The color of the blood usually appears darker in such cases. Have you learned something about your body today? Menstruation can happen at inconvenient of times. A period that smells like death is most often caused by a forgotten, decaying tampon. When should I speak to my doctor? One of the pretty reasons why dogs like period blood is that they share a common ancestry with wolves. How does period blood look with endometriosis? Period Blood Smell | Types of smell | When to see a doctor? - Gracehealth Read more about heavy periods, period pain, irregular periods and stopped or missed periods. Always seek the advice of a qualified medical professional such as your doctor when you have concerns or questions. cdc.gov/ncbddd/blooddisorders/women/menorrhagia.html, nhs.uk/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/, acog.org/womens-health/faqs/the-menopause-years, health.ucdavis.edu/obgyn/services/family-planning/early_miscarriage.html, womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/your-menstrual-cycle, The Ultimate Vaginal Discharge Color Guide, Is It Spotting or a Period? It also may grow darker in color as the blood begins to oxidize. The Scent of Blood: A Driver of Human Behavior? - PMC A metallic smell can indicate a heavy period and that the menstrual blood is fresh. Consider what a period actually is blood and tissue from your uterus. A period that smells like death is most often caused by a forgotten, decaying tampon. Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, Short Luteal Phase: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment, bruising easily, fatigue, or shortness of breath, all of which can indicate, clots that appear to grow larger in size as your period progresses, soaking through pads every hour or soaking through your outer clothing, watery discharge thats bright red or gray, heavy period bleeding that increases or continues after 7 days (. Old period blood can gather bacteria, which can cause it to smell. Heres how to tell a typical heavy day from something a little more dramatic. This can act as a sign that a period is on the way. Period blood clots are generally small. This process can result in a variety of smells, which can indicate different things about a person's health. Well, honestly, I use a menstrual cup and I've never had much of a smell while using that. Why does my period blood smell so bad? | Proof A negative result is less reliable. There isnt heavy bleeding, only dark brown spotting or bleeding. Here are the causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Having endometriosis can reduce a persons chance of becoming pregnant. Surgery is currently the only way for healthcare professionals to confirm that a person has endometriosis. Rotten - This type of smell is often due to a foreign body, such as a tampon, left in the vagina for too long. (2017). Neglected tampons are surprisingly common, especially at the end of your period. PCOS can prevent ovulation. They bleed, and clots form to stop the bleeding. Dark Red, Brown, Black Period Blood Color, Difference Between Normal and Abnormal Vaginal Discharge, Orange, Gray, or Green Period Blood Colors, Bleeding Disorder Types, Causes, and Treatments. After your doc diagnoses you, youll probably need to complete a round (or two) of prescription meds. Endometriosis tissue bleeds and sheds in the same way as endometrium tissue. Bright red isn't the only possible period blood color. (2018). The secretions of the vagina are usually those of water and electrolytes such as potassium and sodium. It does not sound like a serious medical problem, more a curiosity. It also covers what period blood colors, levels of flow, and period frequencies may be cause for concern. On the other hand, bacterial vaginosis is a condition that results from the overgrowth of bacteria in the genital region. Worried that your period smell is too strong? However, its supposed to have a smell of its own, due to the presence of tissues that line the uterus, the egg, and blood. Also, according to Dr Manisha Ranjan, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital, Noida, ourperiodbloodcontains the extract of our unfertilized egg,blood, and uterine lining tissues as well, which is another reason for the bad odour. Updated on November 2, 2022 Medically reviewed by Peter Weiss, MD You may have noticed that your period comes with a lingering odor every month. If you suspect you have an STI, its a good idea to see a healthcare professional for testing. Tissue passing from the vagina may be gray in color as well. Perimenopause, menopause, and using estrogen-free hormonal birth control, like the minipill or a hormonal IUD, can cause low estrogen. A sweet odour during menstruation can indicate that the blood is mixed with cervical mucus. If you do notice something out of the ordinary, book an appointment with your doctor to treat the issue. Here are three things your period blood smell has to say about your health: Track your menstrual cycle using the HealthShots Period Tracker. This is most likely to happen during low flow days at the start or end of your period. During a normal period, the blood and tissue smell slightly metallic. An iron-like smell. Some of the fermented foods you eat like yogurt contain this same type of bacteria which is why some people find the smells similar. A rotten smell can indicate an infection in the genital area. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. One of the biggest reasons why theres a smell is because it has to leave your body through the vagina, which is full of bacteria. In this article, weve focused on the reasons why period blood smells and stated some of the common odors associated with the vagina. Vaginal microbiota - ScienceDirect, https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-amy-whitbread-240852240/. Rarely, but importantly, vaginal odor can be a . Brown discharge after your period is usually not a cause for concern, but some accompanying symptoms could be a sign of a problem. However, it can also be a sign of an infection, PCOS, or cervical cancer. If you have a regular monthly menstrual cycle, the earliest and most reliable sign of pregnancy is a missed period. The NHS notes that this may occur on days with lighter bleeding. Ovulation can also cause an increase in cervical fluid, which can dilute blood and make it light red or pink. If your period blood smells a little on the sweeter side, dont get hassled because it is completely normal. Following surgery, endometriosis patches reoccur in 667% of people. In the same way, Apocrine sweat, along with menstrual blood, produces a sweaty menstruation blood smell. The pH balance of your vagina is usually 3.8-4.5, she said. Why do I have brown discharge right before my period? You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Old period blood can gather bacteria, which can cause it to smell. These are also the days that youll most likely notice varying consistencies in the blood your body is releasing. Your period blood shouldnt be gray or any similar hue, like off-white. Period poverty when someone cannot access period products and related hygiene resources affects people all over the world, including in the U.S. Perimenopause is the phase where your body transitions from its reproductive years to menopause. See additional information. Period blood during menstruation is a natural bodily process that occurs due to the shedding of the endometrium, or the inner lining of our uterus. However, think of the time you got a cut on your finger, there was no smell, right? 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Fresh blood thats flowing fast like at the start of your period is bright red. Period blood that has a metallic smell is often described as coppery or having an iron-like odour This is due to the presence of iron in menstrual blood. When your period is at its heaviest, the blood will be red. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. The benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for our body are known by most. Spotting between your regular periods is usually pink, red, or brown. These colors suggest a slower flow. Vaginal odor is directly related to hygiene. A laparoscopy involves a surgeon making a small cut in a persons abdomen. During your period, the separation of the endometrium from the uterine wall can tear small blood vessels. The presence of blood, semen, or urine in the vagina can affect the pH and cause different odours. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. However, it should not persist much longer after the period ends. Read on to learn about them. Know signs of menorrhagia, Here are 3 things the smell of your period blood is saying about your health. If your period blood has an onion-like smell, then it is an indication that your hygiene practices during the menstrual cycle are compromised. Small clots are normal. Endometriosis: What you should know. If your period smells like its a little beyond the grave, that might be normal for your body. It has a different color and consistency than the blood in your veins. However, one of the treatments for endometriosis is preventing periods with hormonal contraceptives. After ovulation, some women have a shorter luteal phase, making it harder to get pregnant. You may also benefit from seeing a nutritionist. On lighter days, it may be pink or brown. This article will cover everything about whats normal, whats not, and what you should be concerned about when it comes to the blood you see during your period. Brown discharge is usually old blood thats had time to oxidize, which is why the different hue. The following are some other things associated with orange discharge. Menstruation hygiene is one of the main factors that determine the cleanliness of your vagina. 2023 Greatist, a Healthline Media Company. Endometriosis symptoms: Painful periods. But Dr Ranjan has a piece of advice for you, she says, Avoid scented tampons and other products, as these can cause irritation and allergic reactions.. Dont worry you are safe! However, people with endometriosis may notice that their periods are heavier and last longer. Long strands of blood with a sticky, fluid consistency can be highly concentrated with the uterine lining that your body is shedding. All rights reserved. Other than some dark brown or black spotting or bleeding, you may not have any other symptoms. If it smells a bit fishy, be sure to speak to a medical professional. Last medically reviewed on October 28, 2020. (2020). Its already hard enough to identify all the different types of smells the vagina may produce but here are a few of the most common menstrual blood odours: Metallic - More like a copper coin. 2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Drinking water doesnt just keep our body fresh and healthy, but it also puts a check on the intensity of the period blood smell. Investing in good quality innerwear is of utmost importance. Having endometriosis can affect a persons periods in various ways, such as making them longer, heavier, and more painful. Why do i always have sour smelling period blood on my first - HealthTap If something is not normal for you, then you should seek medical attention. Call your doctor if you experience abnormal vaginal bleeding. Heavy bleeding, or menorrhagia which may or may not be accompanied by clots can lead to anemia and cause symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath. There are a few things that could cause your period blood to smell sweet. Toxic Shock Syndrome. Vinegar to the Rescue. We have compiled the best ways to cope with endometriosis and its related pain. Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program. Signs your period is coming: Symptoms and how to tell - Medical News Today You have your period. Sign up for emails from Start4Life for expert advice, videos and tips on pregnancy, birth and beyond. you should consult the doctor immediately. Symptoms to look out for include: Stringy period blood usually just means youre at the part of your menstrual cycle where blood flow is the heaviest. Sometimes pink menstrual blood is a sign of low estrogen levels in the body. When your period blood is bright red, it means that it passed through your vagina fairly soon after entering your uterus. Blood darkens over time, so bright red blood means a persons period blood is flowing steadily out of the uterus. Then, how can we expect our period blood to smell like lilies? Your menstrual cycle is controlled by hormones that regulate the thickening of your endometrium and when it breaks down and sloughs off. Read More. Understanding these different smells can help menstruators better monitor their health and seek medical attention when necessary. Due to the apocrine sweat glands, located near your vagina. This may indicate an injury or a miscarriage. Causes, Symptoms, and More. Have you ever wondered, why does my period smell fishy? Spotting is lighter than a period and may indicate that you have an underlying condition. Here are some other possible (but less likely) causes of black discharge: Black discharge may be a sign that a foreign object is stuck in your vagina (it happens). (n.d.). By using this site you agree to the use of cookies. Eco-friendly menstrual products like a menstrual cup or a period pantie make the process hassle-free and easy to monitor. All rights reserved. Menstrual flow is full of blood, tissue, and bacteria, so youll need to freshen up more than usual during your period. Learn more about endometriosis and cancer, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Many describe this as fishy. However, you may be more likely to see this on later days of your period as your flow begins to slow down. Speak to your healthcare provider if you notice a potentially concerning period blood color or anything that is out of the norm for you. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Common Reasons Why Your Period Is Lighter Than Usual, Causes of Spotting and Bleeding After Periods, The Meaning of Poop Colors, Shapes, Sizes, and Consistency, 6 Common Questions About a Girl's First Period. Reasons for a coppery odor Blood: Blood contains iron, which has a metallic smell. The smell should not be strong enough for other people to detect unless you suffer from bad and infectious causing bacteria which are also responsible for body odour, bad breath, stinky feet and strong vaginal odour. CLICK HERE to find out more. One is an infection, such as bacterial vaginosis. Prolonged, noticeable changes in your menstruation cycle should be discussed with your doctor. But if the stench is strong and doesnt alleviate with a simple wash or tampon change you might have an infection. Here are the main types of period blood smells: Its quite common for period blood smell to be sweet since it doesnt signify abnormal conditions. A metallic smell can indicate a heavy period and that the menstrual blood is fresh. Information from the International Planned Parenthood Federation notes that endometriosis can be a cause of irregular periods. Every pregnancy is different and not everyone will notice all of these symptoms. See your healthcare professional for any bleeding during pregnancy to be sure. To be honest, no one in this world has a flowery-smelling vagina. Healthy menstruation is not accompanied by any other strong or offensive odours; the odour should not be persistent or persist once menstruation has finished.