Can your period cause you to smell like fish?
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 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. ...
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 does my period smell like metal?
Some people who menstruate, in particular, describe their period blood as having a metallic-like scent - according to Dr. Dweck, this is likely because of the iron content in the blood. Dr. Dweck...
Why does it smell like fish on my period?
Fishy. 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.
What does 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.
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.
Is period blood supposed to smell fishy?
Noticing a fishy odor is common, and very likely unnoticeable to anyone else. Think about it, have you ever been able to tell if someone is on their period? To decrease odor, change your pad frequently. Assure you are using the pad or tampon with the right amount of absorbency.
How can you tell if a girl is having her period?
What Are the Signs You Are Getting Your Period?You're breaking out. Acne is a common problem at this time of the month. ... Your breasts are sore or heavy. ... You're tired but you can't sleep. ... You have cramps. ... You're constipated or have diarrhea. ... You're bloated and gassy. ... You have a headache. ... You're having mood swings.More items...•
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.
Why does my period stop every time I put a tampon in?
I know sometimes it seems like your period stops when you have a tampon in, but actually, the tampon is just temporarily blocking the blood from coming out of your vagina. It acts like a barrier for the liquid coming out. That's a good thing because if it didn't, it might get all over your clothes!
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.
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.
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 urine smell fishy?
Fishy odor from your urine can be caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI). The bacteria from the infection can contaminate the urine and cause a distinct fishy smell . Other symptoms may include urine that is cloudy, burning sensation when urinating, or other mild pain when you pee. Certain foods and conditions can also change the smell ...
What foods can cause a fishy smell in the vagina?
Some foods may cause a fishy or other vaginal odor. They include asparagus, broccoli, certain spices like garlic, onions, and some types of fish. If you are concerned, you can avoid these foods. But they are all considered healthy in moderation, so you don’t need to cut them out of your diet completely.
How do you know if you have a fishy smell?
Other symptoms you may have. You may notice a fishy odor when you use the restroom or after you have sex. You may also notice the odor changes to a fishy smell after you sweat. If you have additional symptoms like unusual discharge or itching, burning, or redness, see your doctor.
What to do if you have vaginal odor?
If you are experiencing symptoms of vaginitis or are concerned about your vaginal odor, see your OB-GYN. They will likely perform a pelvic exam where they’ll look inside your vagina for inflammation or abnormal discharge. They also may take a sample of the discharge for lab testing. They can also perform a pH test.
Why does my vagina smell?
The most common is cause is vaginitis, an infection or inflammation of the vagina. The odor of your vagina varies throughout your menstrual cycle. If you are concerned about your vaginal odor, or experiencing any unusual discharge, burning, itching, or redness, you should see your OB-GYN. They can perform an exam and determine if you need ...
What does it mean when your discharge is itchy?
But if you experience discharge that’s itchy or irritating, it may be a symptom of an infection. See your doctor if your discharge is grayish white, greenish yellow, or white and resembles cottage cheese in consistency.
What is the most common cause of vaginal inflammation?
Vaginitis is inflammation or an infection of the vagina. It is most commonly caused by a bacterial infection, but can also be caused by a yeast infection or a sexually transmitted infection (STI) called trichomoniasis. A fishy odor is a common symptom.
Why does my period smell fishy?
Believe it or not, menstrual blood has no odor. Neither does sweat for that matter. But, let’s be real, we have all experienced a smell or felt less than clean down there. 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. Just like when we sweat. Perspiration has no odor, mix that with our body’s bacteria and we all know what that odor smells like. Noticing a fishy odor is common, and very likely unnoticeable to anyone else. Think about it, have you ever been able to tell if someone is on their period? To decrease odor, change your pad frequently. Assure you are using the pad or tampon with the right amount of absorbency. If a fishy odor persists after your period is over, an infection such as bacterial vaginosis may be present. Contact your healthcare provider for an in-office examination.
What causes fishy smells?
A fishy odor is a result of bacterial growth.
Why do sanitary pads smell?
If you use sanitary pads or tampons, the smell is even more prominent because these products absorb blood, and amplify
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 is period blood stretchy?
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.
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!
Does a girl have a lesser flow than a woman?
Generally speaking it can be assumed that a girl with have a lesser flow than a woman as the uterus grows as the girl becomes a woman and as the woman ages.
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.
