First, let's clear something up: menstrual blood itself is not dirty. A mild change in smell during your period is normal it happens because menstrual blood mixes with vaginal secretions and stays in contact with a pad or other menstrual product. Changing your product regularly and keeping up good menstrual hygiene usually keeps this in check.

But there's a real difference between a normal menstrual smell and a strong, unusual one.

If the smell is very strong, fishy, foul, or suddenly different from what you normally experience  especially alongside unusual discharge, itching, burning, pelvic pain, or pain when urinating don't just assume you need to wash more. One possible cause is bacterial vaginosis (BV), which happens when the natural bacterial balance in the vagina shifts. BV often causes a strong fishy smell with thin white or grey discharge, and it can become more noticeable around your period. Other infections can cause similar changes too, so smell alone isn't enough to self-diagnose.

What you can actually do:

Change your pad regularly and follow the instructions for whatever product you use.

Wash the external genital area gently with water, and mild unscented soap if needed.

Keep the area dry change underwear when it gets sweaty or damp.

Avoid putting perfume, deodorant, antiseptic solutions, or scented products inside the vagina.

Avoid douching or trying to "wash out" the vagina it naturally maintains its own balance, and douching disrupts that.

Stay hydrated and eat well. Good nutrition supports your overall health, but don't believe claims that a fruit, herb, drink, or "detox" can cure a vaginal infection.

Most importantly: don't be ashamed to seek medical attention. If the smell keeps returning, becomes very strong, or shows up with abnormal discharge, itching, burning, pelvic pain, pain during urination, fever, or unusual bleeding see a healthcare professional rather than repeatedly self-treating.

And ladies, please remember: your period is not dirty. A menstrual smell doesn't automatically mean you're unclean. Sometimes your body is just telling you something needs to be checked.

Have you ever noticed a change in vaginal odour during your period? What did you first think was causing it?