Period blood usually has a metallic scent, but sometimes it can have a strong, unpleasant odor. This can be alarming, but it's usually not a sign of a serious problem. There are a few reasons why your period might smell bad this month.
One possibility is that you have an infection. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common infection that can cause fishy-smelling discharge. BV is usually not serious, but it can be treated with antibiotics. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a more serious infection that can also cause a bad-smelling odor. PID can damage the reproductive organs and lead to infertility. If you think you have PID, see a doctor right away.
Another possibility is that you are using a new type of feminine hygiene product. Some products, such as scented tampons or pads, can irritate the vagina and cause a bad smell. If you think this is the case, try switching to a different type of product.
In most cases, a bad-smelling period is not a sign of a serious problem. However, if you are concerned about the smell, talk to your doctor. They can help you determine the cause of the smell and recommend treatment if necessary.
Why Does My Period Smell Bad This Month?
Bad-smelling period can be caused by various factors.
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- New feminine hygiene product
- Poor hygiene
- Sexually transmitted infection (STI)
- Uterine fibroids
- Menopause
- Cancer
In most cases, a bad-smelling period is not a sign of a serious problem. However, it is important to see a doctor if you are concerned about the smell or if you have other symptoms, such as pelvic pain, fever, or unusual discharge.
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common infection that can cause a bad-smelling period. BV is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. These bacteria produce a fishy odor that can be very noticeable.
- Symptoms of BV
In addition to a bad-smelling period, BV can also cause other symptoms, such as:
- Itching or burning in the vagina
- Pain during sex
- Increased vaginal discharge that is thin and white or gray
- Causes of BV
BV is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. This can happen for a number of reasons, including:
- Douching
- Using scented feminine hygiene products
- Having multiple sexual partners
- Taking antibiotics
- Treatment for BV
BV is usually treated with antibiotics. It is important to take all of the antibiotics, even if you start to feel better, to ensure that the infection is completely cleared. BV can also be prevented by avoiding douching, using unscented feminine hygiene products, and practicing safe sex.
- BV and Pregnancy
BV is more common in pregnant women than in non-pregnant women. BV during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight. If you are pregnant and have BV, it is important to see a doctor right away so that you can be treated.
BV is a common infection that can cause a bad-smelling period. However, it is usually not a serious problem and can be easily treated with antibiotics.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a serious infection of the female reproductive organs. PID can cause a bad-smelling period, as well as other symptoms, such as:
- Symptoms of PID
In addition to a bad-smelling period, PID can also cause other symptoms, such as:
- Pelvic pain
- Fever
- Chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Painful urination
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Causes of PID
PID is usually caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. PID can also be caused by other infections, such as a bacterial infection of the vagina or uterus.
- Treatment for PID
PID is treated with antibiotics. It is important to take all of the antibiotics, even if you start to feel better, to ensure that the infection is completely cleared. PID can also be prevented by practicing safe sex and getting regular STI screenings.
- PID and Pregnancy
PID can lead to infertility and ectopic pregnancy. If you are pregnant and have PID, it is important to see a doctor right away so that you can be treated and monitored closely.
PID is a serious infection that can have serious consequences. If you think you might have PID, see a doctor right away.
New Feminine Hygiene Product
Using a new feminine hygiene product, such as a scented tampon or pad, can irritate the vagina and cause a bad-smelling period. This is because the chemicals in these products can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina.
- Types of Feminine Hygiene Products That Can Cause a Bad Smell
Some of the feminine hygiene products that are most likely to cause a bad smell include:
- Scented tampons
- Scented pads
- Deodorizing sprays or powders
- Douching products
- Symptoms of Irritation from Feminine Hygiene Products
In addition to a bad-smelling period, irritation from feminine hygiene products can also cause other symptoms, such as:
- Itching or burning in the vagina
- Pain during sex
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Rash or irritation around the vagina
- How to Avoid Irritation from Feminine Hygiene Products
The best way to avoid irritation from feminine hygiene products is to use unscented and hypoallergenic products. You should also avoid douching and using deodorizing sprays or powders.
- What to Do If You Think You Are Irritated by a Feminine Hygiene Product
If you think you are irritated by a feminine hygiene product, stop using the product and see a doctor. Your doctor can help you determine what is causing the irritation and recommend treatment.
If you are experiencing a bad-smelling period and you have recently started using a new feminine hygiene product, it is possible that the product is causing the problem. Try switching to an unscented and hypoallergenic product to see if that resolves the issue.