The reason it smells like dead fish after intercourse or around menses is that the smell is released in an alkaline environment (and ejaculate and menstrual blood are more alkaline). Some women advocate an acidophilus douche treatment .
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 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.
Why do ants like period blood?
Like any other blood, period blood also contains sodium, which is critical for many ant physiological functions like balancing body fluids. Ants are also attracted to decomposing matter. Once period blood is released, it immediately starts decomposing. The decaying odor emitted attracts ants.
What is period blood supposed to smell like?
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 also adds that blood is a bacterial medium and may have a differing smell for that reason too.
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.
How much water flow is considered heavy?
At this rate of flow it is infrequently felt, just maybe when you get up after sitting for a long time, or when you get up in the morning. Anything over 80ml is considered heavy. There are a couple of ways of collecting data about your flow:
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.
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 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 make a vaginal suppository?
This is how to make an antibacterial vaginal suppository with apple cider vinegar: Mix equal parts of raw apple cider vinegar with warm water. Soak a tampon in the ACV remedy and insert into your vagina. Leave for 30 minutes to help destroy the infection-causing microbes and get rid of the fishy vaginal discharge.
What is the smell of fish in the vagina?
Trichomoniasis. Trichomoniasis (sometimes just called “trich”) is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can cause vaginal malodor that smells of fish. Trichomoniasis can affect men and women alike and if a woman has “trich” then it is usually the vagina where the infection occurs.
What causes a strong smell in the vagina?
Sweat. Sometimes, a combination of sweat, normal vaginal discharge, and urine can combine to create a strong-smelling feminine odor. Usually, having good feminine hygiene habits and changing your underwear regularly can help to reduce any fishy odor from your vagina.
What to do for fishy discharge?
Coconut oil is another natural treatment you can use at home to treat the symptoms of fishy discharge. Coconut oil has antibacterial properties and fatty acids that help to reduce inflammation and kill off infections in the vagina.
How to get rid of fishy smell in vagina?
Tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is a natural home remedy that can help to get rid of fishy smells from your vagina. Tea tree oil contains naturally occurring antibacterial properties that kill bacteria and germs that cause a strong odor with discolored discharge.
Why does my vagina smell fishy?
Most of the time, a fishy vaginal smell is an indicator of an infection in the genitals. However, poor hygiene, excessive sweating, or even certain foods can cause a vagina to have a fishy smell. Thankfully, there are many home remedies that can help to treat a fishy vaginal odor. For example, probiotics can help to improve the health ...
Why does my discharge smell like cottage cheese?
Traci Johnson on WebMD says if there’s a fishy smell, bacterial vaginosis is a better guess. If your discharge looks like cottage cheese, then a yeast infection may be to blame. That’s also more likely to cause itching and burning, though bacterial vaginosis might make you itchy too. 5.
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 .
