Your period blood can smell like poop if:
- You suffer from excess bacteria in your vagina (Vaginosis). If this happens and your period comes, the bacteria will have extra food (blood) to eat and multiply!
- You aren’t changing your pad or tampon enough. So, begin by changing it frequently.
- You have a rare fistula between your colon and vagina.
- You have had prolonged labor with some blood vessels squeezed by the baby’s head and some areas of the vagina have died and filled in with a communication to the bowel (a fistula). The fistula allows feces to leak into the vagina.
- Another possibility is you have a coagulation defect and bleed more than other women. Talk to your doctor and see if your periods are making you anemic.
Why does My Menstrual Blood Smell Like Feces?
Menstrual blood or period is made of the shreds of unfertilized eggs, blood, and uterine lining tissues. Its absolutely normal for this combination to have a slight odor once it exits your vagina.
This is most likely related to the vaginal substance itself, but acidity and bacteria can also play a role.
Odors you notice during your menstrual flow can also fluctuate. “Healthy” periods can have a slight smell of blood. They may even have a slight metallic smell from iron and bacteria.
When My Girlfriend Is on Her Period, I can smell iron/metal. Why?
It is usual for blood to smell like iron.
Also, it is important to note that some men are subconsciously intimated or afraid of women’s menstruation, which could cause you to imagine the smell.
My Period Blood Smells Like Bad Meat
It is normal for some women’s period to smell like bad meat, and if it came late, then that isn’t good, I’d recommend seeing a gynecologist about that.
Why does My Period Smell Like Rotten Meat After It Came Really Late?
As earlier stated, period material can be very stinky. So, if your period arrived late then the lining of the uterus might have died a couple of days before your period began, hence the smell.
However, the smell should not be anything like rotten meat and if that happens, you’d need to see a gynecologist.
ALSO SEE: Why Does My Poop Smell Like Metal?
Why does My Period have a Strong Smell?
The period has a strong smell due to the tissues and blood leaving the vagina along with bacteria.
It’s typical for the vagina to contain bacteria, though the amount can vary. Some women have been known to experience and report a “fishy” smell during menstruation.
Unlike other normal odors, fishiness is a big sign of an underlying medical condition that needs the attention of a medical doctor.
This odor is mainly attributed to bacterial vaginosis, a type of infection that is a lot stronger than a normal period smell.
Signs of Bacterial Vaginosis in Women:
You may already have bacterial vaginosis if the “fishy” smell is accompanied by:
- Irritation
- Itchiness
- burning, especially during urination
- vaginal discharge outside of menstrual bleeding
Although you may notice bacteria vaginosis during your period, your menstrual cycle isn’t the culprit here.
Vaginosis is a result of an overgrowth of normal vaginal bacteria. While the particular cause of the overgrowth isn’t known, bacterial vaginosis seems to be most common in women who are sexually active.
Douching too may increase your risk of you suffering from this infection type. Antibiotics remain one of the most effective ways of treating bacterial vaginosis.
Once treatment begins, the bacteria slowly begins to balance out. At the end of it, you shouldn’t notice any unusual smells or other symptoms during your period.
Occasionally, you may require a bit of help to remove an odor. The following techniques may help you naturally eliminate unusual vaginal odors:
- Essential oils
- Practice good hygiene
- Use only exterior deodorizing products
- Prescription treatments
- Change your underwear stuff
- Consider a pH product
Why do Tampons Smell Bad?
Normally, tampons shouldn’t smell.
The following reasons cause a smelly tampon:
- The tampon is older than a year.
- The tampon is scented and the scent is used as the fragrance. This disrupts your bacteria or yeast balance and can cause infections.
- The tampon has fungus on it
A smelly tampon should be thrown out immediately.
Used tampons should only smell like blood, a metallic scent. So, if you leave a tampon in for longer than recommended, the foul smell is dead blood cells and bacterial growth.
If your used tampons always smell, try changing them more often, only using the smallest size you need at the time. If the smell changes suddenly, see a doctor.
My Period Smells Like Death
In most cases, your period smelling like death is caused by tissues and blood exiting the vagina, along with bacteria.
Bacteria in the vagina are normal, though the amount can differ.
The resulting “rotten” odor from bacteria mixed with the menstrual flow should not be strong enough to detect others. By frequently changing tampons and pads, you may be able to control such odors, especially on days when you have a lot of flow.
A tampon left in for too long or forgotten could lead to a “rotten” odor. This can occur at the end of a period when you don’t require insertion of a new tampon as frequently, and there is no more bleeding.
If you are concerned that you may have forgotten to remove a tampon, try to feel for the strings at the opening of your vagina. If you can’t feel them, schedule a vaginal exam with your doctor to confirm
Consult your doctor if your period stinks, and you have any unusual symptoms. Something else could be going on. So, you must be aware of why my period smell so bad.
Why Does My Period Blood Smell Sweet?
The increased acid and bacteria in your vagina is why your period blood smells sweet.
Dark Period Blood Smells Bad
Any old, black, dark, or deep red blood should be discussed with GP.
Blood Smells After D&C
It is normal for blood to smell after D and C. Just wait it out, the smell will eventually tamper off.
I Can Smell My Period Through My Pants
You’re able to smell your period through your pants since females have crevices and folds that hold discharges like sweat and menstrual blood close to you.
Chances are if you smell yourself, others are smelling the odor too.
As the day wears on, bacteria develop which causes an odor and the odor sticks to your pad if you don’t change it.
I would suggest carrying a small baggie with flushable wipes and using one whenever you use the bathroom. This will help limit the growth of bacteria and you should feel fresher throughout the day.
How To Stop Bad Period Smell
- First, consult with your doctor to ensure that no infections are present.
- Second, keep good, clean hygiene.