Your period can produce an odor, which may even be different month to month. Some women report that their period “smells like death,” though this isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. The strong smell is likely due to the blood and tissues exiting the vagina along with bacteria.
Is period blood supposed to have a smell?
This is a normal odor during your period. Blood is iron-laden, so it is natural to smell that way, especially if you leak and let it dry. Side note: Don’t forget that women tend to lose iron every month via period blood, so be sure to eat your veggies!
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 “rotten” smell 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 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.
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 discharge smell sour?
A slightly tangy or sour aroma, similar to the smell of some fermented foods, is normal. This is due to the presence of the “lactobacilli” bacteria that dominates most healthy vaginas. This bacteria helps keep the vagina acidic, protecting against the growth of bad bacteria.
How do I stop my period blood from smelling?
One of the best things you can do to prevent strong period blood smells is to practice proper vagina care and good hygiene. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet and exercising regularly can help maintain the pH levels in your vagina and prevent infection.
What does BV smell like?
Bacterial vaginitis (BV) can produce a fishy odor that is also accompanied by increased vaginal discharge, irritation, burning and sometimes itching. It is caused by an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria that disrupts the balance of healthy bacteria that live within the vagina.
Why does my period smell?
Period blood can have a metallic smell, like a copper coin. 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.
What should my 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 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.
How do you make your VAG smell good while on your period?
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.
How do I get rid of the odor down there?
Avoid tight underwear, pantyhose, and girdles.Maintain a Healthy Weight. Often, “vaginal odor” doesn't come from the vagina at all. ... Switch to Tampons or a Menstrual Cup. Sanitary napkins frequently present a more noticeable smell. ... Use a Condom and Pee After Sex. ... Don't Douche.
Why does my discharge smell like sour cream and onion?
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.
Can other people smell my discharge?
Many women become concerned that other people can detect the odor around their vulva and vagina. In reality, women are most sensitive to their own odor, and it's very unlikely that others who don't have intimate contact with them can smell it.
What does chlamydia discharge smell like?
What does chlamydia discharge smell like? Chlamydia discharge usually has a strong, foul smell. The odour of chlamydia discharge in women is sometimes said to be fishy, or similar to the smell of pus.
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.
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 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.
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 is the treatment for bacterial vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis is treated with antibiotics. Once the bacteria is balanced out after treatment, you should no longer notice any unusual smells or other symptoms during your period.
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.
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.
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.
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 do i always have sour smelling period blood on my first day every month?
There are a couple: Of issues. Blood can have a sort of metallic smell, the odor of which derives from complexities it is hard to understand. Another is your sense of smell and your perception, while the last is whether the smell is from the vagina. It does not sound like a serious medical problem, more a curiosity. Good luck.
Black colored blood on the first day of period?
Please Clarify: Having a period means you have blood. What is the question here? You are having a period. Sometimes blood is brown, sometimes it is black. And it can be every shade of red between the two.
Why does my period blood smell fishy?
It’s a type of infection that gets treated with antibiotics. The bacteria gets mixed with blood, and due to its reaction with the iron content, it creates a funky smell.”
What does it mean when your period blood smells like rotten meat?
If your period blood smells like a rotten meat loaf, then it means that it’s time to change your sanitary pad or tampon.
Why does my period smell sweet?
If your period blood smells a little on the sweeter side, don’t get hassled because it is completely normal. This happens when the pH level of your vagina shifts more towards the acidic side.
Why does my vagina smell like onion?
“If your period blood has an onion-like smell, then it is an indication that your hygiene practices during the menstrual cycle are compromised.
Does blood smell like blood?
Well, blood is odorless. If you have ever experienced a finger cut, and if blood oozed out of it, then you must have observed there is no smell as such. But when it comes to your vagina, the blood down there stays for a while, and comes in contact with air and bacteria – hence, the foul smell.
Is period blood real?
Period blood odour is a real thing, ladies. Whatever your period blood smells like, it always reveals something about your overall health and well-being. Read on to know more. Your period blood is the window to your health. Image courtesy: Shutterstock.
Why does my vagina smell like a penny?
Many people report smelling a coppery, metallic vaginal odor. This is usually nothing to worry about. Rarely, it signifies a more serious problem. A coppery smell can also be due to less common, but serious, causes of vaginal bleeding.
What is the smell of a vagina?
1. Tangy or fermented. It’s very common for vaginas to produce a tangy or sour aroma. Some compare it to the smell of fermented foods. In fact, yogurt, sourdough bread, and even some sour beer contain the same type of good bacteria that dominate most healthy vaginas: Lactobacilli.
What are the red flags of a bad smell?
In general, abnormal odors should be easy to spot. They’re the ones that make your face scrunch up. Rotting fish, dead organism, decay — these are all red flag odors. If there’s a serious cause, often other symptoms will appear alongside the smell.
Can Vicks vaporub cause bacterial vaginosis?
Widely acknowledged by the medical community as harmful to the natural balance of vaginal flora, this common tool that cleans the vagina might actually cause bacterial vaginosis instead. Last year, the internet even suggested using Vicks VapoRub as a DIY treatment for vaginal scents.
Is it safe to remove a tampon?
Fortunately, Minkin says it’s perfectly safe to remove a forgotten tampon on your own.
Does menopause affect pH?
Menopause also has an effect on vaginal pH. “Due to a lack of estrogen, women in menopause end up with less vaginal mucosa,” says Minkin. “Vaginal mucosa lines the vagina and nurtures the Lactobacilli bacteria. So, without these cells you can end up with a much higher pH.”.
Is skunky like weed?
Skunky like BO or a smoked herbal, earthy scent. No, it’s not just you. Many people find a similarity between body odor and marijuana. Sadly, there isn’t a good scientific answer for this, although Vice did take a stab at it.
