Why is my period blood smelling so bad?
A person might notice a fishy smell during their period and also outside of menstruation. 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.
Can you smell a girl on her period?
Myth No. Here's the lowdown. 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.
Can you see eggs in period blood?
The eggs are super tiny — too small to see with the naked eye. During your menstrual cycle, hormones make the eggs in your ovaries mature — when an egg is mature, that means it's ready to be fertilized by a sperm cell.
Can men smell period?
And what about during your period? Previous studies have shown that a woman's body odor is strongest during menstruation and that men who are particularly sensitive to smells can even detect this change in her scent.
Can someone else smell my period?
Generally speaking, period odors aren't noticeable to others. Good hygiene practices can also combat normal period odors and make you more comfortable during menstruation. A strong odor from “down there” may be cause for worry, as it could be a sign of an infection.
How can you tell if a girl is on her period?
What are some of the signs and symptoms of a normal menstrual cycle?Abdominal cramps. Abdominal, or menstrual, cramps are also called primary dysmenorrhea. ... Breakouts. Menstruation-related breakouts are fairly common. ... Tender breasts. ... Fatigue. ... Bloating. ... Bowel issues. ... Headache. ... Mood swings.More items...
What does period blood 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.
Are guys more attracted to you when you're on your period?
Studies have shown that men rate women's smells and looks as more attractive during fertile periods of a women's menstrual cycle.
Why does my period smell like copper?
When your periods smell like a copper coin then it is owing to the iron content in the blood and is not a matter of concern.
Is period blood smell bad?
You’re pretty sure that period blood smell is harmless, but you’re still dying to know what’s up with it.
Can you use deodorizing wipes on your vagina?
Also avoid using deodorizing products, such as wipes and sprays, don’t douche either , as the process can get rid of healthy vaginal bacteria causing infection, and wear breathable underwear.
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 period smell like something crawled inside me?
Not normal. If your flow smells like something crawled inside you and died, the culprit is probably a forgotten tampon. Neglected tampons are surprisingly common, especially at the end of your period.
What does it mean when your period smells like death?
When your period smells like “death”. Consider what a period actually is — blood and tissue from your uterus. So, sometimes it’ll have a vaguely metallic odor, especially when mixed with sweat or bacteria from your nether regions. Normal.
Why does my flow smell fishy?
When your flow smells “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. Most folks who get BV report an abnormally strong, fishy stench. That’s because BV is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in your vag.
Why does my vag smell ripe?
If your vag smells ripe, a change in your hygiene habits could help. Menstrual flow is full of blood, tissue, and bacteria, so you’ll need to freshen up more than usual during your period.
What does rotten smell mean?
Regardless of how you describe the stench, a rotten smell often points to some kind of decay or infection.
How to get rid of bad smells?
Most bad odors can be remedied with a shower or pad change. If the stink remains, or if it’s accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms, talk with your doctor.
Does douching cause a vaginal infection?
A 2020 study suggested that douching can actually raise your risk of vaginal infection. Wear cotton. Keep sweat and funk at bay by wearing breathable undies, especially during your period. Wash your bits. Your period is a great time for daily showers or baths. No need to use soap down there.
What Is Vaginal Odor
Vaginal odor is the smell that your vaginaand usually your dischargegives off. A certain amount of vaginal odor is normal, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists . But if the odor is strong and noticeable, its possible that you have an infection or other problem, ACOG says.
Can Anyone Else Smell My Periods
Most of the time, even if you can smell your period, it shouldnt be strong enough for anyone else to detect.
When To See A Doctor
If youre worried about a weird or persistent vaginal odor, or even if youve noticed it and its not sitting right with you, its important to call your doctor. Thats especially true if youre also dealing with things like itching, burning, irritation, or increased discharge on top of it, the Mayo Clinic says.
Tips To Reduce Vaginal Odours
You can’t eliminate all smells, but you can reduce the intensity of an odour by practising certain hygiene protocols. If you’re experiencing a change in your vaginal scent, try a few of these recommendations to see if you can take care of it on your own.
Here Are 3 Things The Smell Of Your Period Blood Is Saying About Your Health
To be honest, no one in this world has a flowery-smelling vagina. Then, how can we expect our period blood to smell like lilies? If you have ever got a whiff of your period blood, you know it has a strange odour. But do you know that your period blood has a tale to tell about your health? If not, then read on to know all about it!
And That Smell The Fuck
Hormones can also be blamed for the dead animal smell coming from your ass. The bacteria in our stomach changes with the cycle of hormones each month. The smell of your gas changes as the bacterial fermentation changes during menstruation.
What If My Vagina Smells Bad During My Period
Some people still feel shame or embarrassment about their periods, and how it smells is no exception. But again, regularly cleaning yourself should ease your worry about vaginal odor during that time of the month.
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.
What are the risk factors for bacterial vaginosis?
Risk factors for bacterial vaginosis include new or multiple sex partners and douching. Bacterial vaginosis produces a fishy smell, which is more pronounced during menstruation, as blood increases the vaginal alkalinity. A person might have white or gray vaginal discharge outside of menstruation.
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.
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 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.
