8th ed. It occurs when the egg released during ovulation is not fertilized to result in pregnancy. If youve had a cesarean delivery (c-section), you will still bleed for several weeks, but it might be less than if you had delivered vaginally. It happens to most of us. "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. You may see more lochia: Healing after childbirth takes several weeks. 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. 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! One common indicator of all vaginal infections is abnormal discharge. Markiden says bacterial vaginosis is the most common medical cause of vaginal odor. Toxic shock syndrome is really hard to treat, so the sooner someone discovers it, the better chances they have of not getting really sick. How often should you change your menstrual products? cause how am I not sick when it actually smelled like something died inside of me!? Bacterial vaginosis is an overgrowth of bacteria typically present in the vagina. Pinkish brown discharge thats less bloody looking. I worried I could be smelled from across the room at work and felt very concerned but too embarrassed to call the doctor. Here, learn about the treatment, prevention, and more. (2017). Add me to the list. Horrible smells like I've never smelled before. 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. This provides an idle environment for bacteria to flourish and thereby cause infection. 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? Sweet - A sweet smell in period blood is likely due to the acidic environment and the presence of bacteria in the vagina. If you have a foul smelling period, you should instantly cut down on sugary foods. You may have bacterial vaginosis if the fishy smell is accompanied by: Bacterial vaginosis may be noticeable during your period, but its not caused by your menstrual cycle. Well, today my period started and when I went to change out my tampon at work I noticed the most horrific smell. 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. Green or yellow vaginal discharge is usually a sign of problems. No idea how I didn't notice!? other information we have about you. Bottom line. However, some people have traces of lochia for up to eight weeks. It implies to a malodour of the period blood which is different from the natural smell of the blood. If we combine this information with your protected Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Best Period Underwear Options for Any Situation, COVID-19 Vaccine May Cause Temporary, Minor Disruptions in Menstrual Cycle. WebYour vaginal discharge may smell slightly metallic like copper pennies when youre menstruating. How Bad Does It Hurt IVe been using tampons all my life and this has never happened. Ballard, A. good luck. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) can cause side effects. The flow is lighter, and you may not fill pads as quickly. I never check that sort of thing but from now on I will regularly!!! I'm almost 50 so I though it may have to do with menopause but it did coincide with the end of my period even though this period seemed to be kind of long. I read the comments about a tampon getting stuck and didn't think it was my issue, but decided to check anyway and sure enough it was there. Thanks so much, ladies. Accumulation of blood in one place and then its reaction with the air causes the strongest foul period smell you can ever imagine. You should also visit a doctor periodically to ensure it is free from infections and so on. Your body changes the pH level of the vagina while you have your menstrual cycle. This can last for a few weeks. Went in bathroom to check and OMG I am disgusted, but YES an old tampon lodged way up there. Honestly I don't know how to get it out? WebIf you have it, you don't want to ignore it, and one of the main symptoms is a foul smell around the period. Finally googled and saw this. STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching. Deodorizing products, such as wipes and sprays, arent recommended because of the possibility of irritation. I had a very unusual period this month that started and then stopped for over a week. Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine. Down to the bathroom. You might find that you do fine with them, but they may also throw off your vagina's pH and increase the odds of a yeast infection, she says. Nassos, P., & Hooper, Clayton. Another infection that produces a fishy smell during a persons period is trichomoniasis, which is a sexually transmitted infection. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. If you notice other symptoms, like nausea or pain, or simply feel something isn't quite right, connect with your doctor as soon as possible. A new, unpleasant smell could also point to an infection or, in some rare cases, cervical cancer. Didn't find the answer you were looking for? It was horrific. Lochia may stain your clothes. 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!! Here are the seven most common reasons why your period smells stronger than usual and what to do next. If an infection is a cause, then it will require prompt treatment by a doctor. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on After reading all of the review, I too went and checked for an old tampon and sure enough I found one! In fact, many people have experienced this smell and never realized it was a sign of anything serious. Some women report that their period smells like death, though this isnt necessarily a cause for concern. Otherwise, a doctor will need to remove it. Here are the seven most common reasons why your period smells stronger than usual and what to do next. I have never noticed much of an odor with my period, up until last month and now today. These contribute to the foul period smells. I'm glad to have found the tampon! When you stand up out of bed in the morning. Douching may also increase your risk for this type of infection. The biggest difference between the two types of discharge is that lochia lasts much longer. It will surely be a great help in relieving you from that foul smelling period. Period blood can have different odors based on numerous factors. If you notice a new smell during your menstrual cycle, that could suggest something isn't quite right, especially since vaginal odors can be a sign of infection. Scientists use genetic rewiring to increase lifespan of cells, Beyond amyloid and tau: New targets in developing dementia treatments, Napping longer than 30 minutes linked to higher risk of obesity and high blood pressure, Activity 'snacks' could lower blood sugar, complication risk in type 1 diabetes, In Conversation: Investigating the power of music for dementia, The differences between spotting and periods, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Menstrual cups: Everything you need to know, What is bacterial vaginosis? Came home tonight and keptnoticing. Nonetheless, having a foul smelling period is pretty normal. Never for one minute did I think I had a retained tampon and yes I've just found it! What you want to avoid is using any sort of fragranced feminine wipe designed to freshen things up down below. We include products we think are useful for our readers. If practicing good hygiene and changing menstrual products on time doesn't help, call your doctor. The vaginal discharge is usually yellow, green, or brown but may look black. Lochia is vaginal discharge after childbirth. Bleeding is heavy for the first few days but tapers off over several weeks. I thought. While some odors are completely normal when you have your period, others may be a sign that you need to see your doctor. This is often caused by changes in hormone levels and most often occurs in your early 40s. I'm so relieved I'm almost cryingand NEVER buying another tampon ever again! Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. The blood has gone from being a lightish red to a deepish red-brown and it's kinda gooey and ickey. However, it can sometimes be an early sign of pregnancy. If you notice a peculiar smell other than the explained normal period blood smell than you should immediately consult a health specialist to understand whats going on inside you. 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. Perimenopause You may see brown discharge or light bleeding during the early stages of menopause. The biggest sign of infection is foul-smelling or greenish-colored vaginal discharge. Omg. Cervical cancer can cause a heavier flow or longer menstruation, and you may notice the odor becomes more intense during your period. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Brown discharge, which basically equals bloody discharge, is considered normal if it comes as your period is starting or towards its end. These are most likely caused by not practicing good hygiene during the menstrual cycle. Because yoghurt contains certain bacteria that help maintain your vaginas pH level. Ferri FF. WebBody odor happens when bacteria on your skin come in contact with sweat. I mean just the most horrible smell you could ever imagine. The vagina is an acidic environment with a balance of bacteria that produce odor. The smellest twinge I've ever smelled. Giving it the downtime it needs is the best way to ensure a successful recovery. 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. Same thing going with me - I had a very foul, putrid smell towards the end of my menstrual cycle. If you are not allergic to dairy products, try including more yoghurt in your diet when you are on your period. 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. "Menstrual blood includes vaginal mucus and endometrial cells. Additionally, during menstruation, they should change a pad every time they go to the restroom and change a tampon every few hours.