Period blood can have a metallic smell, like a copper coin. This is typically due to the presence of iron in the blood and is not usually a cause for concern. However, it should not persist much longer after the period ends.
Takeaway. You may also notice that your period blood doesn't always smell the same. It is because the amount of bacteria in the vagina fluctuates, which can change the smell. A slight change is usually nothing to worry about.
Sweet. While you probably won't smell like a box of chocolates or a strawberry shortcake, your menstrual blood can take on a slightly sweet aroma. If this happens — don't panic. A sweet odor is most likely due to your vagina's ever-changing acidic environment (the pH is usually 3.8-4.5) and the presence of bacteria.
Your vaginal discharge may smell slightly metallic — like copper pennies — when you're menstruating. This is because period blood contains iron. A vagina that smells like ammonia may be a sign that there's urine residue on your genitals (vulva) or that you're dehydrated.
UTIs and other urinary issues
If you experience an ammonia-like vaginal odour, urine might be involved. This can happen if you have a urinary tract infection (UTI). 'This is more likely if a UTI is left untreated and you might be leaking,' explains Dr Rosén.
It's totally normal for healthy girls and women to have a unique odor. Many women become concerned that other people can detect the odor around their vulva and vagina. In reality, women are most sensitive to their own odor, and it's very unlikely that others who don't have intimate contact with them can smell it.
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.
Menstrual cycle. 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.
Black blood can appear at the beginning or end of a person's period. The color is typically a sign of old blood or blood that has taken longer to leave the uterus and has had time to oxidize, first turning brown or dark red and then eventually becoming black.
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.
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.
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.
A change in vaginal odor can happen because of changes in food choices, getting your period, or having sex. Those causes don't require treatment, but others—like STIs and yeast infections—need to be treated in order for them to go away.
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.
Your body odor can change due to hormones, the food you eat, infection, medications or underlying conditions like diabetes. Prescription-strength antiperspirants or medications may help.
Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis
This discharge will usually be white or grey, thin or watery and have a strong, unpleasant fishy smell. This can be more noticeable during and after sex, and during periods.
Healthcare providers may recommend using low-pH (acidic) soaps and lotions to reduce odor. They may also suggest ways you can avoid sweating, like changing your exercise routine.
Conditions affecting the ovaries, womb, or hormone levels can cause sudden heavy periods. These include uterine polyps, endometriosis, and more. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , heavy periods are among the most common health issues that females report to doctors.
Slippery and Mucus-y
If your menstrual blood is slicker than usual, that's probably just because cervical mucus has mixed with the blood. This is normal and usually no reason for alarm. However, you know your body best. If anything seems unusual, make an appointment with your doctor.
What does a decidual cast look like? A decidual cast is usually red or pink. It's made up of tissue, mucus and blood and looks “fleshy” like a piece of raw red meat. It may look similar to a clot you'd see during your period, except it's much larger and has a slightly different texture.
Rotten. A person might notice a bad or rotten smell during their period, which could be a sign of a problem. This type of smell is often due to a foreign body, such as a tampon, that a person has accidentally left in the vagina for too long.