Why Does My Period Smell So Bad? 5 Possible Causes

Changes in vaginal bacteria and pH levels may explain why your period smells so bad. It’s normal for period blood to have an odor, but strong odors can be a sign of poor hygiene or an infection.

You may notice that your period blood sometimes smells different.

The amount of bacteria in your vagina changes, which can lead to odors like:

• Body odor: There are apocrine sweat glands near the genitals. When sweat mixes with period blood, it can create body odor.
• From fish: This is sometimes a sign of bacterial vaginosis (BV).
• Metallic: It is normal for period blood to have a slight metallic smell, a sign of the presence of iron in the blood.
• Rotten: This may be a sign that you have left a tampon in your vagina for a long time. Look for a tampon string or feel inside your vagina to find the tampon if you are unsure.
• Soft: This can be a normal sign of changes in the balance of vaginal bacteria during your period.

Period blood contains iron, a mineral that helps produce hemoglobin. This key element of blood carries oxygen throughout the body.

When menstrual blood comes into contact with air, iron oxidizes (breaks down). This creates a metallic smell.

A particularly strong fishy odor may be a sign of BV. An overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina causes BV. It is one of the most common vaginal diseases among women aged 15 to 44.

See a doctor if you have other symptoms of BV, such as:

• Gray or milky white vaginal discharge that may have a foamy or watery consistency
• Itching near the outside of the vagina or vulva
• Vaginal irritation

Your vagina is home to many bacteria. You may notice an odor if bacteria mixes with menstrual blood.

“When you cut your finger, you immediately wipe the blood away, and it’s fresh blood, which means it hasn’t been there for a while,” says Christine Greves, MD, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies in Florida. Health.

“Menstrual blood stays in the vagina longer. It’s exposed to bacteria in the vagina, and that’s when you get that smell,” Dr. Greves said.

Changes in the hormones estrogen and progesterone throughout the menstrual cycle can affect your vaginal pH.

At the start of your period, these hormones drop, which increases vaginal pH. A higher pH encourages the growth of more odor-creating bacteria.

Although it is rare, leaving a tampon in your vagina for a long time can lead to toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Certain types of Staphylococcus (staphylococci) that release toxins cause TSS.

Get immediate medical attention if you notice a rotten smell and have other symptoms of TSS such as:

• Diarrhea, nausea or vomiting
• Feeling confused
• Headaches or muscle pain
• High fever with or without chills
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Uneasiness or general feeling of unease
• Organ failure
• Red eyes, mouth or throat
• A red rash that looks like a sunburn
• Seizures

Practicing good menstrual hygiene can reduce the odor of menstrual blood. It also helps you feel comfortable and prevents infections.

Ways to minimize the smell of menstrual blood include:

• Change your pad or tampon: How often you should change depends on your flow. Change pads every few hours and tampons no more than eight hours.
• Don’t shower: The vagina cleans itself, so simply rinse your vulva with water. Do not shower or use deodorant products like vaginal sprays or wipes. This eliminates the natural bacteria in your vagina, putting you at risk of infection.
• Practice vaginal care: Stay hydrated and wear clean, breathable underwear.
• Try menstrual cups: These reusable devices insert into the vagina to collect menstrual blood. They are made of elastomer, latex, rubber or silicone. You can clean and reuse a menstrual cup for up to 10 years.

It’s normal for your vagina to have a slight odor, but it’s usually not noticeable. A slight change is usually nothing to worry about.

See a doctor if your period blood suddenly smells unpleasant or if you have other symptoms such as:

• Abnormal bleeding, such as bleeding between periods
• Burning when urinating
• Dump
• Itching near your vulva
• Pain during sex or urinating

A doctor can examine your cervix, vagina, and vulva and look for abnormal discharge. They may take a sample of vaginal fluid to test for infections.