Have you ever experienced cycles where no matter how much you tried, you just couldn't mask the pungent smell of your period blood? Or witnessed noticeable changes in the smell of your period blood?
You will be surprised to know that there are not any easy-to-find studies that can explain these changes. That is why the team of OnlyMyHealth spoke to Dr Sucheta Parte, Consultant - Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Lullanagar.
Period Blood Smelling Worse Than Usual?
Dr Parte confirmed, "There are several factors that can cause period blood to have a stronger or more unpleasant odour than usual." Elaborating upon the factors that can cause such a phenomenon, she listed:
- Presence of bacteria in the vagina, which is perfectly natural but can produce an intense smell when mixed with menstrual blood.
- Poor menstrual hygiene practices such as wearing the same tampon for too long, not changing pads regularly, or not washing your vaginal area properly.
- Fluctuations in hormone levels can alter the pH balance of the vagina, creating an environment where bacteria thrive and emit a stronger odour.
- Spicy foods and caffeine have been known to make menstrual blood smell more pungent.
Bad Period Smell A Sign Of Disease
Dr Parte advised that bad period smell should not be ignored as it could indicate underlying health conditions. She suggested, "One such condition is bacterial vaginosis (BV), which occurs when the balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted. BV can cause a strong fishy odour during menstruation, along with other symptoms like vaginal discharge and itching."
"Yeast infections occur when there is an overgrowth of Candida, a type of fungus, in the vagina. This overgrowth can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like itching, burning, and a distinct odour during menstruation," she added.
How To Fix The Bad Smell Of Period Blood?
"Dealing with the bad smell of period blood can be an uncomfortable and embarrassing experience for many women," empathised Dr Parte as she added, "While it's important to remember that some odour is normal during menstruation, there are steps you can take to keep it under control." She listed:
- Practice good hygiene by regularly changing your pads or tampons every few hours. This helps prevent the buildup of bacteria that can intensify the smell.
- Opt for unscented menstrual products that allow better airflow and reduce odour. Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins from your body and may contribute to a fresher scent overall.
- Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods can also help minimise strong odours during your period.
- Adding probiotics to your daily routine might assist in balancing the vaginal pH levels, potentially reducing any foul smell associated with menstruation.
In conclusion, while some changes in menstrual blood odour may be temporary and not cause for concern, certain situations warrant a visit to a healthcare provider. If the smell persists and is accompanied by itching, burning, changes in menstrual cycle, cramping, and a history of diseases like endometriosis, PCOS, Or fibroids, consult a gynaecologist urgently. Early diagnosis and treatment of underlying issues can help ensure your reproductive health and overall well-being.