Reasons for a coppery odor
- Blood. Blood contains iron, which has a metallic smell. The most common reason for blood is menstruation. During your period, blood and tissue shed from your uterine lining and travel through your vaginal canal.
- Sex. Light bleeding after sex can be common. This is usually due to vaginal dryness or vigorous sex that can cause small cuts or scrapes. To prevent this, try using lube.
Why does my period blood smell metallic?
Period blood may smell metallic due to the presence of blood and iron. Menstruation involves the shedding of blood and tissue from the uterine lining through the vagina. It occurs when the egg released during ovulation is not fertilized to result in pregnancy.
Why does my blood smell like metal?
Our blood can also contain these fats (lipid peroxides), meaning that iron in the blood can react with the fats in the blood, causing blood to smell metallic without it coming into contact with our skin. The smell of blood: fear or food?
Do all periods smell bad?
“Healthy” periods can have a slight smell of blood. They may even have a slight metallic smell from iron and bacteria. Generally speaking, period odors aren’t noticeable to others.
Why does my period smell like fish?
Some women report a “fishy” smell during menstruation. Unlike other common odors, fishiness usually indicates a medical problem that you need to see a doctor for. This odor is most often attributed to bacterial vaginosis, a type of infection. It’s also a lot stronger than a normal period smell.
Why does my blood smell so metallic?
Because blood contains iron, rubbing blood over skin produces a similar metallic smell, the researchers said. "That humans can 'smell' iron can be interpreted as a sense for the smell of blood," Glindemann said.
How do you get rid of the smell of metal on your period?
This can be as simple as making sure you change tampons, liners, or pads every few hours. Daily showers are also important, and you can help prevent period odors by cleaning the outside of your vagina only. Deodorizing products, such as wipes and sprays, aren't recommended because of the possibility of irritation.
Why does my blood smell like iron?
Rubbing blood over skin results in a similar metallic smell based on the same scent molecules. Blood also contains iron atoms. Says Glindemann, “That humans can 'smell' iron can be interpreted as a sense for the smell of blood.
Why does my period blood smell different?
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.
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 stop your periods from smelling like pants?
2. How to stop period pants smellingChange your period pants frequently.Rinse your period undies thoroughly.Store menstrual underwear carefully until washing.Machine wash your period knickers in a 3/4 full machine.Air or line dry your period underwear.Store period panties carefully until your next menstrual cycle.
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.
What helps you get off your period faster?
If women are on oral contraceptive agents (the pill) their periods often shorten and lighten.Orgasm. ... Exercise regularly. ... Get the right nutrients. ... Try clinically-proven herbal remedies. ... Stay hydrated. ... Hormonal birth control. ... Maintain a healthy weight. ... Phases of the menstrual cycle.More items...
Why does my period blood smell metallic?
Period blood may smell metallic due to the presence of blood and iron.
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.
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 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.
Is it normal to smell during your period?
Certain smells during a person’s period are completely normal. The vagina is an acidic environment with a balance of bacteria that produce odor. Some smells, such as a fishy or rotten smell, are unusual, and a person experiencing them should see a doctor for further investigation.
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 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.
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.
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 vagina smell metallic?
“The two most common reasons for a metallic odor are both normal … blood and semen," OB-GYN Gil Weiss tells Romper. “Blood contains molecules of hemoglobin, which all incorporates iron. It is precisely this iron which contributes to metallic smell.
What does it mean when you smell fishy?
Fishy smells typically mean a bacterial infection. Yeasty smells like beer or bread mean an overgrowth of yeast. A rotting odor might be a forgotten tampon or other infection. A fecal smell, while it could just be hygienic, might point to a vaginal fistula.
Can you smell a miscarriage?
Also, if you think you're getting your period and instead get implantation bleeding, you could get the smell and a baby, which, if you aren't expecting it, might freak you out.
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.
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.”.