If you have brown or red-tinged discharge and its not WebYour vaginal discharge may smell slightly metallic like copper pennies when youre menstruating. So i threw it away and for my next period i got a new cup. If your period smells and you notice unusual symptoms, see your doctor. There is, however, a substantial population who seem to have never had this unpleasant experience. This is not uncommon. Lochia consists of all the contents in your uterus from nine months of pregnancy. An odor might be especially noticeable right after having sex. Learn more about some of the common odors associated with periods, and which symptoms warrant a doctors visit. When we sweat, the water, salt and fat mix with this bacteria and can cause odor. Learn more about the different colors of vaginal discharge here. This can be as simple as making sure you change tampons, liners, or pads every few hours. Thank you! Thank you!!! Period Blood Smell | Types of smell | When to see a doctor? Si glad google search lead me here. This can't be normal!? How to treat it: Estrogen treatments and vitamins can increase vaginal lubrication and improve odors, since vaginal secretions change in response to a combination of hormonal and dietary factors. WebFoul menstrual blood odor geezlike I have never noticed much of an odor with my period, up until last month and now today. Never disregard the medical advice of your physician or health professional, or delay in seeking such advice, because of something you read on this Site. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Period blood smell: What you need to know - Medical News Today Why does my period blood smell so bad? | Proof Hormonal changes due to pregnancy or menopause. Accumulation of blood in one place and then its reaction with the air causes the strongest foul period smell you can ever imagine. Consider what a period actually is blood and tissue from your uterus. Lets find out now. You're dealing with blood, after all. The smell was so bad a drop got on my panties and I could smell it through my clothes. I'm so glad I did a search on this issue. Some describe it as musty, metallic, sour or stale. A person might notice that their period blood smells metallic due to the presence of blood and iron. Wow. No wonder my tampons kept going in weird. There will be an odor to the blood and discharge like a typical menstrual period. Smelling blood isnt always a bad thing, though. (2017). Didn't find the answer you were looking for? The first step is always figuring out the underlying source and treating that," Dr. Shirazian says. To be honest I feel so much better knowing that the old smelling blood that was a brownish reddish color finally won't be smelling or looking like that anymore. This is often caused by changes in hormone levels and most often occurs in your early 40s. Last medically reviewed on July 26, 2019, For many, it can be hard to distinguish between spotting and periods. The normal pH of the vagina is 3.84.5, which is acidic. Bacterial vaginosis is treated with antibiotics. I'm so glad that I read this because I didn't know what was going on. Depending on the results, your care team may recommend further testing and a biopsy. BUT after reading these posts I checked one more time in the way that another poster suggested and there was a large piece of an old tampon stuck in there. Honestly I don't know how to get it out? What I do, as I can't imagine not using tampons, Is make a mental note, out and in, like I have a mental process of checks and balances to make sure I don't forget! Anyone who experiences unusual changes in vaginal discharge, strange odors, or vaginal bleeding during pregnancy should speak to a doctor. I about died too. We include products we think are useful for our readers. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. In fact, many people have experienced this smell and never realized it was a sign of anything serious. However, some people have traces of lochia for up to eight weeks. When I saw so many who had found a forgotten tampon I thought I'd better at least check to be safe, though I was certain that was not the case. I pray the smell will go away. (2009). Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. Your body changes the pH level of the vagina while you have your menstrual cycle. She is a Lead Presenter for NAMI's Ending the Silence campaign, where she teaches middle and high schoolers about mental health.Cassandra is the founder of, When vaginal odor is a cause of concern and 5 tips to reduce it, according to OB-GYNs, Period underwear is a reliable and reusable alternative to pads and tampons here's how it works, 10 useful products that will make your period suck less, The signs of a healthy vagina and what you should be doing to keep it that way. Dont wash the inside of your vagina. You may see more lochia: Healing after childbirth takes several weeks. A person with trichomoniasis might notice an unusual fishy smell from the vagina and a change in vaginal discharge. Period blood Bad The resulting rotten smell from bacteria mixed with menstrual flow shouldnt be strong enough for others to detect. Do not, by any means be lazy to change your pad timely for this will surely bring about that odour you are trying to escape. All rights reserved. Foul smelling period: 6 Causes and 6 Treatments I just started my period yesterday and the smell was atrocious!! How to treat it: If you think you have BV, you'll need to seek medical aid. It is different from the sweat lost during exercise, or when the body has a high temperature. "Menstrual blood includes vaginal mucus and endometrial cells. You know your body and when is something is off, don't second guess it. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health There is no need to use special cleansers or sprays to clean the vagina. Clotting. It has a stale, musty odor like menstrual period discharge and can last several weeks. Nonetheless, having a foul smelling period is pretty normal. An odor might be especially noticeable right after having sex. You shouldnt douche either, as the process can get rid of healthy vaginal bacteria and lead to infection. 7 Different Vaginal Smells and Why They Happen However, it shouldnt smell fishy or foul. I'm glad to have found the tampon! But apparently, this has got little or nothing to do with hygiene. Factors like the foods you eat, hormones or medications can affect body odor. It begins as blood before tapering to a whiteish mucus. Find out what could be causing it and how to prevent it in the future. Sherman D, Lurie S, Frenkel E, Kurzweil Y, Bukovsky I, Arieli S. Click here for an email preview. Doctors diagnose trichomoniasis with laboratory testing and treat it with antibiotics. Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection, also can lead to vaginal odor. Warning: This is a fatal condition that needs immediate attention. Thanks for posting your comments, they saved me from a visit to the obgyn. I thought I would check but not post on here either way, but I checked once, found nothing, and read other answers on here saying to squat and bear down so I checked again and there it was, the most foul smelling and terrifying thing I've ever encountered! What does it mean to have a foul smelling period? I'm 35 and have never had a foul smelling period. Ditto to all your comments. I thought you got toxic shock syndrome if you did this, so I was sure that could not be the cause of my strange symptoms and odor. When you stand up out of bed in the morning. And should be the interjor of my vagina clear and smooth or not? A strong odor from down there may be cause for worry, as it could be a sign of an infection. These contribute to the foul period smells. This content does not have an English version. Hainer, B. L., & Gibson, M. V. (2011). I never check that sort of thing but from now on I will regularly!!! The relief and shock was immense! The flow is heavy, and you may also pass small clots. Being a woman is a pain in the butt sometimes, right? The uterus is by design a cavity in the body, but it naturally does not retain any fluid like other cavities. People may wish to see a doctor if. Ugh, well, at least you found it and aren't having any bad repercussions from it. For example, if you have anemia or have recently been out in the sun for an extended period of time, chances are that you will notice your sense of smell is altered or heightened when WebFoul-smelling discharge, which causes the period blood smell. It can be tough to sift through all of the options on the market these days. 2. A person might notice that their period blood smells metallic due to the presence of blood and iron. Certain smells during a persons period are completely normal. National Library of Medicines list 170lbs, 510. Down to the bathroom. I had to go home and change clothes! WebHealthy periods can have a slight smell of blood. The menstrual fluid, consisting of blood, the unfertilized egg, and uterine lining tissue, might have a slight smell to it. Wash yourselves down there but do not forget to dry. It implies to a malodour of the period blood which is different from the natural smell of the blood. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. This is most likely related to the vaginal substance itself, but bacteria and acidity can also play a role. So glad I don't have to go to my doctor tomorrow and be embarrassed because I made and appointment, I thought something was really wrong until I found this blog! Here are nine possible causes for yellow discharge before your period, plus signs that you should see a doctor. Like rotting flesh. And it's just that. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. WebVaginal Discharge, Foul Smelling. other information we have about you. I cannot believe it! Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. To avoid infection, change your maxi pad every few hours and dont insert anything into your vagina for at least six weeks. A healthy lifestyle, a well-balanced diet and an overall hygiene-conscious attitude towards self-goes a long way in eliminating the chances of you having a foul smelling period. Ferri FF. All rights reserved. I'd try that. Cotton sanitary towels are king when it comes to best sanitation to prevent a foul smelling period. Low and behold, a tampon was stuck quite a way up and was sideways and wedged with the string curled around it. I finished my period yesterday rather abruptly, which is also unusual for me as it normally tapers off slowly. It's a common vaginal condition that can cause vaginal odor. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis. Is your Sexual activity affecting your period smell? Lord knows how long it was in there. As I read the comments I thought for sure it was not an old tampon. Make sure you are getting plenty of rest. I have REALLY big blood clots too, some are half dollar size. That includes when you're on your period. The blood is from the lining of the uterus, and it has an odor all its own it generally smells metallic. What do doctors have to say about the foul smelling period? Learn how IUDs can affect your menstrual flow and what you can do about it. Avoid scented tampons and other products, as these can cause irritation and allergic reactions. If practicing good hygiene and changing menstrual products on time doesn't help, call your doctor. Lochia is heavy at first but gradually subsides to a lighter flow until it goes away. Other, Noticing blood clots in your menstrual blood is perfectly normal. Gershenson DM, et al. What Causes Period Blood To Smell Period blood can sometimes be a little smelly, but it may surprise you to learn that in most cases, your period isnt the one to blame. Generally speaking, period odors arent noticeable to If left untreated, it can lead to: Sterility. I tried using the 3-day Monostat, but it appears to not have worked. So, sometimes itll have a vaguely metallic odor, especially when mixed with sweat or Here's what the different period blood colors mean and when to see your doctor. Another lesson learned when you don't recall taking the old tampon out dig a little deeper. If your period blood smells strong and fishy, that might be cause for concern. This would greatly reduce the risk of a foul smelling period. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Plan on going through several large, thick pads per day for at least a week. Unreal! It can also cause a buildup of harmful bacteria and lead to infections, such as bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections. It may just, A menstrual cup is a product that people can use instead of pads or tampons during their periods. I dont know how this happened. Vaginal odor Causes - Mayo Clinic The amount of bloody discharge should taper off on its own until its completely done. We disclaim all responsibility for the professional qualifications and licensing of, and services provided by, any physician or other health providers posting on or otherwise referred to on this Site and/or any Third Party Site. Is it possible that the nasty thing is destroyed in parts in me ( i had sex in the mean time too)? Here, learn about the treatment, prevention, and more. There are many food items that you could include in your diet to help you chase away foul smelling odour from the vagina or menstrual blood. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the Blood infection. There is a problem with There are many over the counter vaginal wash liquids available that are pH balanced and are hence safe to use. Its completely normal for this combination to have a slight odor after it exits the vagina. One common indicator of all vaginal infections is abnormal discharge. Uterine cancer or ovarian cancer: Certain cancers can affect a persons menstrual period. Some women report a fishy smell during menstruation. That saved me! If you prefer not to take hormones, a healthcare professional can offer more information about other treatment options, including vaginal lubrication. Gray period blood. MedHelp is not a medical or healthcare provider and your use of this Site does not create a doctor / patient relationship. Bottom line. (BV can also itch and burn, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, so it's not exactly a walk in the park.) I'm in the exact situation as the question we're all answering almost 34 no health insurance and everything's been normal until I don't know a couple of few periods ago could it have something to do with menopause? Symptoms I am so glad I found this discussion. WebPeriod blood suddenly smelling foul. As exciting as it might sound to bounce back and start with your usual activities, this can prevent you from healing. While the exact cause of this overgrowth isnt understood, bacterial vaginosis seems to be most common in women who are sexually active. Deodorizing products, such as wipes and sprays, arent recommended because of the possibility of irritation. The Best Period Underwear Options for Any Situation, COVID-19 Vaccine May Cause Temporary, Minor Disruptions in Menstrual Cycle. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. People do not have a period during pregnancy, but should still be aware of vaginal health. Normal vaginal discharge varies in color, smell, texture and amount. Lochia may stain your clothes. Proper hygiene habits can help combat the usual odors associated with menstruation. Also made a doctors apt.