What can cause a metallic smell?
A metallic smell (smelling like copper, metal, or pennies) can be caused by bleeding from your period, which is normal. If you notice vaginal bleeding during or after sex or between periods or bleeding that is not normal for you, or you are pregnant, speak to your doctor.
What can cause a metallic vaginal odour?
A metallic vaginal odour is usually caused by blood. This is because blood contains iron, which can smell metallic. During your period, if you smell a metallic smell, this is often normal and nothing to worry about. A metallic smell can also occur between periods due to vaginal bleeding caused by sex or occasional spotting. You should contact your doctor if you have bleeding between periods or during or after sex to check for any serious causes.
If you have unexplained vaginal bleeding, it may be a sign of an infection or problem. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are both STI’s and can cause bleeding between periods in women. They can also cause an unusual discharge and pain when peeing.
If you think you have an STI you must get tested at a sexual health clinic or order an at-home STI test kit from Superdrug Online Doctor to make sure, as you will need treatment.
Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are both treated with antibiotics. If you have an STI and have bleeding during or after sex or between periods, pelvic pain and/ or a fever these are symptoms of a condition called pelvic inflammatory disease and you should contact your GP or sexual health clinic urgently for antibiotics treatment.
You may also have vaginal bleeding whilst you are pregnant. Bleeding whilst you are pregnant does not always mean there is a problem, but you should speak to your doctor or midwife urgently if you have any vaginal bleeding during pregnancy to check for any underlying causes for this.