Period Blood Smells: What Do They Mean for Your Health?
Have you ever caught a whiff of something down there whilst on your period and not sure what it could mean? In this post, we go through the different types of smells and what they could mean in terms of your health.
DISCLAIMER: THIS BLOG POST DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information in this blog post, including but not limited to the text, graphics, images, are for educational and informational purposes only. None of the material within this blog post is intended to substitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified medical professional such as your doctor when you have concerns or questions.
During menstruation, the uterus sheds its lining, and the blood and tissue flow out of the body through the vagina, along with vaginal secretions. This process can result in a variety of smells, which can indicate different things about a person's health.
Understanding these different smells can help menstruators better monitor their health and seek medical attention when necessary.
In this article, we will explore the different smells of period blood and what they could mean in terms of your health.
Normal Smell
During a ‘normal’ period, the blood and tissue smell slightly metallic. This is because of the iron in the menstrual blood, although this odour should be relatively mild. Healthy menstruation is not accompanied by any other strong or offensive odours; the odour should not be persistent or persist once menstruation has finished. (And just an important side note here… your vagina and menstrual blood is NOT supposed to smell like roses. This is not normal and is usually only the case when perfumed products are frequently used, which could cause irritation and further issues.)
Metallic Smell
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. A metallic smell can indicate a heavy period and that the menstrual blood is fresh. However, it can also indicate being dehydrated, as dehydration can affect the scent of period blood, making it smell more intense.
Musky Smell
A musky odour is often associated with older menstrual blood. This occurs because as the blood ages, it reacts with bacteria and other substances in the body, leading to the release of musky-smelling compounds. A musky smell can indicate the presence of bacteria in the genital area and can be used as a sign that a freshen-up is needed. Those who experience a strong musky odour during their period can help eliminate the smell by using an alternative period product and changing these more frequently. (Thinking of changing to a menstrual cup? Check out this blog post HERE where you can learn all about them, and how to use them). To clean the genital area, remember to avoid any soaps or perfumes that could cause irritation and increase the risk of getting an infection; warm water works just fine. To prevent or get rid of the musky smell, practicing good hygiene is key, but if you are doing your best and it still persists, it is best to speak with a medical professional and explain the situation.
Rotten Smell
A rotten smell can indicate an infection in the genital area. Infections such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections can cause an unpleasant odour. Those experiencing a rotten odour during their period should speak to a medical professional (sooner rather than later), to find out what could be the cause of it.
Fishy Smell
A fishy odour during menstruation can indicate a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or vaginal infection, such as trichomoniasis or bacterial vaginosis (BV). If it smells a bit ‘fishy’, be sure to speak to a medical professional if it persists for a longer period of time.
Sweet Smell
A sweet odour during menstruation can indicate that the blood is mixed with cervical mucus. This is a normal occurrence and does not indicate a problem. However, if the odour is particularly strong or accompanied by other symptoms, such as itching or burning, it may indicate an infection and should be evaluated by a medical professional.
The different smells of period blood can provide invaluable insights into a menstruator’s health. While a slightly metallic or sweet odour is generally normal, a musky, rotten, or fishy odour can indicate an underlying problem and should be consulted by a medical professional. Different smells can be caused by different factors; hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can affect the composition of vaginal discharge, leading to different smells. Other scents can be due to diet, hygiene practices, and the presence of bacterial or yeast infections.
It is important to remember that each person’s menstrual cycle is unique and changes over time, and what is normal for one person may not be normal for another. If something is not normal for you, then you should seek medical attention. If you have any concerns about the odour or appearance of your period blood, it is always best to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment (and remember, this is nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed about - they have probably seen worse… as they always say).
