Menstruation involves the shedding of blood and tissue from the uterine lining through the vagina. It occurs when the egg released during ovulation is not fertilized to result in pregnancy. The menstrual fluid, consisting of blood, the unfertilized egg, and uterine lining tissue, might have a slight smell to it. A person might notice that their period blood smells metallic due to the presence of blood and iron. The normal pH of the vagina is 3. A pH of 7 is neutral. The presence of blood, semen, or urine in the vagina can affect the pH and cause different odors.
The vagina is home to different types of healthful bacteria , including Lactobacillus. A disruption in this environment can cause infections and other problems. Period blood can have different odors based on numerous factors.
The following are common menstrual blood odors:. 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. 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.
A person can try to remove an old tampon from the vagina by finding the string and pulling it out. Otherwise, a doctor will need to remove it. A sweet smell in the period blood is likely due to the acidic environment and the presence of bacteria in the vagina. A person might notice a smell that is similar to body odor during their period.
This is due to the presence of apocrine sweat glands in the genital region. Apocrine sweat mixes with bacteria on the skin to produce body odor. The glands release this type of sweat during periods of stress or anxiety. It is different from the sweat lost during exercise, or when the body has a high temperature. A person might notice a fishy smell during their period and also outside of menstruation. This smell is often related to an infection, such as bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis.
Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal infection caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. Risk factors for bacterial vaginosis include new or multiple sex partners and douching. Bacterial vaginosis produces a fishy smell , which is more pronounced during menstruation, as blood increases the vaginal alkalinity. A person might have white or gray vaginal discharge outside of menstruation. Doctors diagnose bacterial vaginosis using a range of tests and typically prescribe antibiotics for treatment.
If you have ever got a whiff of your period blood, you know it has a strange odour. But do you know that your period blood has a tale to tell about your health? If not, then read on to know all about it! But before that, have you ever wondered why does period blood smell in the first place? Well, blood is odorless. If you have ever experienced a finger cut, and if blood oozed out of it, then you must have observed there is no smell as such. But when it comes to your vagina, the blood down there stays for a while, and comes in contact with air and bacteria — hence, the foul smell.
Also, according to Dr Manisha Ranjan, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital, Noida, our period blood contains the extract of our unfertilized egg, blood, and uterine lining tissues as well, which is another reason for the bad odour. From enigmatic PMS symptoms to an erratic poop schedule , your period throws some real curveballs at your body.
One that is less talked about but still perplexing is the odor of your period blood itself. You're pretty sure it's harmless, but you're still dying to know what's up with it. For real, why does period blood smell like that? Here's what we learned:. It's totally natural for your period blood to smell. Shirazian says, adding that, as you probably already know, there's more to your menstrual fluid than just blood.
You also expel bacteria, vaginal mucus, fluid, and tissue during your period, and that's why your period blood doesn't smell exactly like the blood that comes out of any other part of your body. That odor can be more or less intense, depending how long it sits in your uterus before leaving, but Dr. As far as what's normal and what isn't, Dr. A change in vaginal odor can signal a problem. Odor can also come from the bacteria that naturally accumulates during your period.
Shirazian says, which can lead to "secondary vaginal infections like bacterial vaginosis, which has a strong, fishy odor. While BV itself isn't an STI , it is known to increase your risk for catching an STI, so if you are experiencing odor, itching, or painful urination, you should definitely see your doctor for treatment.
And, if you notice an out-of-the-ordinary odor when you aren't menstruating, you might want to talk to your doctor. You may have BV, vaginitis , or some other kind of infection that requires treatment.
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