Doctors do not recommend the use of a douche to clean the vagina. Foul-smelling vaginal discharge. Policy. Those who do face this period blood smell may feel somethings wrong with them or that they are not keeping clean down there. No wonder my tampons kept going in weird. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Many period smells are totally normal, but there are a few you should tell your doctor about. Generally, period blood smells are not noticeable to other people. Whether patients are referred to us or already have a Cleveland Clinic ob/gyn, we work closely with them to offer treatment recommendations and follow-up care to help you receive the best outcome. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. By using this Site you agree to the following, By using this Site you agree to the following, The Best IOL for 2022 RXSight Light Adjusted Lens, Will refractive surgery such as LASIK keep me out of glasses all my life. Normal vaginal discharge varies in color, smell, texture and amount. #5: Shes in heat Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. A rotten smell can occur when a tampon is left in for too long or forgotten. Wash only the vulva area, which is the outer part of your vagina. Brown discharge, which basically equals bloody discharge, is considered normal if it comes as your period is starting or towards its end. I was scared I had some sort of heavy metal toxicity or something, but as I kept reading and seeing how common of a problem it was I decided to go check thinking nothing of it and lo and behold it was an old disgusting tampon! I&. The vaginal discharge is usually yellow, green, or brown but may look black. The odor hadnt got any better, so I was worried I would have to go in and see what else it could be. For example, if you have anemia or have recently been out in the sun for an extended period of time, chances are that you will notice your sense of smell is altered or heightened when I would never have looked had I not read all this. Sweating also can cause a vaginal odor. Click here for an email preview. 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. I can feel it when it comes out! MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Of course, bloody discharge should smell different to normal vaginal discharge. I would have never guessed I had a tampon stuck up inside me. Came home tonight and keptnoticing. Learn how IUDs can affect your menstrual flow and what you can do about it. Some people do not change their sanitary pads for longer than required and this can bring about the smell. The combined salt, fat, and bacteria from sweating, when mixed with period blood, can create a potent, odorous mix. MedHelp is not a medical or healthcare provider and your use of this Site does not create a doctor / patient relationship. The amount of bloody discharge should taper off on its own until its completely done. Menstrual Blood Smell Death. So if you have a terrible smell and drops of dark smelly blood. 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. This month my period has come early by roughly 1-2 weeks and the blood smells extremely foul. STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching. As I read the comments I thought for sure it was not an old tampon. This will also reduce the sweat in the area, which can increase the menstrual odor. I had my OBGYN call me in some antibiotics, and today was my last day on them. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). One common indicator of all vaginal infections is abnormal discharge. The presence of blood, semen, or urine in the vagina can affect the pH and cause different odors. Orange period blood. 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. Thinner and more watery than lochia rubra. National Library of Medicines list Lochia is postpartum bleeding and vaginal discharge. Experts say disruptions to a woman's menstrual cycle from the COVID-19 vaccine are usually temporary and minor. 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. 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. Office on Women's Health. Blood infection. The vaginal pH goes from acidic to alkaline during your period. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the A new, unpleasant smell could also point to an infection or, in some rare cases, cervical cancer. This continuous discharge may be pale, watery, brown, or mixed with blood. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice signs of infection like foul-smelling discharge or if your vaginal bleeding gets worse. 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! The blood is from the lining of the uterus, and it has an odor all its own it generally smells metallic. Cotton sanitary towels are king when it comes to best sanitation to prevent a foul smelling period. WebHealthy periods can have a slight smell of blood. Sometimes, women complain of rotten meat like the smell of period blood. 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. It has a stale, musty odor like menstrual period discharge and can last several weeks. Here are the seven most common reasons why your period smells stronger than usual and what to do next. 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. I'm so relieved and the issue was resolved immediately. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Lochia consists of all the contents in your uterus from nine months of pregnancy. Like rotting flesh. And it's just that. 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. . If you notice a foul, pus-like smell accompanied by unusual discharge, you could have an STI like trichomoniasis, chlamydia, or gonorrhea. Other options include eating yogurt with active cultures or popping a probiotic. Bacteria in the vagina are normal, though the amount can vary. Generally speaking, period odors arent noticeable to I have known people who wouldnt wash for days owing to their laziness, a hectic work routine or the fact that they showered just a day ago. An odor might be especially noticeable right after having sex. The Content on this Site is presented in a summary fashion, and is intended to be used for educational and entertainment purposes only. Lochia is postpartum bleeding and discharge. It only implies that should you should be careful, for instance, you should refrain from oral sex with people who have thrust in their mouth. Dr. Shirazian adds that this is often "self-limiting," meaning it will go away on its own without any particular treatment. A person might notice that their period blood smells metallic due to the presence of blood and iron. 6 ways to control stress sweat. Wondering why my doctor didn't consider this as a possibility? If we combine this information with your protected A strong odor from down there may be cause for worry, as it could be a sign of an infection. Bacterial vaginosis: CDC fact sheet. Lochia has three stages. The biggest difference between the two types of discharge is that lochia lasts much longer. WebFoul-smelling (fishy) vaginal odor Thin, watery, brown or gray discharge Itching or burning of the vagina Can also be asymptomatic 2. 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. Bacterial vaginosis is an overgrowth of bacteria typically present in the vagina. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Notice the smell of ammonia around your vagina? It can be tough to sift through all of the options on the market these days. They both have a distinct smell and begin as a dark red, heavy discharge. There are many over the counter vaginal wash liquids available that are pH balanced and are hence safe to use. This is most likely related to the vaginal substance itself, but bacteria and acidity can also play a role. While most odors are healthy, some may be signs of an infection. to Pee With Chlamydia. I dont know how this happened. A person should be aware of new or unusual smells during their period or changes in vaginal discharge outside of their period. When you stand up out of bed in the morning. Thank you all so much for your help. It is normally feared that any odours coming from the vagina or the menstrual blood are due to some infection or a grave disease. Green or yellow vaginal discharge is usually a sign of problems. If you want to skip a shower in extremely harsh weather conditions that might be acceptable but skipping shower during your heavier flow days is not at all healthy. A menstrual period consists of the shedding of an unfertilized egg, blood, and uterine lining tissues. I instantly felt better getting that nastiness out of me. Stock up on sanitary pads and dont use tampons during this time. privacy practices. That said, with an STI, the smell will stick around after your period ends. I carried whipes and extra pads around because of it. I'm SO GLAD I stumbled upon this thread and that everyone is so honest :). Menstruation involves the shedding of blood and tissue from the uterine lining through the vagina. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Every person is different, but generally, lochia follows a similar progression in color and volume. Sure as sh*t that's what was going on! Well, today my period started and when I went to change out my tampon at work I noticed the most horrific smell. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Never for one minute did I think I had a retained tampon and yes I've just found it! Ugh, well, at least you found it and aren't having any bad repercussions from it. Accessed Feb. 10, 2022. 1. This is typically due to the presence of iron in the blood and is not usually a cause for concern. Its usually a dark green color. Here are a few for you: Keep yourself as clean and dry as possible during your period. Home Foul smelling period: 6 Causes and 6 Treatments. Lochia doesnt typically cause complications. Truly disgusting. Wash yourselves down there but do not forget to dry. "The period itself is basically endometrial tissue that's built up over the course of the month. Note: Anal, vaginal, manual, and oral sex can all transmit chlamydia. A rotten or foul odor from your nether region warrants a trip to the ob-gyn, Dr. Shirazian says. https://www.cdc.gov/std/bv/stdfact-bacterial-vaginosis.htm. I just thought I must not have remembered taking it out and my periods are light so I can easily go through the night without one. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Anyway, I was ready to forget about it all since it was gone, but still felt a bit concerned. I'm so glad that I read this because I didn't know what was going on. You should also visit a doctor periodically to ensure it is free from infections and so on. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Its normal for menstrual periods to have a slight odor. Never disregard the medical advice of your physician or health professional, or delay in seeking such advice, because of something you read on this Site. A person with trichomoniasis might notice an unusual fishy smell from the vagina and a change in vaginal discharge. Docs want to make sure that something like pelvic inflammatory disease hasn't been overlooked. It stuck so bad taking it out. There are a lot of minor and major vaginal infections that can develop in no time. The only condition when it is normal to have, Read More Fluid in uterus: 6 Causes, Symptoms and 14 RemediesContinue, Fishy odor no discharge is a puzzle for many women. Lochia is made up of: Lochia will smell like menstrual blood. WebPeriod blood suddenly smelling foul. What you want to avoid is using any sort of fragranced feminine wipe designed to freshen things up down below. :(. Plan on going through several large, thick pads per day for at least a week. 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! Dont wash the inside of your vagina. I thought I would check but not post on here either way, but I checked once, found nothing, and read other answers on here saying to squat and bear down so I checked again and there it was, the most foul smelling and terrifying thing I've ever encountered! Dr. Shepherd says that kind of odor can indicate an infection, like bacterial vaginosis. This is due to the presence of apocrine sweat glands in the genital region. Generally speaking, period odors arent noticeable to others. Proper hygiene habits can help combat the usual odors associated with menstruation. Its a type of infection that gets treated with antibiotics. It took 3 tries and 30 mins to get it out. and that smell made me gag! It can also cause your bleeding to start again or get heavier. I just started my period yesterday and the smell was atrocious!! Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection, also can lead to vaginal odor. Healthy periods can have a slight smell of blood. I tried searching for it, but i cant really grasp for sure, i feel some strange tissues inside me , but i dont know if its part if me or the tampon :// . I'm so glad I did a search on this issue. I have REALLY big blood clots too, some are half dollar size. Changing your menstrual products on time and cleaning your vulva gently with water and a mild cleanser can clear up any unwanted odors. I mean just the most horrible smell you could ever imagine. I'm not sure how long it was even there, but I feel so relieved to have found it! Douching can change the balance of bacteria and levels of acidity in the vagina. Thank you!!! Ferri FF. I had a very unusual period this month that started and then stopped for over a week. If cervical cancer lacks oxygen, some cells may die off, infecting the tumor. Unlike other common odors, fishiness usually indicates a medical problem that you need to see a doctor for. After about a week, lochia is more watery and transitions to a pinkish brown color. The vagina is home to different types of healthful bacteria, including Lactobacillus. Here's what the different period blood colors mean and when to see your doctor. WebPeriods happen when your body sheds the lining of your uterus. Trichomoniasis is a protozoal infection that a person can pass to another person through sex. The contents used in these could play havoc with the natural pH balance of your vagina that can bring out a foul smelling period and put you at a higher risk of vaginal infections. Omg I am sooooo disgusted but SO grateful to you ladies rightnow. I thought. Lifestyle factors. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. In other words, this is a completely normal smell. Thank you! While some odors are completely normal when you have your period, others may be a sign that you need to see your doctor. Your doctor can prescribe antibiotics to clear up the bacterial infection. There could be something else going on. While reading about a certain medical condition, we would realise that we do have one or more symptoms of that condition. They may even have a slight metallic smell from iron and bacteria. When the normal bacterial balance of the vagina is thrown off, you may develop bacterial vaginosis, or BV. Why? Recovering from Delivery (Postpartum Recovery). Is it possible that the nasty thing is destroyed in parts in me ( i had sex in the mean time too)? Nothing helped, i mean nothing. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. And to what a suprise it got smelly straight away! Overwhelmed by the ever-growing world of period underwear? When to talk to a doctor. How to treat it: If you notice these symptoms, make an appointment with your OB-GYN for a Pap smear. I'm just as grateful for so many honest people on this this. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/menstruation/conditioninfo, kidshealth.org/en/teens/menstruation.html, cdc.gov/std/bv/stdfact-bacterial-vaginosis.htm, kidshealth.org/en/teens/feminine-hygiene.html, mayoclinic.org/symptoms/vaginal-odor/basics/definition/SYM-20050664, fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/InVitroDiagnostics/HomeUseTests/ucm126074.htm, girlshealth.gov/body/health_help/gynecologist.html. If you cant feel them, see your doctor for a vaginal exam to confirm. Your period can produce an odor, which may even be different month to month. 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? cause how am I not sick when it actually smelled like something died inside of me!? 2023 Healthline Media LLC. I felt around and at first only felt vaginal wall tissue but then felt saturated cotton! Accessed Feb. 10, 2022. What else could it be?? I could NOT believe it! Low and behold, a tampon was stuck quite a way up and was sideways and wedged with the string curled around it. A person might notice a smell that is similar to body odor during their period. I think this article might well have saved my life. 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. 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. Plus I hardly ever use Tampons and only experience the foul smell during my menstrual.