Period FAQs

why does my period blood smell bad

by Alvis Simonis Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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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

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 “rottensmell 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 does your period have a rotten smell?

Some women tend to encounter rotten smells from bacteria mixed with menstrual flow. This smell indicates that it is time to change the pad or tampon to control the odor. The smell comes owing to a heavy flow. 2. Fishy smell

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.

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What different period blood smells mean?

Sweat, changes in vaginal bacteria, and perimenopause may change the odor of your menstrual blood. A new, unpleasant smell could also point to an infection or, in some rare cases, cervical cancer. If practicing good hygiene and changing menstrual products on time doesn't help, call your doctor.

What does healthy period blood smell like?

Period blood smells and what they mean Metallic: Similar to a copper coin, a metallic smell is typically caused by the presence of iron in your blood. This smell is the most common and isn't normally a cause for concern.

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.

How do you stop your period from smelling?

Changing pads frequently is usually an easy way to work around any fear of smells. 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.

Why do I smell fishy on my period?

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. It's nothing to worry about as long as it isn't due to a forgotten tampon.

How do you wash down there on your period?

Rinse the vagina and vulva with water only, and the groin can be washed with a perfume-free natural soap. Don't forgo condoms during your period.

How do you clean down there on your period?

Many experts recommend washing the genital area with running warm water without any soap, and some suggest using intimate hygiene products with an acidic pH of 3.8 to 4.5 (which is also a healthy vaginal pH).

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!

Can period blood smell sweet?

What determines how sweet or sour your period smells isn't the blood itself but rather the vaginal mucus there at the time. At different points in your cycle, your vaginal mucus changes in consistency (from watery, thin mucus to thicker, whiter mucus) and when this change occurs, the pH of the mucus changes too.

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.

Why does my period blood smell like onions?

In fact, everyone's vaginal discharge has a slightly different smell, and that's completely normal, according to Minkin. On the other hand, a more persistent onion-like smell that lasts multiple days could be a sign you have bacterial vaginosis, an infection that occurs when too much "bad" bacteria grows in the vagina.

Why does my period smell like vinegar?

Tangy:Your vagina hosts good bacteria which produce lactic acid and other substances that maintain the health of the vagina.. This causes a slightly tangy smell, much like a mild vinegar, pickle, or sauerkraut scent.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

What are the symptoms of BV?

If you have BV, you’ll probably have other symptoms before, during, and after your period: irritation. itchiness. burning, especially when you pee or have sex. a watery gray or white discharge when you’re not on your period.

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.

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