Period Blood Smell: How to Tell Something is Wrong?

It is normal to have a mild period blood smell. You barely notice it, let alone the person sitting next to you. This light smell is nothing to be worried about. But if the period blood odour is foul and strong, you must get it checked as it could be an indication of an infection.

Normal Menstrual Blood Odour

To be certain whether the odour you are experiencing is a cause for concern, you first need to know what does period blood smell like. It has a slight metallic smell. This is due to the iron in the blood. It’s nothing to worry about and usually goes unnoticed unless you pay close attention.

What else is normal is a musty odour, like the scent of dampness. This is from the mixture of blood, vaginal discharge, and sweat. To keep this smell in check, you can follow proper hygiene practices, such as regularly changing pads or tampons.

Depending on your flow, you can choose RIO Comfort Weave Sanitary Pads (for regular flow) to stay dry and comfortable in hot and humid weather or RIO Heavy Flow Sanitary Pads (for heavy flow) with odour lock technology to stay worry-free.

Sometimes, period blood can also have a slightly sour smell. This is due to the natural acidity of the vagina. A sour odour is generally mild and not unpleasant. If it’s unpleasant, you need to keep an eye on it.

Signs of Infection or Health Issues

Just like the unpleasant sour period blood odour, there are other signs that could indicate you have an infection or some underlying health issue. Those could be:

• Foul and Rotten Smell:

  A strong, foul, or rotten period blood odour could be a sign of a bacterial infection. One common infection is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). BV occurs when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted. This causes an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, producing a foul and rotten smell.

• Fishy Smell:

  A fishy smell can also indicate BV or trichomoniasis. Trichomoniasis is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) caused by a parasite. It can cause a fishy odour during menstruation and also at other times.

• Ammonia-like Smell:

  An ammonia-like smell could be a sign of a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). This smell is usually more noticeable when urinating. The odour caused by UTI mixes with normal period blood smell and creates an unusual smell. You may also experience a burning sensation when you urinate.

• Sweet or Fruity Smell:

  A sweet or fruity smell comes from a yeast infection. Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of Candida. It’s a type of fungus that normally lives in the vagina, but sometimes periods can create an environment for its overgrowth. That overgrowth causes bad period blood odour.

Besides these smells, watch out for the unusual colour and texture of period blood. Greyish blood and clumpy texture also indicate an infection.

Menstrual Blood Smells Really Bad, How to Fix?

If your menstrual blood smells bad, you must first check if it’s an infection. Consult your doctor because they will do the necessary tests to identify the infection and prescribe the correct medicine if necessary. If there’s no infection, here are a few things you can do to keep bad period blood smell away.

• Drink plenty of water so your body can flush out toxins from time to time.
• Use artificial fragrance-free sanitary products such as RIO Heavy Flow Sanitary Pads.
• Change your pads and tampons every 4 to 6 hours, even if they are not full.
• Clean the area around your vagina regularly only with water. Don’t use any soap or washes.
• Avoid douching, as it can disrupt the natural bacterial environment and pH of your vagina.
• Always wear clean underwear.

Conclusion

Understanding the normal period blood smell is essential to identify when something might be amiss. While slight variations are common, a sudden and significant change in odour is a cause of concern. And on top of that, if the odour is accompanied by other symptoms, you definitely need to get it checked. It’s best if infections are detected early so you can treat them before they spread. Don’t take any OTC medications before consulting a healthcare provider. And maintain good menstrual hygiene and a healthy vaginal environment to prevent infections.

FAQs

What causes a bad smell during menstruation?

A build-up of bacteria can cause a bad smell during menstruation. These bacteria could grow and lead to infections such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. Those could cause some really bad odour. Also, not changing your pads or tampons for an extended time causes a bad smell.

Can diet affect the smell of period blood?

Diet has no direct effect on the smell of period blood. However, eating certain foods like garlic and onions can temporarily alter your body’s odour. This can also include the odour of your vagina. So, indirectly, certain foods can affect the smell during periods.

What infections cause unusual period smells?

Infections such as bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and yeast infections can cause unusual period smells. Bacterial vaginosis typically produces a fishy or rotten smell; trichomoniasis causes a similar fishy odour; yeast infections lead to a sweet or fruity smell; and other urinary tract infections can cause an unusual ammonia-like smell.

What are the symptoms of a vaginal infection besides odour?

Besides odour, symptoms of a vaginal infection can include itching, burning, unusual discharge, pain during intercourse, and discomfort during urination.

Should I be concerned if my period blood smells rotten?

Yes, a rotten smell during menstruation is a cause for concern and should not be ignored. It can indicate a serious infection, such as pelvic inflammatory disease. If the smell persists, you should contact your doctor ASAP.