TOM Question- Gross but Need Advice

I can ALWAYS smell everyone who uses pads. Always. Indoors is especially awful, but outdoors as well. And breathing through my mouth is no good. Then I can taste it. Shudder.

Most people can't.

Most people can't even smell really really bad smells until their nose is right next to it.

So for those of us who can smell appallingly well, don't worry about us. We're used to it. Heck, I use camphor under my nose when I'm in offices or close quarters with people (especially homes of people who leave sanitary products in the garbage instead of flushing or ziplocking). LOVE CAMPHOR! Trust me, those of us who can smell everyone take steps not to as much as possible.

For other people, they're undoubtedly clueless.

That said...

It's doctor time.

Most infections have very distinct, very bad smells. That would be my first guess... that you've got some kind of vaginosis going on. It's also not unusual for a piece of the uterine lining or a very very early lost pregnancy to not detach all the way and start decaying. Either way... it's going to smell foul.

Which means doctor time.

If it makes you feel better everyone cannot smell it. Our sense of smell changes with different things and guys cannot smell half of what we do and we can't smell a lot of what they do as well.

Just trying to get you to relax with the smell factor of this. :)

Oh, humidity and moisture will intensify the smell so yeah, wetting with a body spray will make it worse.

Oh so if you are sitting with your legs crossed trying to keep the smell from getting to your nose you are probably sweating down there making it worse.

A L - please call your doctor - OB/GYN - as it might be a hormonal problem that needs to be addressed.

I know blood has an "irony" smell but it doesn't smell like that - you could have an infection. I don't know. I'm not a doctor.

If you bleed (SOAK) more than one pad in an hour - YOU MUST GO TO THE ER. no kidding.

First of all, are you changing every hour because you're afraid of the smell or because you're bleeding that much? If you are bleeding that much then this is something that needs medical attention, like now.

That aside, I know that my period sometimes has an odor. I notice it when I go to the bathroom, but I don't really think that anyone else does, and my husband would tell me if he could smell it. I just know the odor is there and therefore am more atuned to it. If you are paranoid that others can smell it, can you discreetly ask your husband or someone else you are close to (mom, sister, best friend) if they notice anything?

Can you wear a tampon? I feel like when I wear a tampon, not only do I feel cleaner but I don't notice a smell as much because the blood isn't open to air, if that makes sense.

Make sure you wash yourself well each day, and use the moist wipes (baby wipes are fine too) when you go to the bathroom. Change your tampon/pad regularly as you have been.

Now, if this odor persists past your period, or becomes unbearable, just call your doctor. You may have an infection that needs attention. Good luck!

You might try those whipes that way you will get cleaner. I have had similar issues. My hormones are nuts as I only have one overy and would be happy to part with the other. If it continues to be like that I would call your dr. A few years ago I had a large cyst they had to remove alone with an overy. If I would have gone in at the first sign I may not would have had such a hard time.

Good luck and God Bless!

Is the smell only when you're bleeding? If not, you may have an infection. I've seen pads and tampons advertise that they have deodorant in them.

I think I'd call the doctor's office and ask about this.

It's normal to have a heavier period if you're late. If you can use a tampon and prevent the blood from being exposed to air, that will help. As someone else said, adding the odor of sweat can increase it. You also may be noticing it more (besides having a sensitive nose) because you are changing more often and therefore exposing the odors to your nose - I know, it's a catch-22.

I would advise against using any body sprays or pads with deodorants. It's pretty well documented that using chemicals in the vaginal area is a really bad idea and can cause more problems (infections, etc.) than it solves. No one else can notice it, I'm sure. Unless, as others have said, there's an infection going on too. If it lasts more than 5 days beyond your normal period, I'd give the doctor a call. But definitely don't add any more odors or chemicals to the mix!