Policy. Use only sanitary maxi pads for the first six weeks postpartum. The combined salt, fat, and bacteria from sweating, when mixed with period blood, can create a potent, odorous mix. I had the exact same symptoms as the original poster. https://www.cdc.gov/std/bv/stdfact-bacterial-vaginosis.htm. We avoid using tertiary references. A person might have white or gray vaginal discharge outside of menstruation. These contribute to the foul period smells. I thought this might be a problem of a cup, because it was getting old ( been having 3 yrs) though i never had this problem. How Bad Does It Hurt This is especially the case if any unusual odors accompany the following symptoms: As a rule of thumb, you should see your gynecologist any time you suspect reproductive health issues. Gray period blood. Same thing going with me - I had a very foul, putrid smell towards the end of my menstrual cycle. Consider what a period actually is blood and tissue from your uterus. Sweat glands in the genital area can amplify the smell of your vaginal microbiome and your skin's natural scent. I was fairly worried because the smell was just foul - and sure enough after reading the posts i marched to the ladies room and could not believe I felt a string up against my GD uterus. While the exact cause of this overgrowth isnt understood, bacterial vaginosis seems to be most common in women who are sexually active. Sweat, changes in vaginal bacteria, and perimenopause may change the odor of your menstrual blood. Here's what the different period blood colors mean and when to see your doctor. "The problem with these is that they just cover up the odor. It's a common vaginal condition that can cause vaginal odor. They might also notice itching, burning, or soreness in the genital area. The resulting rotten smell from bacteria mixed with menstrual flow shouldnt be strong enough for others to detect. The blood is from the lining of the uterus, and it has an odor all its own it generally smells metallic. When should I speak to my doctor? When you stand up out of bed in the morning. This smell is often related to an infection, such as bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis. Last month I went to the doctor and told Them that I think I left a tampon inside of me and they checked and claimed that I just had a cervix infection. Also made a doctors apt. WebIf you have it, you don't want to ignore it, and one of the main symptoms is a foul smell around the period. Sex during vaginal infection: Is it harmful? What Causes Yellow Discharge Before Your Period? Just like our bodies have their smell but when mixed with our bodys bacteria it gives the unbearable, strong smell of sweat. I need a solution. Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Financial Assistance Documents Minnesota. This puts you more at risk for infections like bacterial vaginosis (BV). Lochia is the vaginal discharge you have after giving birth. cause how am I not sick when it actually smelled like something died inside of me!? On top of it all, I don't have any health insurance. #5: Shes in heat Been menstruating since 12 years old. Can be mixed with pus and blood. After reading everyone saying this is what they found, I decided to check. This is typically due to the presence of iron in the blood and is not usually a cause for concern. When you have a hormone imbalance, your body isnt getting the signals it needs to do this on schedule. Health experts have reiterated in their answers to questions like why does my period smell or why does my period smell so bad that there could be more than one reasons for this. Plus I hardly ever use Tampons and only experience the foul smell during my menstrual. However, that was simply not the case , based on what just happened to me! A yeast infection usually doesn't cause vaginal odor. 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. This is a normal odor as your period marks the shedding of your uterine tissue; however, if you can smell it while sitting or walking, then it may be a cause for concern. The list of possible vaginal infections is endless, and you may get scared reading about them. It can also cause a buildup of harmful bacteria and lead to infections, such as bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections. So, sometimes itll have a vaguely metallic odor, especially when mixed with sweat or An odor might be especially noticeable right after having sex. "During the menstrual cycle, you should use a gentle cleanser without fragrances. And if you sweat between your legs during your period, that can leave your vaginal area smelling something like a dirty gym bag. Cotton sanitary towels are king when it comes to best sanitation to prevent a foul smelling period. Lochia lasts about six weeks in most people. Do not use any sprays or scents down there to chase away the foul smell as it would only aggravate it. The point being, your vagina doesn't need to smell or taste fruity or really, like anything else besides a vagina. Ugh, well, at least you found it and aren't having any bad repercussions from it. Bacterial vaginosis produces a fishy smell, which is more pronounced during menstruation, as blood increases the vaginal alkalinity. "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. And yes! Thanks soooo much every one! WebBleeding disorders: You may experience heavy menstrual bleeding if you develop a bleeding or blood clotting disorder. I worried I could be smelled from across the room at work and felt very concerned but too embarrassed to call the doctor. I did go to the doctor who prescribed antibiotics for a UTI. This can happen at the end of a period, when you dont have to insert a new tampon as often and you have no further bleeding. This can introduce bacteria to your uterus and cause infection. This is often caused by changes in hormone levels and most often occurs in your early 40s. It is generally advised to keep the vagina aerated while you are having your period so that the natural smell of menstrual blood does not mix with that of sweat and make your life a living hell. This is because your vaginal pH gradually becomes more alkaline and your estrogen levels fluctuate, resulting in heavier and irregular periods that can amplify vaginal odors. Lochia and menstrual blood are similar in that the bleeding subsides before going away. Thank you! I&. 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. And doubting that my condition was waaaaay more serious than what I was reading I went in, so to speak, to cross this off the list. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. The biggest difference between the two types of discharge is that lochia lasts much longer. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Genital tract infections. When we sweat, the water, salt and fat mix with this bacteria and can cause odor. I cannot even believe that something on the Internet was actually true! This can result in a fishy smell. 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 pulled mine out about 6 hrs ago. Similarly, vaginal washes are risky, too. Your doctor may also suggest taking over-the-counter probiotics after the infection clears to help keep your microbiome balanced and lower your chances of developing BV again. I'm not sure how long it was even there, but I feel so relieved to have found it! information highlighted below and resubmit the form. 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 didn't think that this could possible be my issue but I recalled going to the bathroom on the morning of day 1 and I didn't see my tampon string. The amount of bloody discharge should taper off on its own until its completely done. A person should be aware of new or unusual smells during their period or changes in vaginal discharge outside of their period. Also my mental cycles began to smell toxic as well, leaving a harsh lingering smell behind every bathroom visit. The natural odour may not even be strong enough to smell through your clothing unless the body sweats. This is due to the presence of apocrine sweat glands in the genital region. Additionally, during menstruation, they should change a pad every time they go to the restroom and change a tampon every few hours. Most of the time, that's actually A-OK. Vaginal cancer. This is not unusual, but a rotten or fishy odor may be a sign of a health condition that needs medical attention. It will surely be a great help in relieving you from that foul smelling period. The resulting rotten odor from bacteria mixed with the menstrual flow should not be strong enough to detect others. Hainer, B. L., & Gibson, M. V. (2011). Anyone who experiences unusual changes in vaginal discharge, strange odors, or vaginal bleeding during pregnancy should speak to a doctor. They make scented tampons? It is normally feared that any odours coming from the vagina or the menstrual blood are due to some infection or a grave disease. No doubt about it, your menstrual cycle can cause some pretty unusual smells. That can, in fact, trigger the odour and disturb the desired pH level. When it came back the blood was much darker than usual and smelled horrific. 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. Other useful home remedies include the consumption of fenugreek seed juice and the use of garlic in your diet. Pink period blood. It is different from the sweat lost during exercise, or when the body has a high temperature. I thank you all for sharing. Period blood can have different odors based on numerous factors. I'm so relieved I'm almost cryingand NEVER buying another tampon ever again! (Also, they're unnecessary, because, remember: Your vagina is a self-cleaning oven.) People should also pay attention to changes in vaginal discharge outside of their period. All rights reserved. A strong odor from down there may be cause for worry, as it could be a sign of an infection. Thank you to everyone that has contributed to this conversation. Honestly I don't know how to get it out? You should also visit a doctor periodically to ensure it is free from infections and so on. They may even have a slight metallic smell from iron and bacteria. "The period itself is basically endometrial tissue that's built up over the It implies to a malodour of the period blood which is different from the natural smell of the blood. A person might notice a fishy smell during their period and also outside of menstruation. Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which However, there are signs of abnormal bleeding or discharge you should watch for. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 03/11/2022. Metallic or Like Iron. WebBody odor happens when bacteria on your skin come in contact with sweat. Bad Body Odor #5: A sweet or fruity smell in your urine If you notice this, it may be because youre spilling sugar in your urine, Dr. Greene says. Im still having my cycle but I swear to god the one I pulled out was from last month! If you have brown or red-tinged discharge and its not But between the smell and others not going in all the way should clue us in for next time, god forbid it ever happens again!! 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. An odor might be especially noticeable right after having sex. 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. As I read the comments I thought for sure it was not an old tampon. The combination of those with blood can give off a distinctive odor," says Dr. Yana Markidan, a gynecologist in private practice. Wow. (try toward the back, its there). It's a really easy mistake. Here are nine possible causes for yellow discharge before your period, plus signs that you should see a doctor. Sweating also can cause a vaginal odor. It consists of blood, mucus, uterine tissue and other materials from your uterus. How long will this smell persist? WebFoul menstrual blood odor geezlike I have never noticed much of an odor with my period, up until last month and now today. However, the decision to use a menstrual cup is safer if recommended by your doctor. :(. When to talk to a doctor. (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/). Thanks everyone I have just found the thing that had me smelling like elephant **** for two weeks! Went in bathroom to check and OMG I am disgusted, but YES an old tampon lodged way up there. Clotting. Wash yourselves down there but do not forget to dry. Wash only the vulva area, which is the outer part of your vagina. A pH of 7 is neutral. Unreal! This odor, which some people say resembles rotten meat, occurs when your body sheds dead tissue or cancerous cells that then come out through your vagina. Another lesson learned when you don't recall taking the old tampon out dig a little deeper. If your period smells and you notice unusual symptoms, see your doctor. The odor hadnt got any better, so I was worried I would have to go in and see what else it could be. Healthy periods can have a slight smell of blood. I instantly felt better getting that nastiness out of me. It results from the overgrowth of normal vaginal bacteria. Home Foul smelling period: 6 Causes and 6 Treatments. I tried using the 3-day Monostat, but it appears to not have worked. . 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. They may even have a slight metallic smell from iron and bacteria. [8] You may want to shower more than once on heavier days. Popular vagina myth-busting ob-gyn Dr. Jen Gunter has an amazing saying: "It's a vagina, not a pia colada!" I'm 35 and have never had a foul smelling period. I cannot believe that all these posts lead me to do the same thing. Thinner and more watery than lochia rubra. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com.