Pinkish brown discharge thats less bloody looking. The flow is lighter, and you may not fill pads as quickly. For most people, it gradually subsides over several weeks without causing any problems. What else could it be?? It is absolutely revolting!!! Your healthcare provider will give you the OK for intercourse after your postpartum check-up. Thank you so much guys!! It contains a mix of blood, mucus and uterine tissue. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Policy. A Period That Lasts 1 or 2 Days: What Could Cause This? 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. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) can cause side effects. I didn't think about it again. Depending on the results, your care team may recommend further testing and a biopsy. Nonetheless, having a foul smelling period is pretty normal. Unreal! Hot water bottle as suggested by my sister helped ease my mind and belly after. The Content on this Site is presented in a summary fashion, and is intended to be used for educational and entertainment purposes only. Sweet - A sweet smell in period blood is likely due to the acidic environment and the presence of bacteria in the vagina. And you know what? Took 3 bathes a day, that didn't help. I carried whipes and extra pads around because of it. There is, however, a substantial population who seem to have never had this unpleasant experience. 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'm not sure how long it was even there, but I feel so relieved to have found it! The vaginal pH goes from acidic to alkaline during your period. I'm really scared about this abrupt change in the odor. Many studies have also shown that some ladies including both adults and teenagers, go through this wrecking social experience of avoiding their peers or their peers avoiding them due to the fishy odour around them. The amount of bloody discharge should taper off on its own until its completely done. I found this topic because i was looking for a similar info. "As blood exits the vagina, especially if there's a lot of bleeding, it can change the pH of the vagina," Dr. Shirazian explains. Thank you all for your posts!! A yeast infection usually doesn't cause vaginal odor. Some people might notice different types of smell to their period blood, such as a metallic or sweaty smell. Thank you to everyone that has contributed to this conversation. And to what a suprise it got smelly straight away! The strong odor is most likely caused by blood and tissues exiting the vagina, along with bacteria. Ingrown hair on labia is an uncomfortable condition for a majority of women. I cannot believe it! Can I Get STDs Through Casual Contact Like Hugging or Touching? If you have it, you'll likely notice a fishy smell down there, which may mix with blood during your period to cause an especially pungent odor. Make sure you are getting plenty of rest. I thank you all for sharing. It's a common vaginal condition that can cause vaginal odor. In other words, this is a completely normal smell. Take it easy and get as much rest as possible during this time. However, you should be concerned if your period blood smells fishy. An odor might be especially noticeable right after having sex. Review/update the Cervical cancer can cause a heavier flow or longer menstruation, and you may notice the odor becomes more intense during your period. However, that was simply not the case , based on what just happened to me! Chlamydia, an STI, often has no symptoms, but must be treated. Certain smells during a persons period are completely normal. I just went and removed it. Of course, bloody discharge should smell different to normal vaginal discharge. In fact, many people have experienced this smell and never realized it was a sign of anything serious. With so many products claiming, Read More 6 Ingredients to Look for in the Top Fat Burning Pills for WomenContinue. When to talk to a doctor. The color, consistency, and duration vary, but some factors impact how much lochia you see. What could rescue you from the foul smelling period? Now I can rest easy. Some smells, such as a fishy or rotten smell, are unusual, and a person experiencing them should see a doctor for further investigation. It has a stale, musty odor like menstrual period discharge and can last several weeks. You might be able to control such odors by changing pads and tampons frequently, especially during heavy-flow days. I would have NEVER thought to look for a tampon stuck inside me. Just like our bodies have their smell but when mixed with our bodys bacteria it gives the unbearable, strong smell of sweat. Toglia MR. Rectovaginal and anovaginal fistula. 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. Sweating also can cause a Globally, cervical cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, though it's less common in the United States due to wider rates of annual Pap smears and vaccinations. Do not use any sprays or scents down there to chase away the foul smell as it would only aggravate it. That includes when you're on your period. Wash only the vulva area, which is the outer part of your vagina. Scientists use genetic rewiring to increase lifespan of cells, Beyond amyloid and tau: New targets in developing dementia treatments, Napping longer than 30 minutes linked to higher risk of obesity and high blood pressure, Activity 'snacks' could lower blood sugar, complication risk in type 1 diabetes, In Conversation: Investigating the power of music for dementia, The differences between spotting and periods, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Menstrual cups: Everything you need to know, What is bacterial vaginosis? Cervical cancer. I pray the smell will go away. Anyone who experiences unusual changes in vaginal discharge, strange odors, or vaginal bleeding during pregnancy should speak to a doctor. 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. I checked for a tampon the other day and nothing , BUT YOU HAVE TO SQUAT AND CHECK! 2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. While most odors are healthy, some may be signs of an infection. This is due to the presence of apocrine sweat glands in the genital region. Foul smelling discharge Abnormal bleeding between your periods (lasting three days or more) Unusual spotting (occurring for three or more consecutive cycles) By Lindsay Meisel | Oct 25, 2017 Tags: brown discharge, brown spotting, implantation, implantation bleeding, implantation spotting, menstruation, period, spotting, symptom Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. If you're little squeamish about going in, just put a little oil (preferably coconut oil) on your fingers and you're able to glide the offender right out. A typical period lasts about one week. You should also visit a doctor periodically to ensure it is free from infections and so on. That's happened for like the past year-and-a-half - 2 years. This is typically due to the presence of iron in the blood and is not usually a cause for concern. WebVaginal Discharge, Foul Smelling. And if you sweat between your legs during your period, that can leave your vaginal area smelling something like a dirty gym bag. Good hygiene practices can also combat normal period odors and make you more comfortable during menstruation. Bacterial vaginosis produces a fishy smell, which is more pronounced during menstruation, as blood increases the vaginal alkalinity. Hormonal changes due to pregnancy or menopause. Thank you for this post. If you notice a foul, pus-like smell accompanied by unusual discharge, you could have an STI like trichomoniasis, chlamydia, or gonorrhea. 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. Omg I pulled a dirty tampon out too. Same thing going with me - I had a very foul, putrid smell towards the end of my menstrual cycle. Because yoghurt contains certain bacteria that help maintain your vaginas pH level. 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. Avoid douching and scratching anywhere down there. What Causes Yellow Discharge Before Your Period? And yes! Thank you! Lochia and menstrual blood are similar in that the bleeding subsides before going away. I'm 35 and have never had a foul smelling period. The menstrual fluid, consisting of blood, the unfertilized egg, and uterine lining tissue, might have a slight smell to it. However, it shouldnt smell fishy or foul. Low and behold, a tampon was stuck quite a way up and was sideways and wedged with the string curled around it. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Omg- this post could have saved my life!! A sweet smell in the period blood is likely due to the acidic environment and the presence of bacteria in the vagina. They may even have a slight metallic smell from iron and bacteria. If your period blood smells strong and fishy, that might be cause for concern. This is because period blood contains iron. Purchase breathable cotton underwear here. In that case, make an appointment with your doctor. Poor hygiene down there The period smell can include the odor of onions or salt. You can easily Google more information on thrush which is a type of mouth infection. I cannot even believe that something on the Internet was actually true! I cannot believe that all these posts lead me to do the same thing. There is a problem with How long does your vagina stink after you take it out? What Causes Period Blood To Smell Period blood can sometimes be a little smelly, but it may surprise you to learn that in most cases, your period isnt the one to blame. How long will this smell persist? Lochia patterns among normal women: a systematic review. This can last for a few weeks. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. 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? The glands release this type of sweat during periods of stress or anxiety. You may see more lochia: Healing after childbirth takes several weeks. The blood is from the lining of the uterus, and it has an odor all its own it generally smells metallic. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? I dont know how this happened. And that is definitely something you never want to happen again. It took 3 tries and 30 mins to get it out. and that smell made me gag! In this article, learn how menstrual cups work and, Spotting before a period is usually harmless, and it may not always have a clear cause. Doctors diagnose bacterial vaginosis using a range of tests and typically prescribe antibiotics for treatment. When it came back the blood was much darker than usual and smelled horrific. A rotten or foul odor from your nether region warrants a trip to the ob-gyn, Dr. Shirazian says. I literally just had an old tampon pop out of me! During or after physical activity like walking or climbing stairs. 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. 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! This continuous discharge may be pale, watery, brown, or mixed with blood. It was lodged in the crevice by my cervix. I'm so glad I did a search on this issue. Leaving moisture will only invite fungal reactions and so on. Sex during vaginal infection: Is it harmful? A person might notice that their period blood smells metallic due to the presence of blood and iron. A new, unpleasant smell could also point to an infection or, in some rare cases, cervical cancer. I've had this issue but if it was a tampon, wouldn't my OBGYN see it during my Pap? Doctors do not recommend the use of a douche to clean the vagina. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). 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. Healthy periods can have a slight smell of blood. This intense odor is often associated with not changing your pad or tampon, or dumping your cup, frequently enough. Dont wash the inside of your vagina. But nope.. it was an old, disgusting, revolting, putrid tampon. 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. Douching. I did a search online to see if there could be an underlying reason due to my age (38) or other health problem. Here are a few for you: Keep yourself as clean and dry as possible during your period. This article was medically reviewed by Lauren Demosthenes, MD, OB-GYN, senior medical director at, Cassandra Miasnikov is a writer specializing in positive psychology and women's health. WebIf you have it, you don't want to ignore it, and one of the main symptoms is a foul smell around the period. 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! I did go to the doctor who prescribed antibiotics for a UTI. Omg I am sooooo disgusted but SO grateful to you ladies rightnow. Foul-smelling vaginal discharge. This odour could sometimes be so overpowering, and you may begin to wonder if somethings wrong with your hygiene as you are suffering from foul smelling period. Septic shock. So i threw it away and for my next period i got a new cup. This is often caused by changes in hormone levels and most often occurs in your early 40s. This is not unusual, but a rotten or fishy odor may be a sign of a health condition that needs medical attention. Docs want to make sure that something like pelvic inflammatory disease hasn't been overlooked. A rotten smell can occur when a tampon is left in for too long or forgotten. Truly disgusting. 33, female. I thought you got toxic shock syndrome if you did this, so I was sure that could not be the cause of my strange symptoms and odor. Stock up on sanitary pads and dont use tampons during this time. I have REALLY big blood clots too, some are half dollar size. I am so glad I found this discussion. I CANT BELIEVE IT!!! Generally speaking, period odors arent noticeable to Anyway, I was ready to forget about it all since it was gone, but still felt a bit concerned. Dont use tampons or insert anything into your vagina until after youve seen your healthcare provider. No wonder my tampons kept going in weird. If you already notice a strong odor, try some of the following tips for good vaginal hygiene (and if that doesn't help, consult a doctor): During menses, or your period, you lose "good" bacteria called lactobacilli, Markiden says.