Why does menstruation smell?
Menstruation is a normal physiological phenomenon for women, but many women find that their menstrual secretions have an odor, which may cause concern. So, why does menstruation smell? Is it normal or a health problem? This article will give you detailed answers based on the hot topics and hot content on the Internet in the past 10 days.
1. Common causes of menstrual odor

Odor during menstruation may be related to the following factors:
| Reason | Specific instructions |
|---|---|
| bacterial infection | Imbalance of vaginal flora may lead to bacterial vaginosis and fishy odor |
| menstrual blood oxidation | When menstrual blood comes into contact with air, it will oxidize and produce a metallic taste. |
| Improper use of hygiene products | Not changing sanitary napkins or tampons for a long time may cause odor |
| dietary factors | Intake of large amounts of spicy and irritating foods may affect the smell of secretions |
| disease factors | Certain gynecological diseases such as vaginitis and cervicitis can cause abnormal odor |
2. Is menstrual odor normal?
A slight menstrual odor is usually a normal physiological phenomenon. Menstrual blood itself is made up of endometrial tissue, blood and vaginal secretions, which may produce a distinctive smell when mixed. However, if the following situations occur, it is recommended to seek medical treatment in time:
1. The smell is particularly strong, such as obvious fishy smell or rancid smell
2. Accompanied by abnormal discharge color (yellow-green, gray-white, etc.)
3. Accompanied by itching, burning or pain
4. The odor persists and does not disappear after the menstrual period is over.
3. How to deal with menstrual odor?
| method | Specific measures |
|---|---|
| keep clean | Wash your vulva 1-2 times a day and avoid using irritating lotions |
| Change sanitary products frequently | Change sanitary napkins or tampons every 2-4 hours |
| Wear breathable clothing | Choose cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothing to avoid stuffy conditions |
| Adjust diet | Drink more water, reduce the intake of spicy food, and increase the intake of fruits and vegetables |
| Seek medical attention if necessary | If infection is suspected, consult a doctor promptly |
4. Recent hot topics related to
In the past 10 days, the topic of menstrual health has sparked widespread discussion on social platforms:
1. #MenstrualHealthScience# has been read more than 300 million times, and many gynecologists answered questions online
2. A well-known blogger’s video sharing “Menstrual Care Tips” received millions of likes
3. The experience of using new menstrual care products such as menstrual cups has become a hot topic
4. The popular science article on "How to judge whether menstrual odor is normal" was widely forwarded
5. Suggestions for preventing menstrual odor
1. Establish healthy menstrual care habits: choose regular brands of sanitary products and replace them regularly
2. Pay attention to personal hygiene: you can take a bath during menstruation, but avoid bathing in the tub and vaginal douching.
3. Record menstrual status: pay attention to menstrual cycle, menstrual flow and odor changes
4. Regular physical examination: Have a gynecological examination at least once a year
5. Maintain good living habits: regular work and rest, moderate exercise, and reduce stress
6. Situations that require vigilance
While most menstrual odor is normal, the following situations require special attention:
| Symptoms | Possible reasons |
|---|---|
| Strong fishy smell | Bacterial vaginosis may |
| rancid smell | May indicate infection or foreign body retention |
| accompanied by fever | Be wary of serious infections such as pelvic inflammatory disease |
| Prolonged menstrual period + peculiar smell | May be related to endometritis |
In short, it is normal to have a slight menstrual odor, but if the odor is abnormal or accompanied by other symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical examination in time. Maintaining good hygiene and a healthy lifestyle are key to preventing menstrual odor. I hope this article can help everyone better understand and manage menstrual health issues.
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