What causes menstrual odor?

What causes menstrual odor?

The main causes of menstrual odor are physiological and pathological factors such as tumors, vaginitis, and pyometra.

1. Physiological factors

Physiological factors refer to the fact that it takes some time for menstrual blood to flow out of the vaginal opening. Blood, endometrial shedding, various cytokines react with reproductive tract secretions and oxygen. Failure to replace sanitary napkins and other care products on time during menstruation can lead to the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms and the production of odor.

2. Pathological factors

1. Tumor

In particular, tumor diseases such as submucosal fibroids, endometrial cancer, and cervical cancer are prone to tissue necrosis and secondary infection, leading to vaginal bleeding and the smell of menstrual blood;

2. Vaginitis

When women have vaginal inflammation during or before menstruation due to decreased body resistance, especially bacterial vaginitis caused by anaerobic bacteria, vaginal discharge will have a fishy odor. If it overlaps with menstruation, it will also cause menstrual blood to have a fishy odor.

3. Intrauterine pyometra

When there is pus in the uterine cavity and the secretions in the uterine cavity cannot be discharged, infection and pus will occur, and the menstruation will have a foul odor. This situation is common in postmenopausal women, women with poor resistance and women with low estrogen levels.