Is it normal to have a smell after period?
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.
Why do I feel like fainting before your period?
Hormonal Changes
- Hypoglycemia. In some women, these hormonal shifts can cause changes in insulin sensitivity that can lead to episodes of relatively low blood sugar called hypoglycemia .
- Fluid Shifts. Another possibility for why you have fainting episodes is linked to fluid shifts in your body. ...
- POTS. ...
Why do I fart a lot before my period?
What causes a person to fart more than normal?
- Hard-to-digest foods. Some foods are more difficult for your body to digest than others. ...
- Digestive disorders. These digestive disorders interfere with normal digestion, placing stress on your digestive system, and often result in excessive farting.
- Stress. ...
- Constipation. ...
- Changes in the amount or type of bacteria in your digestive tract. ...
Can your period cause you to smell like fish?
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.
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 .
How do you know if you have a fishy smell?
Other symptoms you may have. You may notice a fishy odor when you use the restroom or after you have sex. You may also notice the odor changes to a fishy smell after you sweat. If you have additional symptoms like unusual discharge or itching, burning, or redness, see your doctor.
What is the most common cause of vaginal inflammation?
Vaginitis is inflammation or an infection of the vagina. It is most commonly caused by a bacterial infection, but can also be caused by a yeast infection or a sexually transmitted infection (STI) called trichomoniasis. A fishy odor is a common symptom.
What foods can cause a fishy smell in the vagina?
Some foods may cause a fishy or other vaginal odor. They include asparagus, broccoli, certain spices like garlic, onions, and some types of fish. If you are concerned, you can avoid these foods. But they are all considered healthy in moderation, so you don’t need to cut them out of your diet completely.
What to do if you have vaginal odor?
If you are experiencing symptoms of vaginitis or are concerned about your vaginal odor, see your OB-GYN. They will likely perform a pelvic exam where they’ll look inside your vagina for inflammation or abnormal discharge. They also may take a sample of the discharge for lab testing. They can also perform a pH test.
Why does my urine smell fishy?
Fishy odor from your urine can be caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI). The bacteria from the infection can contaminate the urine and cause a distinct fishy smell . Other symptoms may include urine that is cloudy, burning sensation when urinating, or other mild pain when you pee. Certain foods and conditions can also change the smell ...
What antibiotics are prescribed for vaginal infection?
A commonly prescribed antibiotic for vaginitis is metronidazole (Flagyl) tablets or a cream or gel such as clindamycin (Cleocin) that you apply to your vagina.
How to clean a douching area?
Avoid using any douching product or anything with dyes or a strong fragrance. Instead, when you shower or take a bath, use just a gentle soap and water to clean the area. (Avoid harsh soaps, putting anything in your vagina, or using any products with a scent.) When you are done, gently pat dry.
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 does "trusted source" mean?
Trusted Source. is a protozoal infection that a person can pass to another person through sex. A person with trichomoniasis might notice an unusual fishy smell from the vagina and a change in vaginal discharge. They might also notice itching, burning, or soreness in the genital area. Doctors diagnose trichomoniasis.
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.
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.
Why does my period blood smell metallic?
Period blood may smell metallic due to the presence of blood and iron.
How do doctors diagnose trichomoniasis?
Doctors diagnose trichomoniasis with laboratory testing and treat it with antibiotics.
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.
