What causes menstrual odor? I mean, if a woman cleans herself as she's supposed to and takes care of herself - not odors caused by poor hygiene during that time of month.
I just wonder what in the body, what happens in the body to make the (is 'blood' the correct term?) have an odor.
2007-02-15 16:10:56 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Women's Health
Thank you all for the replies. I gotta say that this isn't something that's happening to me personally. Just a general question.
It is a silly question I guess, much like a kid might ask. But oh well. You'll never know until you ask, right?
2007-02-15 16:53:20 · update #1
It's not really blood exactly. There's blood in it, but mostly it is the lining of your uterus being shed each month, and that's tissue. Tissue that is no longer needed by the body tends to necrotize and have a bit of an odor when shed.
2007-02-15 16:14:01 · answer #1 · answered by j3nny3lf 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The odor would be from bacteria growing in/on the blood and pad. Change pads/tampons more frequently.
Use cleansing wipes at toilet time to clean the vaginal area.
If the odor is more severe and of a 'fish' type smell, it could be a bacterial infection and should be checked by your gynecologist.
If the odor is more of a sweet smell, it could be a vaginal yeast infection, if you also have itching and irritation. If this is the case, wait for the period to be over, and use an over the counter vaginal yeast medication. (the 5 day regimens are better in general than the 3 day type)
2007-02-15 16:13:56 · answer #2 · answered by darligraphy 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Blood from a cut finger has an odor too. Just remember to keep putting hygiene first. It's natural, and every woman is different.
2007-02-15 16:16:04 · answer #3 · answered by jammer 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Odoriforous menstrual blood can mean alot of things. You say that you have good hygiene right? So you can eliminate that. It can come from a bacterial infection, a sexual transmitted disease, or not changing your pad or tampon in a decent time frame. You should have this problem checked out by your GYN.
2007-02-15 16:23:53 · answer #4 · answered by miss info 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your menstrual flow itself has no odor. But once it leaves your body, the bacteria that are normal and normally present will start to break down the components of the flow, and that can cause odors.
Here's some links about female body fluids and about female hygiene.
2007-02-15 16:21:10 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Menstrual blood is old blood and tissue shed from the lining of your uterus every month or so. Since it is not 'fresh' blood, it is going to have an odor.
If it is excessively bad, you may want to see your Dr. to check and see if you have a gynecological condition that needs to be investigated.
2007-02-15 16:14:00 · answer #6 · answered by Ryann 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
What are you like 12 years old?
It's hormones...and actually...real men tend to like them.
I've even known a few men who called themselves members of the Red Wing...oh never mind...
Menstration is natural, it really doesnt have an odor, it's a scent.
2007-02-15 16:18:02 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Its the tissue, some of the blood clots are 3 weeks old, old blood smells. You aren't doing anything wrong, don't be ashamed. Unfortunately there isn't anything you can do about it, I do not suggest trying either.
2007-02-15 16:15:33 · answer #8 · answered by BLANK 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It can be diet, personal hygiene, or blood content.
2007-02-15 16:14:18 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have not had this problem. Someone who does should get it checked out, as it could be a bacterial infection or STD.
2007-02-15 16:13:31 · answer #10 · answered by itry007 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋