{"id":19392,"date":"2021-05-17T14:05:54","date_gmt":"2021-05-17T12:05:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/?p=19392"},"modified":"2024-01-17T07:17:04","modified_gmt":"2024-01-17T06:17:04","slug":"feeling-paranoid-heres-the-truth-about-period-smell","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/feeling-paranoid-heres-the-truth-about-period-smell\/","title":{"rendered":"Feeling Paranoid? Here\u2019s the Truth About Period Smell"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

Do you ever feel like everyone in the world can tell you\u2019re on your period? Everyone feels self-conscious about their period sometimes\u2014especially when we first begin to menstruate<\/a>. And while there should<\/em> be no reason to feel any shame about what is a normal bodily function, that\u2019s not the real-world situation we always find ourselves in.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

But the first step in letting go of shame and stigma where we can is by learning the truth of the matter. So today we are going to separate some myths and misconceptions around menstrual odor.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Why Do Periods Smell a Certain Way?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

During your cycle, your body releases menstrual blood during your period. But menstrual blood isn\u2019t just blood. It\u2019s really blood, plus uterine lining tissue, and of course, the normal fluids that your vagina excretes. This combination has a slight, sometimes metallic odor, which can fluctuate due to things like bacteria and acidity.\u00a0So you do not have to ask yourself “Why does my period blood smell?” anymore. Now you know.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Can Everyone Smell When I\u2019m on My Period?!<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Generally, your period won\u2019t be noticeable to others. If it is strong enough to be noticed through your pants, for example, it\u2019s more likely that you have sprung a leak than anyone can smell anything through your menstrual care device. If you don\u2019t have a leak and a smell is still noticeable, you may have another infection and should go see your doctor about the issue.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

…Okay, What About Bears?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

This myth has been persisting for a while, and definitely offputting for the outdoors-inclined. At least as far as National Park Service in Yellowstone<\/a> is concerned, there is no statistical evidence showing that bears are attracted to menstrual blood.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Can I Use Scented Menstrual Products?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The menstrual care aisle at the store can be overwhelming for many reasons. There are just so many different products, all claiming to be the key to an easier period. And, of course, there is the section of products with delicate floral scents, promising to hide all period smells.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

While some people may be able to use these products with no problem, a lot of them can irritate the sensitive skin of your vulva and vagina. And look, we\u2019re people, not petunias\u2014our vaginas aren\u2019t meant to smell like flowers!\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If you want to avoid unpleasant menstrual odor, the best thing to do is to follow these basic hygiene steps:<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n