To wonder why my period suddenly smells so bad?

[OneShyEagle]

Sorry, I know this is TMI, but hoping I can get some advice.

I wear tampons, but for security, wear period underwear to bed, as I often bleed too much for a tampon. Aware you’re probably not supposed to use tampons at night, but it’s always been fine for me.

Anyway, this morning I woke up, after having the heaviest day of my cycle, so I had definitely leaked a lot.

The really weird thing is, it smelled awful! This has never happened to me before and I’m late 30’s. I’d say it had a fishy odour. I’m so embarrassed writing this, but wondered if anyone has any suggestions as to why, or has experienced this before?

i washed as normal and have been worrying all day in case I smell, but if there is a smell now, it’s much less obvious than it was.

If anyone has experienced this, I would be so grateful to know what had caused it? Please help a very embarrassed mum.

I suppose it won’t do any harm.

OP, do you think it’s your knickers that were smelling bad or the actual period “matter” (can’t think of a better word)? I tried period pants but could not get them as clean as I would have liked, almost certainly me doing something wrong and not the pants, so I stopped using them and went back to pads (to back up my tampon). Try it with regular knickers and a pad and see if the smell is still as strong.

As for a forgotten tampon, (TMI) I once had one up there for ages. I even had sex with it in then one day, I just sort of “birthed” it. Never felt a thing when it was up there and nor did my partner.

Yes definitely check. I did this once it must have been there for about a week😖
When I realised and pulled it out the smell was horrific 🤢

Sounds like your period pants need a strip wash, build up of bacteria / detergent / fabric softener.

To avois it happening again ALWAYS rinse after wearing in cold water until it runs clear.

To strip wash, do a long, detergent free wash at 40c. Then wash again.

It sounds like you could have BV. Bacterial vaginosis. Or could you have a forgotten tampon up there?

It really caught me off guard this morning, when I was bleary eyed at 5.30am. I bundled them down to the washing machine so quickly. It was the pants that smelled most. Although I didn’t investigate too much before my shower. I just wanted to get cleaned up at that point. Today, I feel like I’m hyper vigilant and am trying to see if the smell is still there. I’m not too sure, as I normally wouldn’t pay too much attention, so I’m struggling to tell if it’s still there in a more faint form.

You’re not as close to your friends as I am then!!!
I had to check for my friend to see if she had a tampon stick inside once! - we are basically each other’s gynaecologist 😂😂

Thank you. This is very helpful. I was away over the festive season last time I had my period, so machine washed them at a family members house. Maybe it’s caused by the different products?

I had this once and I know it’s more TMI, but I couldn’t feel anything when I left one in years ago. I went to the sexual health clinic and they found it all compressed up near my cervix 🤮
Totally revolting, lingering smell and highly embarrassing !

I follow Cheeky Pants on Tiktok and during their Tiktok lives they have mentioned it.

This is really common for period pants when not brand new! Always soak in cold water before you wash them!

Probably BV. I tried that Balance Activ gel and it didn't work for me. Have just got some Metronidazole gel pessaries from the GP. You can also get home tests. I think trich can be whiffy as well.

It's a build up of bacteria in your pants - even the tiniest amount of fluid activates the smell of the trapped bacteria. I had the same issue.

Every now and then you need to strip wash them. Can't remember what I did now - soaked them in vinegar maybe? Bicarb? I'm sure if you google 'strip wash period underwear' it you'll find a method.

I had this once, had a rather embarrassing smear while bleeding but the overall consensus was it was probably a burst fibroid x

Oh really. I hadn’t thought of that.

This is TMI:-

I had this once, searched for a lost tampon but I felt 'empty' then a few days later as I was having a poo and pushing a tampon came out. It was hidden.

I have had this when I have worn period pants for longer times eg overnight.

I didn't realise that period pants have a life limit. Most say between 50 and 100 washes. I had some M & S ones that got this foul smell to them and I realised that I'd gone well over that amount of washes. I've gone back to sanitary towels as it's less hassle.

Yes definitely due to the period pants I would say.
I chucked mine out and stopped using them for that reason, no matter what I did there was always a smell to them. Shame as it's such a great concept in principle!

In your shoes I'd wait until my period was finished and then get to the GP if there's still an odor. They can swab to test for BV and prescribe antibiotics.
Happened to me once and it was mortifying but I think it was bubble bath that caused it and I am very careful with products ever since.

Sounds mental but I was the same once, and realised it was a combination of tight knickers with a sani pad, and I'd used a bath bomb earlier on in my evening bath
🧼 🛁 😨
So my ph level must have been out of whack? 🤷‍♀️
I hope you get it sorted
@OneShyEagle

My daughter wears modibodi and they absolutely stink when she puts them for washing. I’m having to soak them and wash them twice to get them to smell clean.

It was a burst fibroid for me as well - I first noticed it when wearing period pants as well weirdly. Horrible horrible smell, like something rotten. I tested for BV and it was negative, then got tested by my GP for every STD and infection under the sun, nothing. It was only when they sent me for a scan that they found what the problem was.

Sorry if this sounds crude. Have you checked there isn't a tampon in there ... happened to me once and that's what it was. Get your fingers in there and check please.

My vote is that it’s the period pants that smell rather than you OP