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!
Why does period blood smell like rotten eggs?
Why does my discharge smell like rotten egg? 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.
Why am I peeing blood during my period?
“Typically, any kind of blood thinner can cause periods to be heavier and cause bleeding,” says Johnson. Supplements like ginkgo biloba also have blood-thinning properties that could affect your flow, adds Mamik.
Why is my period blood brown all of a sudden?
Whenever there is an obstruction of menstrual flow, it may cause a dark brown blood in period. Anything that causes blockage or hinders the normal flow of blood in menstrual period from uterus to cervix, and out through vagina, may cause the formation of clots and other symptoms like thickness of menstrual blood or other changes such as color.
Why does my period blood smell nasty?
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.
Is it normal for period to smell?
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.
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.
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.
Why does my period smell fishy this month?
Menstrual cycle. 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.
Why do I have smelly discharge everyday?
Bacterial vaginosis is one of the most common causes of a smelly vagina, affecting 15% to 50% of women of reproductive age. 'It's a condition where there's an imbalance in the vaginal flora,' Dr Rosén explains. 'The first symptom is often a fishy smell, which can progress to a frothy, grey or green-ish discharge.
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.
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.
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.
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.”.
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.
Why does my period blood smell?
Why does period blood smell sweaty? Due to the apocrine sweat glands, located near your vagina. The sweat produced by these glands is secreted during times of anxiety or stress.
Why does my period smell metallic?
You may notice your period blood smell to be slightly metallic in some months. This happens where there’s considerable iron content in the menstrual discharge. The color of the blood usually appears darker in such cases.
Why does my vagina smell?
Vaginal odor is directly related to hygiene. If it’s not kept clean, the smell wouldn’t be pleasant and such a situation could also lead to infections. Cleaning the intimate parts of your body is as important as the other areas and probably more.
How long does it take for a period to stop smelling blood?
Ideally, period blood smell should be reduced within a week or two of its advent. However, if the smell persists even after the duration of menstruation and is followed by signs like stomach ache or cramps, fever, etc, you should consult the doctor immediately.
Does drinking water help with period blood?
It’s no myth that water and other healthy fluids flush out all the toxins from the body. Drinking water doesn’t just keep our body fresh and healthy, but it also puts a check on the intensity of the period blood smell.
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 .
