Period FAQs

why does my period smell sweet

by Kirsten Howell V Published 1 year ago Updated 1 year ago
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Sweet. A sweet smell in the period blood is likely due to the acidic environment and the presence of bacteria in the vagina.

Full Answer

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 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.

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 does my period blood smell sweet this month?

Sweet. A sweet smell in the period blood is likely due to the acidic environment and the presence of bacteria in the vagina. Body odor. A person might notice a smell that is similar to body odor ...

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What should period blood smell like?

“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. Good hygiene practices can also combat normal period odors and make you more comfortable during menstruation.

Why does my discharge smell sweet?

A Sweet Smell Some of the bacteria in the vagina can cause a slightly sweet smell. However, if it smells very sweet and you notice a discharge that looks like cottage cheese, this could indicate a yeast infection, particularly if it's accompanied by feelings of burning, dryness, and itchiness.

Does implantation bleeding smell sweet?

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!

Does ovulation discharge smell sweet?

Estrogen levels spike right before ovulation, said Rebecca Booth, MD, an OB-GYN at Women First in Louisville, Kentucky. That estrogen high helps produce a starchy substance called glycogen, which has been shown to improve the pH balance of vaginal tissue, giving it a sweeter smell, explained Dr. Booth.

Does pregnancy discharge smell sweet?

Regular discharge comes out sporadically in small amounts, but amniotic fluid leaks out continuously once your water breaks. Amniotic fluid is usually clear or slightly yellowish, watery, and odorless or slightly sweet-smelling.

What does pregnancy blood smell like?

Lochia will smell like menstrual blood. Some describe it as musty, metallic, sour or stale. However, it shouldn't smell fishy or foul. This could mean bacteria has gotten into your vagina and caused an infection.

Is it my period or am I pregnant?

When you have your period, the flow is noticeably heavier and can last up to a week. Pregnancy: For some, one of the first signs of pregnancy is light vaginal bleeding or spotting that's usually pink or dark brown. This typically happens 10 to 14 days after conception and is usually not enough to fill pads or tampons.

Why does my period blood smell good?

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.

Why do I smell sweet?

Here's why: "When glucose levels are too high, and there's not enough insulin to decrease the blood glucose values, this leads to the formation of ketones [a kind of chemical produced by your liver when it breaks down fats] which have a sweet smell," she explains.

What does pregnancy discharge smell like?

Healthy vaginal discharge during pregnancy is called leukorrhea. It is similar to everyday discharge, meaning that it is thin, clear or milky white, and smells only mildly or not at all.

What does Candida smell like?

a thick, white discharge that can look like cottage cheese and is usually odorless, although it might smell like bread or yeast. pain or burning when urinating (peeing) or during sex.

Can yeast cause sweet smelling urine?

Yeast infection Yeast infections do not cause the urine to smell but can cause vaginal discharge to smell sweet, similar to honey, bread, or beer. Symptoms of a yeast infection include: itching. burning.

What happens to the pH of the vagina?

At different points in your cycle, your vaginal mucus changes in consistency (from watery, thin mucus to thicker, whiter mucus) and when this change occurs, the pH of the mucus changes too. This change in the acidity of the mucus also changes its smell and taste.

Does period blood smell?

Technically speaking, period blood has no odor. The blood can start to smell a bit when it mixes with air and bacteria starts to develop. To my knowledge, decidual or implantation bleeding is no different (be sure to check Molly’s answer to see what she has to say about that). What I do know is this – our bodies each have their own patterns and responses. You’ve noticed something different this month and are rightly asking about it. Typically, a foul odor is an indication that there might be an issue. Unless you’re using a new product such as a scented pad, I’m not sure what could cause a sweet smell. If there’s no product that could explain the smell, ask your healthcare professional about it.

Why does my vagina smell sweet?

The sweet smell from the vagina can also be a part of your pregnancy. The reason for the sweet scent is the hormonal change that occurs in the body. The scent is usually caused by the presence of pheromones which are chemicals that produced by animals to change the behavior of others.

Why does acidity go down during a period?

Before period. As your body prepares for a period, the level of acidity in the vagina will go down due to the changes that occur in the hormones. This reduction in the acidity may lead to the overgrowth of yeast to a certain extent.

What is the role of hormones in vaginal discharge?

Hormones play an instrumental role in the type, thickness, color and smell of the vaginal discharge. When you are aroused, for example, your body produces pheromones which attract your partner. In women, the pheromones are sweet and fruity in nature.

How do you know if you're ovulating?

You will know you are ovulating if, midway your menstrual cycle, you see the following signs: Your vaginal discharge becomes egg-white in nature.

What to do if you smell sweet?

Taking a pregnancy test. If the sweet smell occurs about the time you expect your period, you should take a pregnancy test given that it could be a sign of a pregnancy. Even when the result is negative, repeat the same a week after the date you expected to see your period especially if you missed the period.

What does the color of your vaginal fluid tell you?

The color, texture and odor of your cervical mucus and vaginal fluid can tell a lot about your health. While you may be used to light yellow, blood tinged and odorless fluid, one that smells sweet can be a source of worry.

Why does yogurt smell?

The lactobacillus bacteria causes a fruity or yogurt-like smell whenever it is in reasonably large amounts.

Why is my period delayed?

Just in case: Get a pregnancy test. Periods can be delayed due to physical or mental stress but it's difficult to say what is the threshold for each person. The odo ... Read More

What does yeast smell like?

Yeast infection: Yeast has a sweet-type distinctive smell . If you also have a white cottage cheese consistency discharge and itching, you may try OTC treatments for Ca ... Read More

What does black mean in menstruation?

Menstrual color: Black generally means very old blood, the odor may be something unrelated and since you have pain I would get seen. My concern would be an infection. 3.9k views Answered >2 years ago. Thank.

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.

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.

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.

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:

Do you have a period while pregnant?

People do not have a period during pregnancy, but should still be aware of vaginal health.

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.”.

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.

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