrual underwear carefully until washing.Machine wash your period knickers in a 3/4 full machine.Air or line dry your period underwear.Store period panties carefully until your next menstrual cycle.

How do I get rid of the odor down there?

Avoid tight underwear, pantyhose, and girdles.Maintain a Healthy Weight. Often, “vaginal odor” doesn't come from the vagina at all. ... Switch to Tampons or a Menstrual Cup. Sanitary napkins frequently present a more noticeable smell. ... Use a Condom and Pee After Sex. ... Don't Douche.

Can you get BV during your period?

Bacterial vaginosis comes down to an imbalance of your vagina's pH levels. The normal range for your vagina's pH is 3.8 to 4.5. Several things can cause it to be thrown off, making your body an invitation for BV: Your period: Blood has a pH of 7.4, so menstruation temporarily elevates your pH levels.

How do you wash down there on your period?

Rinse the vagina and vulva with water only, and the groin can be washed with a perfume-free natural soap. Don't forgo condoms during your period.

Why do I feel like I can smell myself?

People with ORS perform excessive repetitive behaviors (also called "rituals" or "compulsions") in response to the distress that their body odor preoccupations cause. These behaviors are usually difficult to resist and control. Common excessive behaviors (and lifetime rates) include: Smelling one's self: 80%

How do you clean down there on your period?

Many experts recommend washing the genital area with running warm water without any soap, and some suggest using intimate hygiene products with an acidic pH of 3.8 to 4.5 (which is also a healthy vaginal pH).

Does bacterial vaginosis smell?

Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis This discharge will usually be white or grey, thin or watery and have a strong, unpleasant fishy smell. This can be more noticeable during and after sex, and during periods. Bacterial vaginosis does not usually cause itching or irritation.

Does blood have a scent?

An empirical test of the reaction of blood on the skin by Glindemann and colleagues [30] showed that a distinctive 'metallic' smell was produced, which was attributable to the oxidization of the hemoglobin's iron molecules in the reaction with fat lipids in the skin.

Why does my period smell like vinegar?

Tangy:Your vagina hosts good bacteria which produce lactic acid and other substances that maintain the health of the vagina.. This causes a slightly tangy smell, much like a mild vinegar, pickle, or sauerkraut scent.

Why does my period smell like ammonia?

If you notice the smell of ammonia around your vagina, it could be due to extra sweat, urine, or an infection. If the smell doesn't go away with regular rinsing and drinking more water, contact your doctor. You may need a prescription to help treat an underlying infection.

1. Metallic or Like Iron

"The period itself is basically endometrial tissue that's built up over the course of the month. If an egg is not fertilized and implanted, that lining is released," Taraneh Shirazian, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn with NYU Langone, tells LIVESTRONG.com.

2. Fishy

"As blood exits the vagina, especially if there's a lot of bleeding, it can change the pH of the vagina," Dr. Shirazian explains. When the normal bacterial balance of the vagina is thrown off, you may develop bacterial vaginosis, or BV. This can result in a fishy smell.

3. Sweet

Some vaginal bacteria can naturally have a sweet smell, according to Women's Medical Associates of Nashville. This is nothing to worry about.

What to Do About Period Odor

What you want to avoid is using any sort of fragranced feminine wipe designed to freshen things up down below. "The problem with these is that they just cover up the odor. The first step is always figuring out the underlying source and treating that," Dr. Shirazian says.

When to See a Doctor About Period Odor

A rotten or foul odor from your nether region warrants a trip to the ob-gyn, Dr. Shirazian says.

Is This an Emergency?

If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911. If you think you may have COVID-19, use the CDC’s Coronavirus Self-Checker .

Why does my period smell fishy?

This smell is often related to an infection, such as bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis. Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal infection caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina.

Why does my period blood smell metallic?

Period blood may smell metallic due to the presence of blood and iron.

How to get rid of blood smell during period?

Additionally, during menstruation, they should change a pad every time they go to the restroom and change a tampon every few hours.

What to do if you have a fever during your period?

A person should speak to a doctor if they experience a fever or severe pelvic pain during their period.

Does period blood smell?

Period blood can have different odors based on numerous factors. The following are common menstrual blood odors:

Do you have a period while pregnant?

People do not have a period during pregnancy, but should still be aware of vaginal health.

Is it normal to smell during your period?

Certain smells during a person’s period are completely normal. The vagina is an acidic environment with a balance of bacteria that produce odor. Some smells, such as a fishy or rotten smell, are unusual, and a person experiencing them should see a doctor for further investigation.

What does it mean when your tampon smells rotten?

Any of these symptoms should be a cue to get a professional opinion. A rotten smell, on the other hand, could be a sign that you’ve left a tampon in for too long, Dr. Greves says.

Why does my period smell so bad?

Greves says, but if all of a sudden your period smells seriously rotten, you may want to talk to your doctor. A particularly strong, fishy smell could be a sign of bacterial vaginosis, an infection caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina.

Can you use deodorizing wipes on your vagina?

But whatever you do, do not use a douche or deodorizing products, such as wipes and sprays. These throw off the natural bacteria in your vagina and cause infection. Change tampons or pads regularly, wear clean and breathable underwear, and be mindful of possible infections.

Do you smell blood when you get a cut?

Way less. Periods smell. That’s no secret, but you might be wondering why. When you get a cut on your finger, for example, the blood doesn’t have any smell at all.

Does period blood stay in the vagina?

Greves says. “But period blood stays in the vagina for a longer period of time. It’s exposed to the bacteria in the vagina, and that’s where you get that odor.”.

Why does my vagina smell like a penny?

Many people report smelling a coppery, metallic vaginal odor. This is usually nothing to worry about. Rarely, it signifies a more serious problem. A coppery smell can also be due to less common, but serious, causes of vaginal bleeding.

What is the smell of a vagina?

1. Tangy or fermented. It’s very common for vaginas to produce a tangy or sour aroma. Some compare it to the smell of fermented foods. In fact, yogurt, sourdough bread, and even some sour beer contain the same type of good bacteria that dominate most healthy vaginas: Lactobacilli.

What are the red flags of a bad smell?

In general, abnormal odors should be easy to spot. They’re the ones that make your face scrunch up. Rotting fish, dead organism, decay — these are all red flag odors. If there’s a serious cause, often other symptoms will appear alongside the smell.

Does menopause affect pH?

Menopause also has an effect on vaginal pH. “Due to a lack of estrogen, women in menopause end up with less vaginal mucosa,” says Minkin. “Vaginal mucosa lines the vagina and nurtures the Lactobacilli bacteria. So, without these cells you can end up with a much higher pH.”.

Why Do I Smell Bad Before My Period?

Each individual has his own unique scent that varies depending on that person’s hygiene, diet , and even genetics. On the other hand, many women notice that their natural scent changes during their menstruation cycles.

Why does my sex smell like coitus?

If the scent increases post-coitus or it is followed by an abnormal discharge, the scent may be caused by a bacterial infection. In such cases, it is best to consult your doctor immediately. Some women experienced having this particular scent. According to experts, this is due to the use of lubricants or condoms.

What can I eat to make my vagina smell better?

Make sure to wash your vagina thoroughly before changing pads. Apparently, what you eat can affect your smell down there. For example, eating citrus fruits are said to sweeten the taste of your vaginal fluids. On the contrary, asparagus, onions, garlic and broccoli can make you taste and smell “eew” down there.

Why does my vagina smell musky?

Among common vaginal whiffs include the following: Musky odor. You may notice a musky smell especially after you just have sweated a lot. This is due to moisture that is released by your sweat glands around your vaginal area. Therefore, make sure to shower after an intense workout and change into fresher clothes.

What to do if you smell different after eating?

If you notice that you smell different after eating certain foods, try changing it preferably with more whole foods. If that does not change that weird smell, you may want to consider consulting your doctor about it.

How to stop smelling down there?

Likewise, you can do the following to prevent getting smelly down there: Change tampons / sanitary napkin / panty liners often to prevent bacteria growth.

What does it mean when your vagina smells fishy?

However, your pH level changes before, during, and after menstrual period, as well as when you engage in sexual activity. In effect, your vagina’s pH levels become basic, causing it to emit a fishy scent down there.

Why does my period smell?

This is a normal odor as your period marks the shedding of your uterine tissue; however, if you can smell it while sitting or walking, then it may be a cause for concern. This intense odor is often associated with not changing your pad or tampon, or dumping your cup, frequently enough. As your period winds down, you may feel the need to worry about your hygiene less, but this is usually when cups and tampons are left in for too long, resulting in a pungent ‘decay’ odor.

Why don't you leave tampons in?

Don’t leave tampons in for extended periods of time just because you’re not bleeding much. If your vagina is too dry to insert a tampon frequently, use smaller sizes of tampons so there is less absorbency. If your cup doesn’t slide in as easily, get your cup slightly wet or use lubricant.

Why do my tampons smell like decay?

As your period winds down, you may feel the need to worry about your hygiene less, but this is usually when cups and tampons are left in for too long, resulting in a pungent ‘decay’ odor.

Why does my period smell metallic?

Toward the end of your period, the metallic odor is usually caused by pH changes in your vagina and the discharge containing that different pH. I experienced this issue a lot during the last year that I wore tampons– with tampons, the abnormal pH discharge sits against the vaginal wall, absorbed in the tampon.

What does it smell like when your socks get wet?

It’s like if your shoes and socks get wet and you wear them all day– your socks are going to be very aromatic by the time you get home, and every pair of socks you put on inside those wet shoes will smell that way until the shoes aren’t wet anymore.

What are the three odors that women experience during their period?

Most women suffer from the following three odors at some point in their adulthood: rotten, fishy, metallic. These odors can happen any time during the menstrual cycle, but are sometimes pronounced during and immediately following your period.

Can you smell fishy after your period?

It is best to be treated for this STD by a doctor while avoiding sexual contact during that time. As with BV, you may smell more fishy as you bleed. At the end of your period, without the heavy blood odor present, the fishy odor may be more prominent as the vagina continues to produce discharge.