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Original poster

Way TMI: period smell

28 replies

SmileyKylie · 04/11/2019 08:11

Name changed.
My periods are causing various problems recently (mostly because they are tsunami like). But the last two have really... Smelt!
It's really quite strong almost sewery smell.
Anyone else have this? Ive repeatedly seen various GPs who all tell me to keep a diary etc. But wondered if this has happened to anyone else?

OP posts:
Original poster
SmileyKylie · 04/11/2019 09:23

Hopeful bump

OP posts:
SarahTancredi · 04/11/2019 09:26

Apologies for the personal questions.

Any chance you could have been pregnant?

And whT do you use? Could there be a tampon that been left in. That would cause a smell?

Any pain? Strange discharge?

Smellybluecheese · 04/11/2019 09:28

When this happened to me it was a tampon that had been left in.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Women's health
Boireannachlaidir · 04/11/2019 09:29

Why would it happening to anyone else have any bearing on your own personal experience? Confused

Aren't you content with the advice you've received from a medical professional?

Or do you normally put your symptoms out there online for the world to read and invite others to do the same? Hmm

Damntheman · 04/11/2019 09:38

This isn't too much information at all. Don't be embarrassed to reach out for period help! It's your body and health :)

Some smell I find is normal, although I notice nobody else can smell it but me. I do ask my friends on occasion :p Sewery smell though isn't normal at all for me. I'd also be concerned about a left in tampon.

Don't be a dick Boire. If someone else has experienced a sewery smell during a period (which is nothing to be embarrassed about) and had an explanation for it, this could help OP in their next steps forward.

Boireannachlaidir · 04/11/2019 09:58

Don't be embarrassed to reach out for period help

Oh come on I'm not being a dick and nor have I said there's anything shameful or embarrassing about asking about periods.

What I am questioning is how helpful it will be to now ask other MNers to come forward with their "stories". Particularly as the OP has said they've already been to their GP. GPs deal with thousands of women and the OP could've asked how common this was or if was a rare occurrence if they were so desperately worried about it.

A "hopeful bump" only an hour or so after posting the OP? Really?! Was it that imperative to ask the public? Hmm

Ohnoherewego62 · 04/11/2019 10:01

@Boireannachlaidir

I think we reach out in situations to know were not alone. Heaven forbid. No man is an island.

Yes, I understand this. Can depend on the flow, changing of products or possibly upset balance. Maybe try some probiotics or check for old tampon.

It is old blood that we shed that gathers up so the first day or so might seem a bit off. Is it throughout your period or the first couple of days?

yoursworried · 04/11/2019 10:01

Have you left a tampon in?

Damntheman · 04/11/2019 10:11

Ah but you ARE being a dick Boire. You're shaming OP for coming here for reassurance instead of just quietly rolling your eyes and moving on. You don't HAVE to comment on this thread, but you're choosing to in order to belittle the OP for wanting a bit of a handhold.

And yes, GPs are not infallible, they sometimes get it wrong. They're human, just like the rest of it. So it could indeed be helpful to ask the general public as if someone else has experienced the same and thinks OP needs a second opinion, they could save her from unpleasant consequences.

Was it that imperative to ask the public? This part in particular was you being a dick, so that it's clear.

Damntheman · 04/11/2019 10:12

Also there has been more than a few women over the years complaining that GPs do not take women's pain and period related issues seriously.

Wilmalovescake · 04/11/2019 10:16

Ignore the poster trying to shame you for asking for help, OP.

A diary seems like a really bizarre idea! Surely it would basically read
Day 1-7: smell
Day 8-28: no smell
Repeat next month.

I would have expected them to search for a missing tampon or at least investigate infection. Have you been to them when you’ve actually been on?

EskewedBeef · 04/11/2019 10:51

Has the GP had a good furtle around to check for forgotten tampons?

Sparklfairy · 04/11/2019 10:56

Forgotten tampon or infection seems likely.

As for Boire like it or not when we have a sensitive medical issue most of us do 3 things, in this order.

  1. GP
  2. Dr Google (which almost always will say you're dying)
  3. Ask anonymously online for other ideas about this specific issue in case others had the same.

OP hasn't done anything wrong. She's not standing on the street with a loudspeaker asking strangers ffs

user764329056 · 04/11/2019 11:06

OP, take no notice of some posters, there’s always idiots with nothing better to do

Gentleness · 04/11/2019 11:07

GPs are amazing but they can't be experts in everything and knowing the right questions to ask when you visit makes a huge difference. Loads of us have had that experience. It's also hard to know whether to push for answers or let go of lingering worries. Strangers' experiences can help with that too. I'm about to have some serious tests about something I'd been minimising thinking it was my age until a friend was shocked, then I read about other people's experiences. Please don't talk people out of being open about their experiences and worries.

dontgobaconmyheart · 04/11/2019 11:14

Is it literally only when you have your period OP? No odour or discharge at any other time?

Menstrual blood can knock off your PH and cause an issue and also infection. I used to get recurrent UTI's after each period, which was a drag. I'd ask the GP to swab for BV or buy a home test kit and swab yourself and go from there.

Otherwise make sure you're changing sanitary protection very regularly etc (obviously not suggesting you don't). Periods and vaginal odour are very normal things to discuss, I can't see why it's TMI. It's just a body part.

TheSandman · 04/11/2019 11:21

I'm a man. I live with my wife and 2 daughters. I know when they are having their periods because - amongst other, slightly more obvious, (mood things) they all smell different when they are having their periods. It's not a repulsive smell or even a intrusive one but I notice it. Part of life.

Stefoscope · 04/11/2019 11:21

Could it be BV? I've not had a smell related to periods before, but I did develop a smelly infection once after some perfumed shower gel I was using somehow found it's way into that area. Treated with some canasten and switched to a milder shower gel and it soon cleared up. Have you changed laundry detergent or shower gel lately or been using scented san pro? Is their a family planning nurse you could see at your GP who could take a swab for analysis?

Boireannachlaidir · 04/11/2019 11:25

@Damntheman I wasn't asking you for help to see what wasn't clear so no need to give me your opinion and please don't confuse your opinion with fact. Feel free to ignore me and go back to answering the OPs question...

SteamedPotatoes · 04/11/2019 11:35

OP I had a "lost" tampon years ago. The smell was intolerable. I couldn't locate it, gynaecologist had to remove. I was 18 at the time. I would have really benefited from a site such as this and asking others anonymously as I was so ashamed of how I smelt ! @Boireannachlaidir is being a dick.

Damntheman · 04/11/2019 11:42

No you weren't Boire, but you clearly needed the help to see it :) You're so welcome!

BarbarAnna · 04/11/2019 13:28

How old are you? Only asking because mine definitely smell different to me, which I think is partly due to a more sensitive sense of smell. I am peri menopausal so just wondering whether you are too?

EleanorReally · 04/11/2019 13:31

sewery?
like poo?

IShitGlitter · 04/11/2019 13:35

Has the GP checked down there?

gamerchick · 04/11/2019 13:43

My finger would be pointing to BV as well of there's nothing up there that shouldn't be.

In your shoes OP I would pop along to a GUM clinic. It's their area and they're very thorough.