- 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 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.
Why does my period blood have funny and strong smell?
You have your period. You’ve probably found that your vaginal odor smells a little more intense when you’re bleeding, and that’s normal, Dr. Shepherd says. Blood has an elevated pH, and that can throw your vaginal flora off a little during your period. Usually it’s not a huge change in scent, and it goes away once your period wraps up, she says.
What does it smell like during your period?
What does it mean when you smell fishy?
Why does my poop smell like it's down there?
Why does my tampon smell rotten?
Why do women have vaginosis?
How to stop menstrual odor?
What is the treatment for bacterial vaginosis?
See 4 more
About this website
How to Get Rid of Menstrual Period Odor | Healthfully
Avoid scented products. Feminine sprays, scented wipes and scented pads or tampons can make menstrual odor worse. According to the University of Chicago, scented products contain chemicals that irritate your vagina, which can lead to increased discharge, infections and increased vaginal odor.
Why may a period smell like rotten egg? - Quora
Answer (1 of 8): Mines smells like x1500 strong metal or pennies because of my iron rich blood. Doesn't sound right for you bro.
Rotten Meat Smell with my Period - Steady. Health
I have no insurance and my husband hasn't worked in 20 months (which equals no money for a doctor visit) so I need some advice. I'm 45, married, 3 kids with really regular periods, well up until Dec/Jan.
Foul menstrual blood odor - Women's Health - MedHelp
I have never noticed much of an odor with my period, up until last month and now today. It is absolutely revolting!!! The blood has gone from being a lightish red to a deepish red-brown and it's kinda gooey and ickey.
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.
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 Periods Smell a Certain Way?
It’s really blood, plus uterine lining tissue, and of course, the normal fluids that your vagina excretes. This combination has a slight, sometimes metallic odor, which can fluctuate due to things like bacteria and acidity. So you do not have to ask yourself “Why does my period blood smell?” anymore. Now you know.
Can I Use Scented Menstrual Products?
The menstrual care aisle at the store can be overwhelming for many reasons. There are just so many different products, all claiming to be the key to an easier period. And, of course, there is the section of products with delicate floral scents, promising to hide all period smells.
What is Binti charity?
We’ve teamed up with Binti to help you do exactly that! Binti is a UK-based charity that makes it its mission to bring menstrual education around the world. As they describe it:
Why are we so big fans of Bintoi?
We are big fans of Bintoi because their goals are so similar to our own goals. We’re working with them to help make a difference—for every menstrual cup bought in the UK, we will donate a cup to Binti so that they can help bring menstrual dignity to someone in need.
Do bears like menstrual blood?
At least as far as National Park Service in Yellowstone is concerned, there is no statistical evidence showing that bears are attracted to menstrual blood.
Can you smell your period?
Generally, your period won’t be noticeable to others. If it is strong enough to be noticed through your pants, for example, it’s more likely that you have sprung a leak than anyone can smell anything through your menstrual care device. If you don’t have a leak and a smell is still noticeable, you may have another infection and should go see your doctor about the issue.
Does silicone cup make odor?
Try a medical silicone menstrual cup; it is worn inside and catches rather than absorbs menstrual flow, which means no opportunity for it to emit an odor
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.
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.
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.
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.
