Period FAQs

why can i smell my period through my clothes

by Clovis Adams Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
image

Why Can I Smell Myself Through My Pants?

  • Hormonal Changes Due to Menopause Hormones fluctuate during menopause, and these changes can lead to the thinning of vaginal tissues. ...
  • Trapped Tampon It sounds impossible when you are actively thinking about it, but forgetting a tampon inside is a thing that happens to women, and it happens pretty often! ...
  • Bacterial Vaginosis ...
  • Trichomoniasis ...
  • Cervical or vaginal cancer ...
  • Rectovaginal fistula ...
  • Urine ...

The strong smell is likely due to the blood and tissues exiting the vagina along with bacteria. It's normal for the vagina to have bacteria, though the amount can fluctuate. The resulting “rotten” smell from bacteria mixed with menstrual flow shouldn't be strong enough for others to detect.

Full Answer

Is it normal to have a smell after period?

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. A person might notice a bad or rotten smell during their period, which could be a sign of a problem.

Why do people smell fishy on their period?

Sometimes, a fishy vaginal odor crops up just before the start of your period, due to changing bacteria and acidity levels. During menstruation, the blood (which has an elevated pH) and uterine lining mix with vaginal microflora, subtly altering the smell. Because of this, you might also notice a fishy vaginal odor after your period.

Why is period poop so weird?

When your progesterone drops, your body has more to get out than usual. You can also blame PMS eating habits and that progesterone drop for your smelly period poops. If your eating habits change during the days leading up to your period, you'll see — and smell — the result in the toilet.

Why does my period blood smell sweet this month?

Sweet. A sweet smell in the period blood is likely due to the acidic environment and the presence of bacteria in the vagina. Body odor. A person might notice a smell that is similar to body odor ...

image

Can others smell my period like I can?

Generally, period blood smells are not noticeable to other people. A person should aim to bathe daily to improve unwanted odors. Additionally, during menstruation, they should change a pad every time they go to the restroom and change a tampon every few hours.

Can you smell period through pants?

Generally, your period won't be noticeable to others. If it is strong enough to be noticed through your pants, for example, it's more likely that you have sprung a leak than anyone can smell anything through your menstrual care device.

How do you cover the smell of your period?

Here are tips to keep your vagina smelling good during periods:Menstrual hygiene. If your period blood smells like fish, that means you need to change your pad or tampon. ... Shower daily. ... Wear cotton clothes. ... Use menstrual cup. ... Avoid scented products.

Why can I smell my period blood?

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 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%

What is the normal smell of Virgina?

The vagina usually has only a mild odor or sometimes no odor at all. A "fishy" smell or other strong vaginal odor might mean there's a problem. Conditions that cause a strong vaginal odor might also cause other vaginal symptoms such as itching, burning, irritation or discharge.

How do you end your period sooner?

If women are on oral contraceptive agents (the pill) their periods often shorten and lighten.Orgasm. ... Exercise regularly. ... Get the right nutrients. ... Try clinically-proven herbal remedies. ... Stay hydrated. ... Hormonal birth control. ... Maintain a healthy weight. ... Phases of the menstrual cycle.More items...

Can a man get an infection from period blood?

Period blood, just like all blood, can contain bloodborne pathogens. Consuming period blood (during oral sex) or getting it in an open wound comes with a risk of transferring or contracting known or unknown bloodborne illnesses.

What is period blood made up of?

Menstrual blood is composed of three distinct body fluids: blood, vaginal fluid, and the cells and fluid of the late secretory phase of the uterine endometrial lining which is shed during menstruation.

Can you get pregnant on your period?

Yes — it's possible to get pregnant if you have unprotected sex during your period. However, it's less common for this to happen. Here's the deal: A woman is most likely to get pregnant from sex that happens just before and during ovulation (when an egg is released).

Do period pants feel wet?

Ordinarily the pants should feel dry as the blood is locked away. If you notice a wet feeling, then you probably need to change. As with pads, there's probably an element of trial and error and the time between changes will vary on different days of your cycle.

Are period pants Hygenic?

Yes! Period pants are hygienic, just change in line with your flow. Period pants all contain moisture wicking material which keeps you feeling comfortable and leak-free, even with medium flow or on your heavier days.

Do period pants work?

Period proof underwear are next generation period care products and they do actually work. How? Well they work just like normal underwear insofar as they are reusable and they need washing after each wear, but unlike normal underwear they absorb your flow so you stay leak free even on heavy days.

How often should you change period pants?

Some of our team members bring an extra pair to work - and then change it twice at home. We recommend, if you have an average 4-5 day cycle, 7 pairs should suffice! It's always worth having more so you can change into new pairs, and wash them after use.

Why Do Periods Smell a Certain Way?

It’s really blood, plus uterine lining tissue, and of course, the normal fluids that your vagina excretes. This combination has a slight, sometimes metallic odor, which can fluctuate due to things like bacteria and acidity. So you do not have to ask yourself “Why does my period blood smell?” anymore. Now you know.

Does silicone cup make odor?

Try a medical silicone menstrual cup; it is worn inside and catches rather than absorbs menstrual flow, which means no opportunity for it to emit an odor

Do bears like menstrual blood?

At least as far as National Park Service in Yellowstone is concerned, there is no statistical evidence showing that bears are attracted to menstrual blood.

Can you smell your period?

Generally, your period won’t be noticeable to others. If it is strong enough to be noticed through your pants, for example, it’s more likely that you have sprung a leak than anyone can smell anything through your menstrual care device. If you don’t have a leak and a smell is still noticeable, you may have another infection and should go see your doctor about the issue.

Can I Use Scented Menstrual Products?

The menstrual care aisle at the store can be overwhelming for many reasons. There are just so many different products, all claiming to be the key to an easier period. And, of course, there is the section of products with delicate floral scents, promising to hide all period smells.

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 my vagina smell so strong?

According to the University of Chicago, scented products contain chemicals that irritate your vagina, which can lead to increased discharge, infections and increased vaginal odor. Get tested for vaginal infections if your odor persists or is very strong. Strong odor can be a sign of an infection like bacterial vaginosis, ...

How to freshen up after menstruation?

How to Freshen Yourself After Menstrual Cycle. Learn More. Take a bath or shower, even if you've already bathed that day. It could just be that some menstrual fluid is hanging around due to a heavy or thick flow. Wash thoroughly to remove any fluid. Bathe regularly to prevent future odors of this type.

Is it normal to smell during your period?

Get acquainted with your natural smell. It's not normal to have strong menstrual period odor, but it's also not normal to have zero odor. When blood comes in contact with air, it takes on its own scent. This scent is usually mild enough that others can't smell it through your clothes, but you'll be able to smell it when you use ...

Can menstrual odor be detected?

Menstrual odor is usually mild and not detectable by those around you. Still, occasionally it may be strong enough to become problematic, and you need to take steps to eliminate it. If no infection is present, this means just a few simple changes in your menstrual routine. If infection is present, your doctor can help you clear up ...

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9