why does my period smell bad this month

7 reasons your period blood smells worse than usual and what you can do to ditch the odor

Full Answer

Why does your period smell like something dead in You?

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.

Why is period poop so weird?

When your progesterone drops, your body has more to get out than usual. You can also blame PMS eating habits and that progesterone drop for your smelly period poops. If your eating habits change during the days leading up to your period, you'll see — and smell — the result in the toilet.

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.

Do periods smell really bad?

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. A person might notice a bad or rotten smell during their period, which could be a sign of a problem.

Is it normal for period blood to stink?

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.

How do you get rid of the smell of your period?

Best Feminine Hygiene Products for Period OdorFeminine Cleansing Spray. The best selling Vaginal Cleanser Feminine Spray for the most convenient vaginal cleansing. ... Feminine Cleansing Wash. ... Deodorizing Dusting Powder. ... feminine hygiene sampler kit.

Why is my period smell so strong?

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.

Why do I smell fishy on my period?

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.

How do you not smell on your period at school?

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 you keep your period fresh?

The Basics of Menstrual HygieneWash Regularly. Bathe or shower at least once a day to keep your body clean and avoid odor. ... And Wash the Right Way. ... Wipe from Front to Back. ... Consider Your Wardrobe. ... Change Pads and Tampons Often. ... Use the Right Tampon Absorbency. ... Use a Menstrual Cup. ... Practice Safe Sex.

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 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 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.

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 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.

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 tell if you have trich?

excessive or thin discharge when you’re not on your period. green or yellow discharge. Both BV and trich require medical treatment. After your doc diagnoses you, you’ll probably need to complete a round (or two) of prescription meds.

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 Menstrual cycles or Periods?

When you get your period, blood and tissue from your uterus leak into your vaginal canal. If we talk about average cases, it happens once a month.

What is the Mechanism of Periods?

Hormones cause the eggs in your ovaries to mature during your menstrual cycle; when an egg is mature, it is ready to be fertilized by a sperm cell. These hormones also thicken and spongify the lining of your uterus. This lining, like almost everything else inside our bodies, is of tissue and blood. It contains a lot of nutrients that can help a pregnancy grow. So, if your egg is fertilized, it will have a nice cozy place to land and begin a pregnancy.

Why does my period smell like salt?

Other odor changes that may occur during your period include a “sweaty gym” odor or an odor of onions or salt. These are most likely the result of poor hygiene during the menstrual cycle. Menstruation odors can be reduced by practicing good hygiene habits. This can be as simple as changing tampons, liners, or pads every few hours.

Why does my period blood smell like copper?

Period blood can have a metallic odor, similar to a copper coin. This is usually due to iron in the blood and is not a cause for concern. However, if it persists after your period has ended, you should consult your doctor.

What to do if your period stinks?

Consult your doctor if your period stinks, and you have any unusual symptoms. Something else could be going on.

Why does my period stop?

If you do become pregnant, your body requires the lining, which is why your period will stop during pregnancy. When you are no longer pregnant, your period returns.

When do you ovulate?

Ovulation occurs when your hormones tell one of your ovaries to release a mature egg about halfway through your menstrual cycle. Most people don’t notice when they ovulate, but some ovulation symptoms include bloating, spotting, or a slight pain in your lower abdomen that you may feel only on one side.

When your flow smells 'rotten'

Some people report that they have a 'rotten' smell during their period. This smell shows up when bacteria mixes with menstrual flow and could be a sign of a problem. It is usually not strong enough for other people to smell.

When your period blood smells 'fishy'

If you notice a'fishy' smell during menstruation, this might indicate a problem that you need to see a doctor for. This smell is most often caused by bacterial vaginosis, which is a common infection that can cause periods to smell a lot stronger than normal.

If your period blood smells 'metallic'

Period blood can sometimes smell metallic, like a copper coin. This is usually due to the iron in the blood and is normally not a cause for concern. However, if it continues after your period ends, it is probably a good idea to talk to your GP.

When your period smells sweet

If you catch a sweet whiff coming from your period blood, don't worry too much, this is common and is normally just due to the acidic environment and bacteria in your vagina.

Can other people smell my blood?

Most of the time, although you may be able to smell your period, it shouldn't be strong enough for anyone else to pick up on. Periods are a natural part of life and nearly every person with a period will tell you they've had a funky smell at some point or another - so don't feel embarrassed!

How can I improve the smell of my period blood?

First of all, if you're worried about the smell of your period at any time, be sure to check in with your doctor to make sure that there are no infections going on. Once you've eliminated the chances of any infection, there's a number of things that you can do to try and reduce the smell of your period blood. Here's a few tips:

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.

When is bad period smell, bad?

Let us reiterate – your period blood is not odourless. Some amount of metallic odour is normal. And, on some days or during some months, it may be stronger. Some women, however, experience other types of period smell – fishy or sweet. These aren’t normal and usually indicate some issue down there.

It could also just be poor hygiene

How often do you change your pad? Or tampon? Many women keep a pad on for ten to twelve hours, and change it only when it is completely soaked. This isn’t the most hygienic thing to do. You should change your pad every four to five hours, no matter how much you’re bleeding. On your light days, you can wear panty liners or smaller and thinner pads.

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.