Bacterial vaginosis: CDC fact sheet. Warning: This is a fatal condition that needs immediate attention. This will also reduce the sweat in the area, which can increase the menstrual odor. Wash yourselves down there but do not forget to dry. How long does your vagina stink after you take it out? When it came back the blood was much darker than usual and smelled horrific. to Pee With Chlamydia. Makes it so uncomfortable to be around people. Period Blood Lochia is heavy at first but gradually subsides to a lighter flow until it goes away. It is absolutely revolting!!! I tried using the 3-day Monostat, but it appears to not have worked. I'm just as grateful for so many honest people on this this. Several factors can influence the smell of menstrual blood, such as the vaginas pH and the presence of bacteria. A person might notice that their period blood smells metallic due to the presence of blood and iron. One common indicator of all vaginal infections is abnormal discharge. We all know, vaginal discharge accompanies, Read More Fishy Odor No Discharge: 8 Causes, 7 Home remediesContinue, It helps to learn that the combined oral contraceptive is the most common contraceptive used in most parts of the world. Actually i have always been using menstrual cup ( lunette) and at my 2nd last period it started to smell soooo badly. Wow. Take it easy and get as much rest as possible during this time. Overwhelmed by the ever-growing world of period underwear? Green or yellow vaginal discharge is usually a sign of problems. That said, with an STI, the smell will stick around after your period ends. Chlamydia, an STI, often has no symptoms, but must be treated. I can't risk getting naked with my man because the smell is literally that bad. Last medically reviewed on July 26, 2019, For many, it can be hard to distinguish between spotting and periods. Thanks for posting your comments, they saved me from a visit to the obgyn. Use this as a checklist to guard against a smelly period. Foods rich in sugar content can overall lead to a smelly vagina as it could increase the increase the growth of some bacteria that lead to yeast infection. Popular vagina myth-busting ob-gyn Dr. Jen Gunter has an amazing saying: "It's a vagina, not a pia colada!" Gershenson DM, et al. Unlike other common odors, fishiness usually indicates a medical problem that you need to see a doctor for. 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. Contact your healthcare provider if your discharge is extremely foul or fishy, as it could indicate an infection. I have never noticed much of an odor with my period, up until last month and now today. I worried I could be smelled from across the room at work and felt very concerned but too embarrassed to call the doctor. If you've left your tampon, pad, or menstrual cup in for too long, you might notice an overpowering smell of blood. Bad smelling period blood If we combine this information with your protected (try toward the back, its there). (Also, they're unnecessary, because, remember: Your vagina is a self-cleaning oven.) "I've seen retained tampons that can cause a really foul smell because someone has forgotten to take them out," Dr. Shirazian says. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the Contact your healthcare provider if you notice signs of infection like foul-smelling discharge or if your vaginal bleeding gets worse. National Library of Medicines list It is acidic compounds that build up in the blood and make it smell Bacterial vaginosis: Clinical manifestations and diagnosis. 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. Bacterial vaginosis stems from an imbalance in the naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina. Lochia and menstrual blood are similar in that the bleeding subsides before going away. Just now at 2am I found the culprit. Burning, especially while urinating or during sex, Yellow, green, or other unusually colored discharge, which may mix with blood during your menstrual cycle, Pain in your lower abdomen, which could feel similar to menstrual cramps, Vaginal itching, burning, or pain especially during urination or vaginal sex, Spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods, Lower back pain, which could feel similar to menstrual cramps, Pain or bleeding after sex due to tumor growth, Unintentional weight loss or a decreasing appetite. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. I just happened to stumble on this post and Ill be damned if it wasnt a tampon!! The biggest difference between the two types of discharge is that lochia lasts much Avoid douching and scratching anywhere down there. This could mean bacteria has gotten into your vagina and caused an infection. Some women also get brown discharge as they ovulate, which is an ovulation bleeding. People with PID experience symptoms such as lower abdominal pain, pain during sex, fever, irregular menstrual period, and vaginal discharge with a foul smell. The resulting rotten odor from bacteria mixed with the menstrual flow should not be strong enough to detect others. Doctors do not recommend the use of a douche to clean the vagina. I thought it was an infection but after reading the comments I went to the bathroom and sure enough, I found it. I had one way up there turned long ways. Lochia has three stages. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Sweet - A sweet smell in period blood is likely due to the acidic environment and the presence of bacteria in the vagina. I thought. Take care of your vaginas health just like you do for any other part of your body. 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 don't want to wait, you can talk to your doctor about a prescription for metronidazole, an antibiotic treatment for BV. An odor might be especially noticeable right after having sex. Your email address will not be published. It is absolutely revolting!!! You can expect to soak one thick maxi pad every two to three hours. Lochia is postpartum bleeding and discharge. Those who do face this period blood smell may feel somethings wrong with them or that they are not keeping clean down there. I cannot even believe that something on the Internet was actually true! Wow. 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. So if you have a terrible smell and drops of dark smelly blood. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. But nope.. it was an old, disgusting, revolting, putrid tampon. Experts say disruptions to a woman's menstrual cycle from the COVID-19 vaccine are usually temporary and minor. One of the biggest reasons why period blood smells is because it has to exit through the vagina, which is full of bacteria. This can last for a few weeks. A person might notice that their period blood smells metallic due to the presence of blood and iron. I cannot explain how foul the smell is but it makes me physically retch. Here, Taraneh Shirazian, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn with NYU Langone, breaks down different period smells and their meanings. It was horrific. 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!! (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23101487/), (https://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/your-body-after-baby-the-first-6-weeks.aspx), (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10772198/). This is due to the presence of apocrine sweat glands in the genital region. I am affraid that due to stress i dont feel the pain and i can makd more trouble for myself.. Welp! It is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a diagnosis of any health or fitness problem, condition or disease; or a recommendation for a specific test, doctor, care provider, procedure, treatment plan, product, or course of action. (If it's tough to get to your gyno, there are online sexual health companies, such as Wisp, where you can chat with a doc about your symptoms, see if the Rx is a good option for you and then get them shipped to your home.). Other odor changes during your period can include a sweaty gym smell or an odor of onions or salt. Ditto to all your comments. 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. Bleeding is heavy for the first few days but tapers off over several weeks. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. These are most likely caused by not practicing good hygiene during the menstrual cycle. Helpful - 0 Comment Emem47 Odor* sorry Helpful - 0 include protected health information. This month my period has come early by roughly 1-2 weeks and the blood smells extremely foul. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. I pray the smell will go away. Now if you have a smelly kitty! Also, some people are known to leave tampons inside them. Down to the bathroom. Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine. We offer women's health services, obstetrics and gynecology throughout Northeast Ohio and beyond. Didn't find the answer you were looking for? OMG! Honestly I don't know how to get it out? Lochia lasts about six weeks in most people. Period blood can have different odors based on numerous factors. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. As much annoying as it is to face with a smelly period, it is a blessing to have simple home remedies and easy cures to counter this. How did you guys get it? Millions of women around the world are found to be complaining of foul smelling period. (2017). Risk factors for bacterial vaginosis include new or multiple sex partners and douching. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. It can also cause your bleeding to start again or get heavier. Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. Dont wash the inside of your vagina. Vaginal odor Causes - Mayo Clinic Read More Ingrown hair on labia: 7 Causes, Symptoms, and 3 TreatmentsContinue, Scab on Nipple can be an alarming sign of some major diseases of the breast. I mean this thing looked ancient when I pulled it out. These products can irritate the vaginal area. I wish I would have found this forum first! However, there are signs of abnormal bleeding or discharge you should watch for. Its also a lot stronger than a normal period smell. The vaginas acidic environment and the presence of different types of healthful bacteria may also play a role in the smell of vaginal secretions and period blood. Now I can rest easy. Some people might notice different types of smell to their period blood, such as a metallic or sweaty smell. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. A sweet smell in the period blood is likely due to the acidic environment and the presence of bacteria in the vagina. Some describe it as musty, metallic, sour or stale. If a person has bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis during pregnancy, they have a higher chance of delivering their baby prematurely or having a baby with low birth weight. Period blood Reasons for a Generally speaking, period odors arent noticeable to others. It occurs when the egg released during ovulation is not fertilized to result in pregnancy. Menstrual Lochia is the vaginal discharge you have after giving birth. I've had this issue but if it was a tampon, wouldn't my OBGYN see it during my Pap? Thank you ladies!!!! I finished my period yesterday rather abruptly, which is also unusual for me as it normally tapers off slowly. 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. Thank God I got to the bottom of this! It is hard to imagine people who would be careless about their hygiene for any reason. period blood isn't the same as normal blood though, it's blood and tissue. it's got the iron content which would explain the tangyness but obviously it's going to taste different as it's more 'meaty' and the addition of normal fluids is going to alter the taste as well. WebBrown or red: Brown or red discharge is usually related to irregular menstruation or pregnancy (implantation bleeding). Learn more about some of the common odors associated with periods, and which symptoms warrant a doctors visit. However, some people have traces of lochia for up to eight weeks. 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! I instantly felt better getting that nastiness out of me. Heavy flows and cramps can be a common experience during your periods. After about a week, lochia is more watery and transitions to a pinkish brown color. The uterus is by design a cavity in the body, but it naturally does not retain any fluid like other cavities. It was lodged in the crevice by my cervix. Came home tonight and keptnoticing. Treatments for cervical cancer include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or a combination of these. WebYour vaginal discharge may smell slightly metallic like copper pennies when youre menstruating. I could not stand the smell of myself and could not figure out WTH was wrong with me. If the mix of bacteria in your vagina (aka your vaginal microbiome) changes, your period blood may take on a different scent. And to what a suprise it got smelly straight away! Wouldn't I have gotten TSS or some sort of fever or infection?? If you have brown or red-tinged discharge and its not These contribute to the foul period smells. Recovering from Delivery (Postpartum Recovery). Otherwise, a doctor will need to remove it. My Dog Smells Like Period Blood You ladies saved my sanity. Swelling or pain around your vaginal area. Mild soap and water do just fine, because they can cleanse the area without changing vaginal pH. To avoid infection, change your maxi pad every few hours and dont insert anything into your vagina for at least six weeks. I dont know how this happened. Those are additional symptoms that should spur a trip to the doctor, as these may signal an infection that needs to be evaluated and treated immediately. I had weird spotting all in between these two periods of dried blood and I was worried and wondering what was wrong with me but now I know why! 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. This odor is most often attributed to bacterial vaginosis, a type of infection. 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. How to treat it: If sweat is to blame, then washing your vulva gently with warm water and mild soap should get rid of the smell. Low and behold, a tampon was stuck quite a way up and was sideways and wedged with the string curled around it. 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. Last medically reviewed on June 13, 2018. A yeast infection usually doesn't cause vaginal odor. A person might notice a fishy smell during their period and also outside of menstruation. Simply let soapy water run down your body in the shower. Plan on going through several large, thick pads per day for at least a week. Orange period blood. The strong odor is most likely caused by blood and tissues exiting the vagina, along with bacteria. But your blood should typically have a similar odor from month to month, whether it smells more metallic, sweet, or something else. When we sweat, the water, salt and fat mix with this bacteria and can cause odor. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If your period blood has an unusually strong or unpleasant odor, it could be a sign of an infection called bacterial vaginosis, which can cause a sweet or fishy odor.. Ketone also causes period blood smell sweet. Same thing going with me - I had a very foul, putrid smell towards the end of my menstrual cycle. I'm really scared about this abrupt change in the odor. Bumps in the genital area might be STDs, but are usually not serious. Can I Get STDs Through Casual Contact Like Hugging or Touching? "Avoid douching and vaginal steaming, and clean your sex toys, as these can spread STIs," says Dr. Sophia Yen, CEO of Pandia Health and professor at Stanford Medical School. My period was dark red, yucky, reeked- the whole 9 but the suggestion to squat down is a must!!! When you have a hormone imbalance, your body isnt getting the signals it needs to do this on schedule. When its OK to have sex again, use contraception because you can still become pregnant even if your menstrual period hasnt returned. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. This is not unusual, but a rotten or fishy odor may be a sign of a health condition that needs medical attention. If your periods are also really heavy and long-lasting, talk to your doctor about options that can minimize the length and duration of your period, such as oral hormonal birth control or an intrauterine device (IUD), Dr. Shirazian says. Policy. They might also notice itching, burning, or soreness in the genital area. Finally, after about 10 to 14 days, lochia changes to a creamy, yellowish-white color. Bacterial vaginosis produces a fishy smell, which is more pronounced during menstruation, as blood increases the vaginal alkalinity. This kind of odor should raise a red flag. It's also possible that you have an infection. This is typically due to the presence of iron in the blood and is not usually a cause for concern. Its the tampon that was full of blood at one point ringing itself out as you urinate and take baths inside of you. [8] You may want to shower more than once on heavier days. Very embarrassing indeed. All rights reserved. Pink period blood. In other words, this is a completely normal smell. If you are not allergic to dairy products, try including more yoghurt in your diet when you are on your period. In such cases, the odors are accompanied by other symptoms, such as vaginal discharge or pelvic pain thats not related to normal menstruation. I'm 35 and have never had a foul smelling period. It can also cause a buildup of harmful bacteria and lead to infections, such as bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections. privacy practices. Why does my period blood smell so bad? | Proof We avoid using tertiary references. Here are nine possible causes for yellow discharge before your period, plus signs that you should see a doctor. Brown Discharge: Possible Causes and Symptoms - Mira Fertility 2. Here are the seven most common reasons why your period smells stronger than usual and what to do next. You should also visit a doctor periodically to ensure it is free from infections and so on. Introducing bacteria and objects into your vagina before it has healed can cause infection. The use of menstrual cups is also recommended be a few as they last longer than sanitary pads and tampons. However, it shouldnt smell fishy or foul. Soap can dry the skin and alter the sensitive pH of the vulva, predisposing you to infection," Markidan says. While the exact cause of this overgrowth isnt understood, bacterial vaginosis seems to be most common in women who are sexually active. Cervical cancer. WebPeriods happen when your body sheds the lining of your uterus. This infection, in turn, would cause the foul smelling period. WebIn general, foul-smelling period blood is a symptom of a greater health issue, such as a vaginal infection or blockage. Ferri FF. Sometimes, unusual smells during a persons period are related to hygiene practices. Yeast infection is a commonly known vaginal infection, but it is not necessarily the reason for a foul smelling period because it makes the vagina generally smelly or smells like fish due to the bacterial reaction. If your period blood has an onion-like smell, then it is an indication that your hygiene practices during the menstrual cycle are compromised. You should follow proper cleaning practice i.e. cleaning your vagina from front to back, and please no douching at all, she suggested. 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! I had the exact same symptoms as the original poster. Office on Women's Health. Dr Ranjan says, If your period blood smells fishy, then it indicates that you might have bacterial vaginosis. Si glad google search lead me here. Vaginal odor can change from day to day during the menstrual cycle. If practicing good hygiene and changing menstrual products on time doesn't help, call your doctor. However, that was simply not the case , based on what just happened to me! Irregular Periods (Abnormal Menstruation): Causes & Treatment Factors like the foods you eat, hormones or medications can affect body odor. Pain During Sexual Intercourse I cannot believe it! It consists of blood, mucus, uterine tissue and other materials from your uterus. How to treat it: If you think you have BV, you'll need to seek medical aid. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Cleveland Clinics Ob/Gyn & Womens Health Institute is committed to providing world-class care for women of all ages. What does it mean to have a foul smelling period? Due to hormonal changes, a person might have more normal vaginal discharge during pregnancy than they usually do. Use a gentle soap and your hands to clean the vaginal area. Period Blood It results from the overgrowth of normal vaginal bacteria. Omg- this post could have saved my life!! Most of the time, that's actually A-OK. In most cases, an unusual odor during your period doesn't pose a cause for concern. . Thank you so much to all of you for being brave enough to post this and respond. Every person is different, but generally, lochia follows a similar progression in color and volume. I had to go home and change clothes! 170lbs, 510. The vaginal discharge is usually yellow, green, or brown but may look black. Been menstruating since 12 years old. I think this article might well have saved my life. Do not use any sprays or scents down there to chase away the foul smell as it would only aggravate it. There are a lot of minor and major vaginal infections that can develop in no time. All rights reserved. Lochia (Postpartum Bleeding): How Long, Stages, Smell & Color I must have taken out a dry tampon which disintegrated and left some inside.This was indeed the culprit and I am so grateful to all you other posters as I was worried sick! Similarly, vaginal washes are risky, too. 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. Sherman D, Lurie S, Frenkel E, Kurzweil Y, Bukovsky I, Arieli S. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Plus I hardly ever use Tampons and only experience the foul smell during my menstrual. Bright red period blood. Sure as sh*t that's what was going on! With so many products claiming, Read More 6 Ingredients to Look for in the Top Fat Burning Pills for WomenContinue. If left untreated, it can lead to: Sterility. Its usually a dark green color. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Your period can produce an odor, which may even be different month to month. While most odors are healthy, some may be signs of an infection. Because yoghurt contains certain bacteria that help maintain your vaginas pH level. You shouldnt douche either, as the process can get rid of healthy vaginal bacteria and lead to infection. Any odors you might notice during your period can also fluctuate. You know your body and when is something is off, don't second guess it. 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. Bacterial vaginosis is treated with antibiotics. Never for one minute did I think I had a retained tampon and yes I've just found it! They both have a distinct smell and begin as a dark red, heavy discharge. Deodorizing products, such as wipes and sprays, arent recommended because of the possibility of irritation. This is because period blood contains iron. Why does period or menstrual blood smell bad? STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching. Here, learn about the treatment, prevention, and more. I have no idea how long it has been inside me. Many studies have also shown that some ladies including both adults and teenagers, go through this wrecking social experience of avoiding their peers or their peers avoiding them due to the fishy odour around them. Cervical cancer can cause a heavier flow or longer menstruation, and you may notice the odor becomes more intense during your period.