When Your Period Blood Smells ‘fishy’
If you notice a’fishy’ smell during menstruation, this might indicate a problem that you need to see a doctor for. This smell is most often caused by bacterial vaginosis, which is a common infection that can cause periods to smell a lot stronger than normal.
Bacterial vaginosis is caused by too much bacteria in the vagina and your chances of getting BV can be increased by things like new or multiple sex partners and douching.
If you have BV you will probably also have other symptoms before, during, and/or after your period, including:
- Itchiness
- A burning sensation
- Gray or white discharge when you’re not on your period
Bacterial vaginosis is treated with antibiotics, and once this balances out the bacteria, you should no longer notice any unusual smells during your period.
If you have any of the above symptoms or feel like you might have bacterial vaginosis, be sure to make an appointment with your GP.
Symptoms Of Fishy Vaginal Odor
Sometimes the only symptoms that anything is wrong with your vagina is a fishy smell that you detect when you move or remove your pad or underwear. If that is your only symptom, then it could be that better feminine hygiene can remedy the problem.
If the fishy vaginal odor is caused by an infection, then you will likely notice other symptoms. Other symptoms of a vaginal infection include discharge that looks yellowish or gray and has a strong foul odor. Also, you may experience some itching around the labia and notice redness, irritation and possible swelling at the opening of your vagina.
A vaginal infection may also cause a distinct strong vaginal odor after your period or you may notice a fishy smell after having intercourse.
Simple Ways To Help Your Vagina Smell Good
1. Wear Loose Clothing and Cotton Underwear
When wearing tight clothing, it can restrict airflow, causing moisture buildup. Loose clothing and cotton underwear can help increase airflow to your groin and help prevent moisture in the area. Changing your underwear every 12 hours is helpful too. This prevents additional bacteria growth that can occur if the area is kept in an unsanitary environment.
2. Change Your Clothes After Exercising
A sweaty groin, also known as a sweaty crotch, can leave you feeling and smelling unpleasant. Dont hang out in your in sweaty clothes. This is a breeding ground for bacteria! It can also help if you wash your groin area, then dry the area, before putting on fresh clothes.
3. Lose Weight If Necessary
While it may seem irrelevant, extra weight can cause extra sweating, even in the vaginal area. As noted above, this extra moisture can cause bacteria to form, which can cause vaginal odor. Choosing a healthy lifestyle of clean eating and regular exercise can making a big difference in how much sweat you produce.
4. Avoid the Douche!
Our bodies were designed to take care of most issues. When you douche, you remove healthy bacteria in the vagina that you need to help prevent infection. As well, douche products contain lots of chemicals that can cause toxic buildup in the body.
5. Dont Fall for the Feminine Sprays
6. Avoid Certain Foods
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Get To Know Your Bodys Smells
The best way to know whether a vaginal odor is normal? Simple: Smell your vagina a lot. Donât be afraid to get very familiar with your own body. Get to know the variations of your discharge at different points of the month. Youâll spend a lot less time worrying, and youâll know right away when somethingâs not right.
Getting Rid Of The Menstrual Cup Smell
by Laura U. | Feb 21, 2020 |
Have you noticed an odor coming from your menstrual cup? The truth is, if you use your cup at all, theres a risk that you could end up with a stinky menstrual cup on your hands. While a menstrual cup smell doesnt necessarily mean theres anything wrong with your cup , it can be annoying. The good news is, there are some steps you can take to make sure that your cup stays sparkling clean and smelling nice even after years of use, and its really not that hard to do!
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Can Other People Smell My Blood
Most of the time, although you may be able to smell your period, it shouldn’t be strong enough for anyone else to pick up on. Periods are a natural part of life and nearly every person with a period will tell you they’ve had a funky smell at some point or another – so don’t feel embarrassed!
However, if you notice the smell is very strong or if someone else does tell you that they’ve noticed a smell, be sure to check in with your GP to make sure there’s nothing serious going on.
What Does A Fishy Vaginal Odor After Sex Mean
A fishy vaginal odor after unprotected sex isnt unusual as long as the smell is subtle and goes away after bathing.
Just be on the lookout for other symptoms like itching or burning brought on by the mixture of vaginal discharge and sperm. Furthermore, if the smell lingers or becomes stronger, it may point to BV or an STI.
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What Else Can Help Me Feel Fresh
Wearing cotton underwear, especially in hot weather, can help a girl feel fresher because cotton and other natural fibers are more breathable.
During your period, change your pads or tampons often. It may be a good idea to keep a spare pair of underwear in your backpack to change into in case you happen to soak through your pad or tampon.
But First What Is Period Blood Made Of
To get a better idea of why your menstrual cup smells, it might be useful to take a look at what constitutes your period blood. And heres the thing – its not just blood. What comes out with your monthly flow is a mix of:
- Blood
- Cervical mucus and
- Vaginal secretions
Understanding that there is a delicate ecosystem in your vagina and that your monthly period secretions are a mix of many things helps you see that there could be a variety of reasons for different smells. And many of these smells are completely natural.
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How To Prevent Vaginal Odor After Period
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Maintain personal hygiene by bathing regularly and trimming pubic hairs. Change sanitary pads and tampons frequently.
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Dont wear tight pants or tight underwear. This will help vagina breathe easily. Tight clothes irritate the vagina, thereby, increasing the smell from the vagina. If tight clothes or jeans are worn regularly, they may lead to excessive vaginal sweating, which in turn triggers bacteria build-up, thereby leading to unpleasant smells.
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Use cotton panties as they help in preventing the infection from spreading.
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Pass urine after having sex as it removes bacteria from inside and outside the vaginal canal. If not removed, bad bacteria can move up to bladder leading to infections.
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To prevent spreading of bowel bacteria it is recommended to wipe from front to back.
How To Deal With Menstruation Smell
One thing, which most young girls and women fret about, is the awful smell emanating from their vagina while they are on their period. This is also called as menstruation odour. The menstrual blood combined with sweat and germs in the vagina, produces a really offensive odour. While this is normal, it can be acutely embarrassing especially if people around you start avoiding you. It also reflects poorly on your personal hygiene. You can tackle menstruation smell by some simple and effective ways.
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Use The Power Of The Sun
It may sound strange, but the suns UV rays have antibacterial properties. Leaving your cup in bright sunlight for a few hours can help remove the smell from a period cup and even bleach light stains. Just make sure its not at the hottest time of the day so the heat doesnt compromise your cups integrity.
Six Ways To Remove Menstrual Cup Smell
Menstruators can get quite hung up about smelling during their periods. Its perfectly natural for there to be some slight odor but if youre concerned about a strong smell do go and see your doctor. The good news is that if you think the funky smell is coming from your period cup, there are things you can do about it.
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Why Does My Menstrual Cup Smell Bad Remove Funky Cup Odors
You finally did it. Youve converted to the period cup, learned its ins and outs, and everything is going peachy. Until it doesnt. Whats going on and why does your menstrual cup smell? Have you noticed a fishy, sour, or just plain weird odor?
We’re deep-diving into all things about menstrual cup smells. We’ll compare other period products, talk about whether you’re cleaning your cup correctly, address some of the causes for a smelly menstrual cup and how to remove unwanted odors. Let’s go!
There is no shame in period-related odors, but most of us prefer to avoid or limit them. At Ruby Cup, we’re serious about you – as well as people who don’t have access to safe menstrual products – having a hassle-free period. With every Ruby Cup bought, we match your purchase and donate a second cup to someone in a developing country. Get your Ruby Cup today.
How To Keep Your Period Cup Fresh
It can be a good idea to boil your cup for 20 minutes before and after your period, for the cleanliness of your cup and the health of your vagina. Make sure you use a deep pot to boil your menstrual cup otherwise you will risk burning or warping your menstrual care device. Check out full details on How to clean.
Alternatively, use liquid soaps or cup wipes that have been specifically formulated for menstrual cups. These washes are designed to clean the cup properly without leaving any residue. Avoid any that include oils, colorants or scents as they may leave chemicals on the cup. Some ingredients also harm the silicone material. A normal vaginal pH level is between 3.8 and 4.5, which is moderately acidic. Look for cleansing products that have a similar PH balance.
Never, ever put your period cup in the dishwasher!
There are some alternatives that you can use, if you dont have cup wipes or a proper liquid wash at hand.
Wipe thoroughly or soak your menstrual cup for an hour with vinegar. Pro tip: You can also use a toothpick soaked in rubbing alcohol to clean out your menstrual cup holes. Boil your cup AGAIN for 20 minutes and allow your cup to air dry in the sun completely before use. Leaving the cup to soak in the sun helps with discoloration or smells but its not always the most practical solution!
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Why Do I Look Prettier On My Period
When estrogen peaks during the days right after a womans period, and leading up to ovulation, the cells in skin are stimulated to make more of these elements, resulting in a clear, glowing complexion. During this week, estrogen not only stimulates a glow, but also keeps testosterone in check by shrinking pores.
Rinse With Cold Water First
You may be tempted to wash your cup in hot water right after you take it out, but hot water can actually cause odor and stains to set in. When you remove your cup, wash or rinse it in cold water first. You can follow this by washing it in warmer water. The same is true for underwear or other clothing that gets menstrual blood on it: Give it a good scrub in cold water to keep stains from setting.
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Sitz Bath With Pink Peppercorn
Pepper corn is a medicinal plant that contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help to fight bacteria and fungi. The bark of this plant is commonly used in tea to help with the treatment of vaginal infections and foul-smelling discharge.
Ingredients
- 10 g of pink peppercorn bark
- 1.5 L of water
How to prepare
Boil the water and add the bark. Allow it to boil for 10 minutes then turn off the stove. Strain the infusion and pour it into a basin. When it becomes warm, sit in the basin without clothes and perform a sitz bath, making sure to carefully cleanse the entire vaginal area until the water becomes cold. You can do this sitz bath tree times per day for 3 days.
How To Get Rid Of Menstrual Period Odor
Menstrual odor is usually mild and not detectable by those around you. Still, occasionally it may be strong enough to become problematic, and you need to take steps to eliminate it. If no infection is present, this means just a few simple changes in your menstrual routine. If infection is present, your doctor can help you clear up the infection and the odor.
Get acquainted with your natural smell. It’s not normal to have strong menstrual period odor, but it’s also not normal to have zero odor. When blood comes in contact with air, it takes on its own scent.This scent is usually mild enough that others can’t smell it through your clothes, but you’ll be able to smell it when you use the bathroom or change your clothes. Your own menstrual scent is normal and you shouldn’t aim to have a completely scent-free period.
Take a bath or shower, even if you’ve already bathed that day. It could just be that some menstrual fluid is hanging around due to a heavy or thick flow. Wash thoroughly to remove any fluid. Bathe regularly to prevent future odors of this type.
Change your pad often. According to the Eastern Carolina University Family Practice Center, you should change your pad or tampon every three to four hours 2. The more blood that collects in one place and comes into contact with air, the stronger your odor will be. Changing your sanitary product often prevents this problem.
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Can Other People Smell My Discharge
Yes. Its totally normal for healthy girls and women to have a unique odor. Many women become concerned that other people can detect the odor around their vulva and vagina. In reality, women are most sensitive to their own odor, and its very unlikely that others who dont have intimate contact with them can smell it.