Icky period question

LegacyUser

It's a bit of a weird one this, but here goes ...

Is it normal for your period to smell?

I almost always use tampons, but the odd time I use pads (only around the house) I notice a fairly strong smell. It's not an unpleasant smell as such ... it's sort of sickly sweet. I though it might be from the pads, but they're unscented.

It doesn't really bother me as such, I'm just wondering is it the same with everyone or just me? I wouldn't wear pads in public because I'd be too conscious of it. And I don't think it's a hygiene issue, because I always shower daily, and usually more than daily during my period!

Thanks ...

Nevyn

It's not a hygiene issue and it is normal and unless someone sticks thier nose in your crotch tbh they won't notice.

Soundman

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090103070055AAsNoTi

herya

It's absolutely normal. What gets out is not exactly fresh blood after all, there are bits of dead tissue in the outflow. Just use tampons if it bothers you.

LegacyUser

Sorry to disagree but its not normal at all in my experience.

I have always been baffled by those pads that say 'odour control' -it really should not smell.

Xiney

It's perfectly normal for it to smell a bit. Blood has a smell so at the very least it would smell like blood.

Some people have better senses of smell than others and would notice it when they change their pad - but it is very rare for someone else to smell that you are on your period unless, as Thaedydal says, they stick their face in your crotch

herya

Unregistered wrote: »

I have always been baffled by those pads that say 'odour control' -it really should not smell.

The moment even fresh blood comes in contact with air it starts to break down and the smell is a result of this (it's like with sweat - it's not the sweat that smells, it's the bacteria breaking it down). Period blood might contain dead tissue lining so it doesn't help things. Probably different people have different sensitivities, for me it's bothering enough not to use pads apart from the final day.

AckwelFoley

Ive just consulted with my resident expert (my fiance)

They all smell.. its normal.

Have a nice day

username4321

I know the smell you're describing... the sweetish smell? Yeuck!
But its normal.
Im the same as u I use tampons pretty much all the time but pads are more cosy or something?
Anyway yup the odour is nothing to be worried about !

Ollchailin

I got my first period when I was 15 and I was working in a supermarket at the time. I remember thinking "God, smells weird!"- now any time I get the smell during my period I think of when I worked that crappy job!! I know lots of people associate smells with places, but this is one I never forget and wish I could!!

Such a weird story I know, but just shows you're not the only one OP!!!