Period FAQs

why does my period blood smell rotten

by Guillermo Wisoky Published 1 year 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.

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.

What does it smell like during your period?

Why does my tampon smell rotten?

What does it mean when you smell fishy?

Why does my poop smell like it's down there?

Why do women have vaginosis?

How to stop menstrual odor?

What to do if your period smells?

See 4 more

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What does it mean when your period has a foul smell?

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 period blood 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.

How come when I take out my tampon it smells?

Holmes says, so if a tampon smells foul or fishy right when it's removed, you may have bacterial vaginosis or another underlying issue. And if your vagina smells like rot, or as Dr. Holmes puts it, “really strong and horrible like something died”? That almost always signals a forgotten tampon in the vagina, she says.

Why does my period smell like ammonia?

If you notice the smell of ammonia around your vagina, it could be due to extra sweat, urine, or an infection. If the smell doesn't go away with regular rinsing and drinking more water, contact your doctor. You may need a prescription to help treat an underlying infection.

Can guys smell when a girl is on her period?

Myth No. While we each have our own unique scent, menstrual blood itself has no odor.

Can dogs tell when your on your period?

It turns out that both cats and dogs are able to detect menstruation by odor and hormonal levels. Of course, they don't actually have any scientific concept of what's happening in your uterus, but they do know that something is going on.

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.

How can I prevent BV during my period?

You can reduce the risks of getting bacterial vaginosis by following this advice: After going to the toilet, always wipe gently, from the front to the back, to stop bacteria from getting into the vagina. Using pads instead of tampons can help, because tampons can change the normal balance of vaginal bacteria.

Does bacterial vaginosis go away?

At times, BV will go away without treatment. However, treatment can help avoid the increased chance of some serious health risks associated with BV, including: Getting or transmitting HIV; Delivering your baby too early if you have BV while pregnant; and.

How do I get bacterial vaginosis?

Risk factorsHaving multiple sex partners or a new sex partner. Doctors don't fully understand the link between sexual activity and bacterial vaginosis, but the condition occurs more often in women who have multiple sex partners or a new sex partner. ... Douching. ... Natural lack of lactobacilli bacteria.

Does chlamydia smell like ammonia?

Is it a sign of an STI? A vagina that smells like ammonia is rarely a sign of a STI. However, some STIs are known to cause intense or foul-smelling urine, especially chlamydia. It is essential to get tested for STIs, as infections such as chlamydia often occur without symptoms.

Can dehydration make your VAG smell?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and dehydration can sometimes cause urine to smell, which can in turn create an odor (sometimes likened to the smell of bleach or ammonia) in the vaginal area.

What does it mean when you smell like vinegar?

Sweat can smell like vinegar because of diseases such as diabetes, trichomycosis, and kidney disease, or because of hormone changes, certain foods, or skin infections. Sweat is released by sweat glands that are found throughout the body. These are the eccrine, apocrine, and apoeccrine glands.

What should 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.

Is it normal for period blood to smell like fish?

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.

What does implantation bleeding smell like?

Decidual blood and implantation blood are usually light in flow and therefore browner and more tart smelling by the time they make it out -- since they would happen in the second half of the cycle when the pH makes the mucus more acidic and tart rather than sweet. Hope this helps!

How to Get Rid of Menstrual Period Odor | Healthfully

Avoid scented products. Feminine sprays, scented wipes and scented pads or tampons can make menstrual odor worse. According to the University of Chicago, scented products contain chemicals that irritate your vagina, which can lead to increased discharge, infections and increased vaginal odor.

Why may a period smell like rotten egg? - Quora

Answer (1 of 8): Mines smells like x1500 strong metal or pennies because of my iron rich blood. Doesn't sound right for you bro.

Rotten Meat Smell with my Period - Steady. Health

I have no insurance and my husband hasn't worked in 20 months (which equals no money for a doctor visit) so I need some advice.I'm 45, married, 3 kids with real This topic is answered by a medical expert.

Foul menstrual blood odor - Women's Health - MedHelp

I have never noticed much of an odor with my period, up until last month and now today. It is absolutely revolting!!! The blood has gone from being a lightish red to a deepish red-brown and it's kinda gooey and ickey.

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 is the process of apocrine sweat?

Apocrine sweat mixes with bacteria on the skin to produce body odor. The glands release this type of sweat during periods of stress or anxiety. It is different from the sweat lost during exercise, or when the body has a high temperature.

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:

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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