Discharge Smells Like Metal

Discharge Smells Like Metal

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Originally Published: Jan. 19, 2018
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Honestly, it's probably nothing to worry about.
Your vagina is a complex thoroughfare. It's a world unto itself and yet somehow intimately connected to the rest of your body in ways science is only now beginning to understand. In short, it's amazing. But sometimes, things go amiss. Discharge happens, and sometimes your vagina may smell metallic or a little different, like copper pennies, leading you to wonder if you have some kind of infection. But remember — your vagina is complex. So a different scent doesn't always mean something's wrong.
“The two most common reasons for a metallic odor are both normal … blood and semen," OB-GYN Gil Weiss tells Romper. “Blood contains molecules of hemoglobin, which all incorporates iron. It is precisely this iron which contributes to metallic smell. Bleeding during your menstruation or after intercourse can contribute to this odor.”
Dr. Peter Rizk, OB-GYN and consultant for Fairhaven Health says, “You may not realize it but your vaginal pH actually fluctuates through your cycle, that‘s why you most likely experience a change in odor and wetness (or dryness) as the month progresses." Rizk says that your neutral vaginal pH is about 4.5 and blood has a pH of 7.4, so during your period, your vaginal pH can become elevated by the menstrual fluids, giving you a different scent.
Nurse midwife Emmie Clarke of British Columbia tells Romper that if a patient comes in and asks, "Why does my vagina smell metallic?" it's almost always because their period is about to come, or it just left. "It can also be because you've given birth, or you're experiencing ovulation spotting."
Basically, your vagina can smell like pennies any time blood is involved, and let's be honest, it's your vagina — there will be blood. Your vagina contains an intricately woven balance of flora and bacteria which serve a multitude of purposes. Not only does it keep the tender tissues healthy and lubricated, it also serves to protect your body from harmful bacteria that can make their way into your vaginal channel on a daily basis, according to the Annual Review of Microbiology.
There's harmony in the everyday environment in your vagina, but when that harmony is disrupted, either by nature or invasion, it can result in odor and discharge. Speaking of “invasion,” as Weiss mentioned, semen can also cause a metallic odor.
“Semen within the vagina can alter the pH and contribute to a metallic odor. If vaginal pH is elevated from any trigger such as your period, sex, etc. it’s important to return it to its normal range,” Weiss says.
That's not to say it's always going to be expected. Clarke notes that the beginnings of spotting from miscarriage can have an almost overwhelming metallic aroma, and that would be both jarring and heartbreaking. Also, if you think you're getting your period and instead get implantation bleeding, you could get the smell and a baby, which, if you aren't expecting it, might freak you out.
Smelling a metallic aroma during pregnancy isn’t always all bad. Weiss says, “Changes in vaginal odor are common in pregnancy and are usually due to shifts in hormones. Most of the same reasons for metallic odor in non-pregnant patients apply to pregnant patients. But if the metallic odor is accompanied by other symptoms — like bright red bleeding or heavy cramps — you should contact your healthcare provider.
"Fishy odors, rotting smells, yeasty aromas, and the smell of fecal matter are the odors that are concerning," says Clarke. Fishy smells typically mean a bacterial infection. Yeasty smells like beer or bread mean an overgrowth of yeast. A rotting odor might be a forgotten tampon or other infection. A fecal smell, while it could just be hygienic, might point to a vaginal fistula.
Evidence suggests women are often more worried and self-conscious about the smell of their genitalia than they probably should be , noted Feminism and Psychology. Think of all of the off-color fish jokes you've heard bandied about women over the years. Heck, even drag queens who define their look as acutely, stereotypically feminine, refer to themselves as "fishy" or "serving fish." When I was growing up, there was a very famous douche commercial that ran frequently that discussed douching for when you feel "not so fresh." It's endemic to a misogynistic society that the natural fragrance of a woman's body is made use for comedy and lambasting for public consumption. It can make you hyper aware of your scent down there. Even if it's completely normal, as is the case with a metallic smell most of the time, according to Clarke.
“A metallic smell is just a matter of course in life for most women. However, if it concerns you, or if it persists, definitely call your provider and have it checked out. It's always better to know than to worry,” Clarke says.
Dr. Gil Weiss , OB-GYN, partner at Association for Women’s Healthcare and assistant professor of clinical medicine in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
Dr. Peter Rizk, OB-GYN and consultant for Fairhaven Health .
Emmie Clarke, a nurse midwife of British Columbia.
This article was originally published on Jan. 19, 2018

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Communities > Women's Health > metal smelling vaginal odor

I have been having this problem for years.... I have this vaginal discharge that smells like metal... when I pull my pants down to pee I notice it.  Then when I smell the underwear it smells sour. I shower everyday and twice a day if I exercise. I also have been to the doctors many times for it and have been told I have no sign of infection yeast or bacterial. I am sexually active but carry no STD's. It is the most peircing smell ever and I know people notice. I have heard their comments... I am getting sick of going back and forth with medicine every couple of months for bv and yeast if that is really NOT the problem. If anyone can help I would appreciate it greatly!

Please help, I've been itchy for a couple of weeks and my discharge has been quite yellow, no foul smell at all. This morning my husband ...

As mentioned before, been having problems with impotence, micro penis and premature ejaculation, so while reconciling with ex-wife tried...

hello Im young not gonna say what age older than 11 but haven't started my period yet this is embarrassing but here it goes, ok so my dis...

Hi there,
So, recently I have been experiencing quite bad itchiness in and around the vagina area and a very strong smell has been emit...

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Did you ever find out the cause of your problem.  I've had the same problem for years.  Doctor's always tell me I'm fine.  What we have in common is I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's as well.  The difference is I have the metal smell for months at a time, then it goes away for a few weeks and comes back.  I don't know what to do at his point.  I went gluten free this month which helped alot of other issues I've been having, but not this one.

helplesshopefull
Jun 10, 2009

Also I have a high level of bilirubin found that out through blood tests... I have been diagnosed in the past for Hashimoto's Thyroiditis... but stopped taking the levothyroxine and my blood has been normal. I use to drink excessively and still sometimes do.... I smoke cigarettes but have developed bronchitis/sinus infection and now will have to go on meds to quit- doctor's orders. I have used drugs but have been clean for a year and a half. I have had some gastro problems, kidney infection, uti's... I do not get the discharge problem^^^ everyday either(usually only after having sex a couple of times) But I really need to get it under control or Im going to lose it soon. I take probiotics and eat healthy.  I have been to alot of doctors about this.... everytime the doctor says Im fine... I know there is something up... I also have irregular periods.

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Please help, I've been itchy for a couple of weeks and my discharge has been quite yellow, no foul smell at all. This morning my husband ...

As mentioned before, been having problems with impotence, micro penis and premature ejaculation, so while reconciling with ex-wife tried...

hello Im young not gonna say what age older than 11 but haven't started my period yet this is embarrassing but here it goes, ok so my dis...

Hi there,
So, recently I have been experiencing quite bad itchiness in and around the vagina area and a very strong smell has been emit...

John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO Jun 08

John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO 12/20

John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO 04/18

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