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.

Glad today better OP. The pants are pants! Decent pads are the most convenient and no odour. Read the other day one Net Zero recommendation is we call move over to reusable period cups (!)…

Mine are M&S!!
Well, payday today so I'm binning them and trying another brand 😁

I used to love my cup!
Unfortunately I was one of the unlucky ladies that dragged my coil out with it. (despite using both successfully for many years) 😒 sad times.

Yay! No BV.

A fishy smell indicates bacterial vaginosis.

I had a godawful smell once, and went to a special clinic. After no end of rummaging, they found a mere strand from a tampon that had made its home around my cervix ~ so please be aware that just because you can't feel a tampon inside, doesn't mean a little bit couldn't be there. And after removal, the room had to be aired out before it could be used again!

If they used liquid detergent or fabric softener (or both) and / or a rapid wash that could well be the problem.

A fishy smell in your vag could be BV, but more likely to be your period pants from what you have said.

Strip wash will sort you out, promise.

If you get the right period pants with absorbency front to rear waistband they can be life changing for periods. Genuinely.

Instead of having to double up on pads or pads and tampons, just wearing comfy shorts overnight and getting a decent night's sleep without fear of leaking....I'll take that all day long!

Don't knock them until you have tried them.😊

100% agree with this. Have used period pants for years and not had an issue.

Washing does make a difference though...rinse after wearing and avoid liquid detergent and conditioner.

Aside from that they are SO easy.

I’d throw the pants away, wear normal cotton knickers with a sanitary pad. These things that are meant to be helpful and economical sometimes just don’t work. IMO it isn’t worth smelling bad for! For example for me I used natural deodorant and just couldn’t get on with it.. I know it’s better for our bodies etc but my armpits stank!

I’d never eat fish again if this happened! Eurgh.

If you wash at 60c you could damage the leakproof layer of your period pants and may as well throw them out.

A long wash with no detergent should sort them out.

Mine are awful and I go through pads regularly at night but I'd still take that over using a tampon and the risk of it being in there too long, it's a real thing and can make you extremely poorly

@HappyMeal564 I didn't know you weren't supposed to wear tampons at night I thought the advice was to just switch to pads for some of your period to give yourself a rest. Maybe I should read the instruction leaflet again lol.