Your uterus is essentially starting fresh and shedding any blood, tissue and other materials from months of pregnancy. Certain smells during a persons period are completely normal. Normally period blood should not have a strong or foul smell. It contains a mix of blood, mucus and uterine tissue. Doctors do not recommend the use of a douche to clean the vagina. In this article, learn how menstrual cups work and, Spotting before a period is usually harmless, and it may not always have a clear cause. I cannot even believe that something on the Internet was actually true! This article was medically reviewed by Lauren Demosthenes, MD, OB-GYN, senior medical director at, Cassandra Miasnikov is a writer specializing in positive psychology and women's health. What do doctors have to say about the foul smelling period? Accessed Feb. 10, 2022. From skin changes to weight loss to unusual bleeding, here are 15 cancer warning signs that women tend to ignore. That's happened for like the past year-and-a-half - 2 years. Pain During Sexual Intercourse Honestly I don't know how to get it out? A person can try to remove an old tampon from the vagina by finding the string and pulling it out. Bacterial vaginosis CDC fact sheet. 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! With so many products claiming, Read More 6 Ingredients to Look for in the Top Fat Burning Pills for WomenContinue. Contact your healthcare provider if your discharge is extremely foul or fishy, as it could indicate an infection. You're dealing with blood, after all. A yeast infection usually doesn't cause vaginal odor. It has a stale, musty odor like menstrual period discharge and can last several weeks. Now I can rest easy. The flow is lighter, and you may not fill pads as quickly. Recovering from Delivery (Postpartum Recovery). Some vaginal bacteria can naturally have a sweet smell, according to Women's Medical Associates of Nashville. MedHelp is not a medical or healthcare provider and your use of this Site does not create a doctor / patient relationship. Have a fever? Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Other, Noticing blood clots in your menstrual blood is perfectly normal. Well, that can depend on the products you prefer: How to treat it: Changing your menstrual products on time can reduce unwanted odors and help lower your risk of urinary tract infections, STIs, and toxic shock syndrome. I cannot believe that all these posts lead me to do the same thing. It is hard to imagine people who would be careless about their hygiene for any reason. Just like our bodies have their smell but when mixed with our bodys bacteria it gives the unbearable, strong smell of sweat. I thought I was losing my mind lol I said how could I forget about a tampon. A person with trichomoniasis might notice an unusual fishy smell from the vagina and a change in vaginal discharge. Normal vaginal discharge varies in color, smell, texture and amount. Here's What Your Vaginal Odor Is Trying to Tell You, 3 Reasons You Might Have Vaginal Discharge After Working Out, What Your Vaginal Discharge Means, According to an Ob-Gyn, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Bacterial Vaginosis CDC Fact Sheet, Women's Medical Associates of Nashville: "The Most Common Vaginal Odors (And Why They Happen)". That includes when you're on your period. It will surely be a great help in relieving you from that foul smelling period. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on . How to treat it: If you think you have BV, you'll need to seek medical aid. The smell was so bad a drop got on my panties and I could smell it through my clothes. Lochia is different for everyone. Lochia is postpartum bleeding and discharge. It took 3 tries and 30 mins to get it out. and that smell made me gag! include protected health information. This can be as simple as making sure you change tampons, liners, or pads every few hours. Similarly, vaginal washes are risky, too. There are a lot of minor and major vaginal infections that can develop in no time. Vaginitis: Diagnosis and treatment. This is due to the presence of apocrine sweat glands in the genital region. Vaginal odor Causes - Mayo Clinic You know your body and when is something is off, don't second guess it. I could NOT believe it! The natural odour may not even be strong enough to smell through your clothing unless the body sweats. "During the menstrual cycle, you should use a gentle cleanser without fragrances. For most people, it gradually subsides over several weeks without causing any problems. Accumulation of blood in one place and then its reaction with the air causes the strongest foul period smell you can ever imagine. I about died too. Just when I was convinced there was nothing inside me I pushed a little further and low and behold I FOUND AN OLD NASTY TAMPON!! There are some similarities between menstrual period blood and lochia. (Also, they're unnecessary, because, remember: Your vagina is a self-cleaning oven.) A person should aim to bathe daily to improve unwanted odors. However, it is a misconception to use scented products to shoo away or kill the foul smelling odour of period. WebFoul-smelling discharge, which causes the period blood smell. Sweat glands in the genital area can amplify the smell of your vaginal microbiome and your skin's natural scent. I pulled mine out about 6 hrs ago. I have not experienced many vaginal infections of any type in my life (I'm 38), so I'm very concerned about this smell. Some people revert to douching which is cleaning the vagina using a certain pump, but this is not recommended by health experts as it could trigger vaginal infections, swelling and cervical cancer. Learn more about the different colors of vaginal discharge here. Thank you so much!! I'm SO GLAD I stumbled upon this thread and that everyone is so honest :). I cannot believe it! Rarely, it signifies a more serious problem. I;ve had all the same things going on. This can't be normal!? Thank you so much guys!! However after some time i got fustrated, cause its not my cup that gets that nasty smell,but its inside me!! People should also speak to a doctor if they experience the following during their period: A doctor can help to identify whether or not a person has an infection or a more severe condition. The flow is heavy, and you may also pass small clots. Here are a few for you: Keep yourself as clean and dry as possible during your period. Brown Discharge & A Foul Smell, Like Old Blood Plus I hardly ever use Tampons and only experience the foul smell during my menstrual. This is not unusual, but a rotten or fishy odor may be a sign of a health condition that needs medical attention. Healthy periods can have a slight smell of blood. Doctors diagnose trichomoniasis with laboratory testing and treat it with antibiotics. At no cost, should you leave a tampon inside you? Common culprits that can disrupt your vaginal microbiome include: How to treat it: Practicing good vaginal and vulvar hygiene will help keep your vaginal microbiome healthy and help reduce intense smells during your period. Otherwise, a doctor will need to remove it. #5: Shes in heat Other options include eating yogurt with active cultures or popping a probiotic. But if you start noticing anything out of the ordinary, you may want to get it checked out. It happens. The market has, in turn, responded by developing menstrual products that focus on convenience. We offer women's health services, obstetrics and gynecology throughout Northeast Ohio and beyond. Genital tract infections. There could be something else going on. "As blood exits the vagina, especially if there's a lot of bleeding, it can change the pH of the vagina," Dr. Shirazian explains. Generally speaking, period odors arent noticeable to Lochia is made up of: Lochia will smell like menstrual blood. WebIn general, foul-smelling period blood is a symptom of a greater health issue, such as a vaginal infection or blockage. Make sure you are getting plenty of rest. Arghhh. If you notice a foul, pus-like smell accompanied by unusual discharge, you could have an STI like trichomoniasis, chlamydia, or gonorrhea. This continuous discharge may be pale, watery, brown, or mixed with blood. How has it not been felt during sex? That can, in fact, trigger the odour and disturb the desired pH level. of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911. Unreal! Why Does My Period Smell so Bad: 7 Causes and What to Came home tonight and keptnoticing. Here, learn about the treatment, prevention, and more. The point being, your vagina doesn't need to smell or taste fruity or really, like anything else besides a vagina. I carried whipes and extra pads around because of it. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Sure as sh*t that's what was going on! Bacterial vaginosis: CDC fact sheet. WebBleeding disorders: You may experience heavy menstrual bleeding if you develop a bleeding or blood clotting disorder. Foul-smelling vaginal discharge. The biggest difference between the two types of discharge is that lochia lasts much longer. Menstrual LIVESTRONG.com may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Here are some tips on how to treat postpartum bleeding: Give your body time to heal. Bleeding is heavy for the first few days but tapers off over several weeks. (try toward the back, its there). Skin, Read More Scab on Nipple: 9 Causes and RemediesContinue, Your email address will not be published. And yes! I'm so glad I found this before it did become something more serious! It implies to a malodour of the period blood which is different from the natural smell of the blood. Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal infection caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. I wish I would have found this forum first! A rotten or foul odor from your nether region warrants a trip to the ob-gyn, Dr. Shirazian says. What Causes Yellow Discharge Before Your Period? Changing your menstrual products on time and cleaning your vulva gently with water and a mild cleanser can clear up any unwanted odors. Last medically reviewed on June 13, 2018. Vaginal cancer. This smell is often related to an infection, such as bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis. I just found this discussion by googling smelly periods. (2017). They both have a distinct smell and begin as a dark red, heavy discharge. This does not mean any kind of restriction on your having sex. Symptoms Here are nine possible causes for yellow discharge before your period, plus signs that you should see a doctor. I had to go home and change clothes! Now if you have a smelly kitty! Sometimes, unusual smells during a persons period are related to hygiene practices. Is this an emergency? Every person is different, but generally, lochia follows a similar progression in color and volume. The Best Period Underwear Options for Any Situation, COVID-19 Vaccine May Cause Temporary, Minor Disruptions in Menstrual Cycle. Period Blood I did go to the doctor who prescribed antibiotics for a UTI. Why? Nassos, P., & Hooper, Clayton. This month my period has come early by roughly 1-2 weeks and the blood smells extremely foul. I got in the shower and inserted a finger. Its also a lot stronger than a normal period smell. And you know what? Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. It occurs when the egg released during ovulation is not fertilized to result in pregnancy. One common indicator of all vaginal infections is abnormal discharge. Why Does My Period Smell? Causes and Treatment - Greatist Sweating also can cause a information highlighted below and resubmit the form. The vagina is an acidic environment with a balance of bacteria that produce odor. This odor is most often attributed to bacterial vaginosis, a type of infection. I dont know how this happened. 33, female. It's also possible that you have an infection. However, it shouldnt smell fishy or foul. You may see red, brown, and even black blood during your period. This kind of odor should raise a red flag. Of course, bloody discharge should smell different to normal vaginal discharge. It only implies that should you should be careful, for instance, you should refrain from oral sex with people who have thrust in their mouth. It's a really easy mistake. A sweet smell in the period blood is likely due to the acidic environment and the presence of bacteria in the vagina. What should I do about this? Good hygiene practices can also combat normal period odors and make you more comfortable during menstruation. Vaginal Odor