"But period blood stays in the vagina for a longer period of time. It's exposed to the bacteria in the vagina, and that's where you get that odor." You might also notice that it doesn't always smell the same. The amount of bacteria in the vagina fluctuates, which can change the smell.
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.
Generally, period blood smells are not noticeable to other people. A person should aim to bathe daily to improve unwanted odors. Additionally, during menstruation, they should change a pad every time they go to the restroom and change a tampon every few hours.
A menstrual period consists of the shedding of an unfertilized egg, blood, and uterine lining tissues. It's completely normal for this combination to have a slight odor after it exits the vagina. This is most likely related to the vaginal substance itself, but bacteria and acidity can also play a role.
Changing pads frequently is usually an easy way to work around any fear of smells. You can usually avoid vaginal smell during your period by ensuring that you change your pad at least every 4 hours, or even more frequently if your flow is intense.
Holmes says, so if a tampon smells foul or fishy right when it's removed, you may have bacterial vaginosis or another underlying issue. And if your vagina smells like rot, or as Dr. Holmes puts it, “really strong and horrible like something died”? That almost always signals a forgotten tampon in the vagina, she says.
Dr Ranjan says, “If your period blood smells fishy, then it indicates that you might have bacterial vaginosis. 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.”
Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) is an uncommon condition that causes an unpleasant, fishy smell. It's also called "fish odour syndrome". Sometimes it's caused by faulty genes that a person inherits from their parents, but this isn't always the case. There's currently no cure, but there are things that can help.
A smelly vagina is a sign of infection
If your vagina has an unusually strong and unpleasant smell, like onions, for long, it may be a sign of an infection like bacterial vaginosis, which is bacterial overgrowth in the vagina.
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.
According to Odors Away, baking something sweet, like cookies or the perfect dessert to complement your fish entree, can replace the fishy smell with something new—and much more pleasant.
Even the smallest change can throw off a person's PH. So, the healthiest way to clean the vulva (which is the external genital area around the vaginal opening) is gently—this skin is soft and sensitive y'all! — with water and unscented soap; or even just plain water. The vagina (the internal part) is self-cleaning.
Air out your period pants
Air your period pants after they have been washed to prevent them from smelling. To air your period pants, spread them out on a flat surface and let them air out away from direct heat or sunlight.
If you are caught out in public with stained pants, simply tie a sweatshirt, sweater, or large shirt around your waist. This will help you hide the stain until you are able to go home for a change of clothing.
A foul, fishy vaginal odor could arise if you've left a tampon in for too long. Change your tampons and pads regularly, according to your menstrual flow. Choose a period product with the right amount of absorbancy for your flow that day. Tampons with a higher-than-necessary absorption can often lead to dryness.
Shower daily. Bathe twice a day to maintain period hygiene and avoid an unpleasant period smell. You can also use hot water as it can also help relieve period cramps and pain. Aside from that, while bathing, rinse from front to back and clean the outer areas of the vagina with water only.
“Those are bacteria's favorite things.” When you leave a tampon in too long, you give bacteria a new place to grow. This can invite in bad bacteria and allow good bacteria to overgrow. Be on the lookout for symptoms that can signify health concerns, like: Bad or increased vaginal odor.
Signs of a retained object or tampon
a very bad smell from the vaginal area but no discharge. a high temperature. vaginal itching. pain or discomfort when passing urine.
No. Masturbating or using sex toys won't change your menstrual cycle.
Bacterial infections:
Excessive panties are always wet vaginal discharge can be caused due to bacterial vaginosis. The discharge is thin, grey coloured and smells like a fish. It also causes itching around the vagina. Having multiple sexual partners and frequent douching are the common causes of bacterial infection.
Excess vaginal discharge can occur due to arousal, ovulation, or infections. Normal vaginal discharge contains a mixture of cervical mucus, vaginal fluid, dead cells, and bacteria. Females may experience heavy vaginal discharge from arousal or during ovulation.
Groin sweat contains fatty acids and proteins which feed bacteria. As the bacteria break down the nutrients in groin sweat, foul-smelling acids are left behind.