Those bad bacteria are kept under control because your body maintains a natural acidic environment. The acidic levels come down during a menstrual period, which in turn promotes bacteria growth. Your period blood may smell rotten when there is bacterial growth in your body.
Why does my period blood have funny and strong smell?
You have your period. You’ve probably found that your vaginal odor smells a little more intense when you’re bleeding, and that’s normal, Dr. Shepherd says. Blood has an elevated pH, and that can throw your vaginal flora off a little during your period. Usually it’s not a huge change in scent, and it goes away once your period wraps up, she says.
Does period blood taste like normal blood?
period blood isn't the same as normal blood though, it's blood and tissue. it's got the iron content which would explain the tangyness but obviously it's going to taste different as it's more 'meaty' and the addition of normal fluids is going to alter the taste as well.
Is period blood supposed to have a smell?
This is a normal odor during your period. Blood is iron-laden, so it is natural to smell that way, especially if you leak and let it dry. Side note: Don’t forget that women tend to lose iron every month via period blood, so be sure to eat your veggies!
Is it bad to drink your period blood?
—Felice Gersh, MD. According to a gynecologist, the main potential issue when it comes to ingesting period blood is bloodborne pathogens.
What should period blood smell like?
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.
Why does my period blood smell nasty?
Sweat, changes in vaginal bacteria, and perimenopause may change the odor of your menstrual blood. A new, unpleasant smell could also point to an infection or, in some rare cases, cervical cancer. If practicing good hygiene and changing menstrual products on time doesn't help, call your doctor.
Can you smell your own period blood?
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. Not to worry, though.
Should period blood smell fishy?
First, menstrual blood is made of both blood and tissue that sheds from the uterus. When menstrual blood mixes with our own bodies, bacteria and odor may develop. Many describe this as fishy.
How do you mask the smell of your period?
You can usually avoid vaginal smell during your period by ensuring that you change your pad at least every 4 hours, or even more frequently if your flow is intense. In addition, CAREFREE® has taken care to make your days more pleasant with a range of pads that contain natural plant extracts which help prevent odour.
What does it smell like during your period?
Any odors you might notice during your period can also fluctuate. “Healthy” periods can have a slight smell of blood. They may even have a slight metallic smell from iron and bacteria.
What to do if your period smells?
If your period smells and you notice unusual symptoms , see your doctor. There could be something else going on.
What does it mean when you smell fishy?
You may have bacterial vaginosis if the “fishy” smell is accompanied by:
Why does my poop smell like it's down there?
A strong odor from “down there” may be cause for worry, as it could be a sign of an infection. In such cases, the odors are accompanied by other symptoms, such as vaginal discharge or pelvic pain that’s not related to normal menstruation.
Why does my tampon smell rotten?
A “rotten” smell can occur when a tampon is left in for too long or forgotten. This can happen at the end of a period, when you don’t have to insert a new tampon as often and you have no further bleeding.
Why do women have vaginosis?
While the exact cause of this overgrowth isn’t understood, bacterial vaginosis seems to be most common in women who are sexually active. Douching may also increase your risk for this type of infection.
How to stop menstrual odor?
Proper hygiene habits can help combat the usual odors associated with menstruation. This can be as simple as making sure you change tampons, liners, or pads every few hours.
In This Article
Popular vagina myth-busting ob-gyn Dr. Jen Gunter has an amazing saying: "It's a vagina, not a piña colada!" The point being, your vagina doesn't need to smell or taste fruity — or really, like anything else besides a vagina.
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 period blood taste metallic?
Period blood is stretchier than regular blood and it has clots. This is because it also has vaginal discharge in it. I don’t like it stretchy and clot-filled so I dip the blood in water and drink it like that. Other than that, it pretty much tastes the same, it’s just not as strong, which means it tastes metallic.
How to get rid of odor during period?
Make sure you take a bath twice and wash your intimate area with plain water. Never with soap!
Why does my vagina smell like it's down there?
A strong odor from “down there” may be cause for worry, as it could be a sign of an infection. In such cases, the odors are accompanied by other symptoms, such as vaginal discharge or pelvic pain that’s not related to normal menstruation. If you notice a fishy odor or sense that something’s off, talk to your doctor. A bad smell down there could be indicative of a yeast infection.
How much blood can a pee cup hold?
Try PeeSafe Menstrual Cups during periods. PeeSafe Menstrual Cups are made of 100% Medical Grade Silicone and approved by the FDA. These cups can hold up to 21 ml of blood and provide protection for up to 12 hours. And they come in extra-small, small and large sizes. So you can choose depending on your age, lifestyle and menstrual flow.
Why does my cervix smell bad?
Inflammation and infection of the cervix can also cause abnormal discharge and foul odor during menstruation.
Is period blood smell weird?
Despite the fact that it's weird to love period blood smell, I love it too. It's arousal aroma of nature.
Is it weird to smell your period?
I find that people kind of find their own bodily smells interesting. But if you like other peoples period blood then yes that's very strange.
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.”.
Can Vicks vaporub cause bacterial vaginosis?
Widely acknowledged by the medical community as harmful to the natural balance of vaginal flora, this common tool that cleans the vagina might actually cause bacterial vaginosis instead. Last year, the internet even suggested using Vicks VapoRub as a DIY treatment for vaginal scents.
