Period FAQs

why is my period blood black and thick

by Santiago Becker Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
image

Why is my period blood black and thick? The color is typically a sign of old blood or blood that has taken longer to leave the uterus and has had time to oxidize, first turning brown or dark red and then eventually becoming black. Black blood can sometimes also indicate a blockage inside a person’s vagina.

Black blood can appear at the beginning or end of a person's period. The color is typically a sign of old blood or blood that has taken longer to leave the uterus and has had time to oxidize, first turning brown or dark red and then eventually becoming black.

Full Answer

What causes black period blood before or after period?

There are, however, other reasons why you can have black period blood or dark spotting before or after your period. Sometimes, an irregular menstrual cycle, using birth control, and approaching the menopause can all result in dark or black blood around the time of your period.

Why is period blood black causes and treatments?

What causes black period blood?

  1. Normal period. During your period, it is normal to see black blood coming out of your vagina before the start or after your period.
  2. Uterine fibroid. These are abnormal growth in the uterus that can be small or huge affecting fertility in women sometimes.
  3. Uterine polyps. ...
  4. Hormonal imbalance. ...
  5. Ovulation. ...
  6. Pregnancy. ...

Does black period blood mean you have a STD?

You have a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Black period blood has been associated with sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. Dark brown or black discharge is occasionally accompanied by other STI symptoms such as: Vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor Burning while urinating Pain during sex

Why do I have dark brown blood after my period?

When is brown discharge likely to occur?

  • Before and after a period. It is common for a person to have brown vaginal discharge a few days before their period, as well as a few days after it.
  • Perimenopause. Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause. ...
  • Birth control. Certain birth control methods may cause spotting or some brown discharge. ...
  • Pregnancy-related. ...

How long does it take for implantation bleeding to appear?

What is retained menses?

What happens if you have a black period?

How long does it take for a baby to bleed?

What does dark brown period blood mean?

How long does a period last?

What does black discharge mean?

See 4 more

About this website

image

Why Can Period Blood Be Black Or Very Dark?

Your menstrual cycle lasts on average 28 days and your period starts on the first day of the menstrual bleeding. Doctors from WebMD explain that if...

Black Period Blood at The Beginning of The Period

At the beginning of your period you may notice dark brown or black period blood which could be completely normal. This could indicate that some of...

Causes of Black Period Blood

Having dark and even black menstrual blood doesn’t always mean that there is something wrong. Let’s look at some of the reasons why period blood ca...

What to Do If You Have Black Or Dark Period Blood

Most cases of having a black period are just old blood that has been in the uterus too long and gets expelled through the vagina. This can often ha...

Black Or Dark Period Blood – When to See A Doctor

In some cases of vaginal bleeding, it is wise to see a doctor for a checkup. Especially if you are pregnant, you should mention any type of vaginal...

What Does It Mean When You Are Bleeding Black Blood? - Reference.com

If blood appears black or dark red, it means the blood has a low oxygen level, notes Dr. Anne Marie Helmenstine for About.com. Bleeding blood of this color by itself is not a cause for alarm since all blood in the veins has relatively low oxygen.

Black Period Blood: What It Means & Is It Normal? | Rael

You’re capable of taking on practically anything, but seeing black period blood will make anyone’s heart skip a few beats. Your first thought might be, “What is wrong with me?” But we can assure you that it’s probably standard procedure for your body. Changes in the color of your period blood are normal and can happen at any time during your menstruating life. Here’s what it means ...

What does black blood mean? | Zocdoc Answers

I have an ugly mole on my arm that I sometimes pick at (I know it's a bad habit, can't help it) and recently when I scraped it raw, it bled. The freaky thing was that the blood was almost black. What does this mean? Is blcak blood a sign of some kind of infecetion or blood poisoning?

Why is my period blood dark brown, stopped after 4 hrs. is this a period?

Brown = blood : Brown equals old blood. If this is right after your period then you are just passing some of the blood that has been siting at the back of the vagina. ... Read More

Why is my period blood a shiny murky dark kinda but brightish red? am i fertile or something?

Period: If you're on your period, that means your chance of pregnancy at this time is 0. As far as fertility goes, you are fertile as long as you ovulate. Shi... Read More

What happens when you have a cycle?

Normal: Keep in mind that when you have a cycle, it's the inner lining of your uterus that is being shed. Much of the thick consistency of the vaginal discha ... Read More

What does it mean when you're on your period?

Period: If you're on your period, that means your chance of pregnancy at this time is 0. As far as fertility goes, you are fertile as long as you ovulate. Shi ... Read More

What does brown mean in blood?

Brown = blood : Brown equals old blood. If this is right after your period then you are just passing some of the blood that has been siting at the back of the vagina. ... Read More

How long does it take to get answers from a doctor?

Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers — it's anonymous and free! Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person).

What does it mean when your period is unusual?

IUD:unusual period: At your age, and with a history of regular periods, it is unusual to have a change in menstrual flow. The "thin, watery" discharge may indicate possib ... Read More

Why Can Period Blood be Black or Very Dark?

Doctors from WebMD explain that if no fertilized egg implants itself to the uterus lining (endometrium), the lining is shed and this results in the menstrual period which is usually a red to dark red color. However, every woman’s menstrual cycle is different and not all women experience the same symptoms. 1

How long does implantation bleeding last?

14. However, the difference between implantation bleeding and regular period blood is that implantation bleeding is much lighter and only lasts up to two days.

Why does my period blood turn brown?

Researchers from the Palo Alto Medical Foundation say that brown discharge and spotting is just part of the “cleaning process” when your body gets rid of the uterus lining. Blood that has been in the uterus for longer becomes brown and will affect the color of your regular period blood. 3

Why does my period look dark?

11 Because of these changes to your menstrual cycle, some old blood may be passed out and cause period blood to look dark or black.

Why is my period black?

An irregular menstrual cycle may also be a reason why your period blood is dark or black. Irregular periods can result in changes to your menstrual flow which can result in old blood being passed during your period.

Why does my vagina have brown spots?

This results in dark brown vaginal spotting because of old blood in the uterus. 9

How long does blood spotting last with birth control?

However, most doctors say that dark blood spotting associated with taking birth control pills should only last for the first 3 months or so.

What causes brown discharge?

Hormone dysfunction: If there is luteal phase defect and Progesterone deficiency this can cause brownish/blackish discharge.

What does black blood mean?

This could be the: Initiation of your period. The black blood may be a combination of de-oxygenated old blood with sloughed endometrial tissue.

How long does it take to video chat with a doctor?

Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more.

Can you use HealthTap for medical advice?

Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.

Can you call 911 for healthtap?

For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service.

Why does my abdomen get bigger?

Your abdomen gets bigger. This may be due to a large fibroid mass.

What color is blood during menses?

Blood during menses can be — light, bright red, brown or black. Oxygenated blood is bright red in color while deoxygenated blood means that there is reduced or no oxygen making blood to be black or brown colored.

How long does it take for black blood to go away?

Black blood due to ovulation is usually not a problem and resolves in a few days.

How do you know if you are pregnant?

Many other signs of pregnancy include body weakness and feeling very tired, mild abdomen cramps, change in your mood and activity, breast tenderness and soreness.

What does it mean when your period is black after an abortion?

Usually after an abortion, black period comes out as old blood is washed out. So, it’s nothing serious. However, if this is 3 months after, it could mean you still have retained product of conception. If you do, your uterus will contract and cause you to feel a sharp lower abdominal pain.

How long does it take for a period to be black?

If you’re are having a persistent light period or heavy period it could indicate other problem. However, in most cases, a recently black period blood either before or after your period may not mean much.

What does it mean when you have a black symtom?

Also, if you’ve had a missed periodand notice black or dark blood coming out, it could mean implantation bleeding or a miscarriage. Other symptoms of pregnancy are — abdomen cramps, nausea, getting tired easily, problems with smell and taste and breast pain. Get a pregnancy test done to confirm.

What does it mean when your vagina is black?

Black discharge may mean that older blood is leaving the uterus or vaginal canal. Heavy vaginal discharge of any color with a foul odor is also a symptom of these infections. Other symptoms include: bleeding during or after sexual intercourse. painful urination. pain or pressure in your pelvis. vaginal itching.

Why does my menstrual blood turn black?

Retained menses (hematocolpos) happens when menstrual blood is blocked from leaving the uterus, cervix, or vagina. As a result, the blood may turn black over the time it’s retained. The blockage may be caused by anything from a congenital issue with the hymen, vaginal septum, or in rare cases absence of a cervix (cervical agenesis).

What happens when you have your period?

Beginning or end of your period. Your menstrual flow may be slower at the beginning and end of your period. As a result, the blood in your uterus may take longer to exit your body and change from the standard red to a dark brown or black.

How do you know if you have a cervix infection?

Other symptoms you may experience: foul-smelling discharge. itching or discomfort in and around the vagina. swelling or rash around the genitals. trouble urinating. fever. Objects can’t get lost or travel to the uterus or abdomen. Your cervix, which is located at the top of the vaginal canal, has only a small opening.

Why does my uterus turn brown?

You may see this color throughout your cycle, usually around the time of your regular menstrual period. When blood takes extra time to exit the uterus, it oxidizes. This can cause it to appear a shade of brown to dark brown or black in color. It may even resemble coffee grounds. There are some cases, though, where black discharge is a reason ...

Why do menses need surgery?

Retained menses may require surgery to treat any underlying conditions that led to blockage.

What is the sign of a missed miscarriage?

Missed miscarriage. Black spotting and bleeding may also be a sign of a missed miscarriage, which is when the embryo stops developing but isn’t expelled by the body for four weeks or more. Between 10 and 20 percent of pregnancies may end in miscarriage. Most happen before the fetus reaches 10 weeks’ gestation.

What is the difference between menstrual blood and blood that you cut?

The fact that menstrual blood contains cells from the lining of the uterus is only one of the things that makes it different from the blood that you see when you cut your finger. Another, very important, difference, is the way that the blood clots—or becomes solid.

Why is my period red?

The brighter red the blood the more recent the bleeding and the quicker the blood is passing through the cervix and into the vagina. Bright red blood is most likely to be present at the start of your period. You may also see brighter blood at times when you have cramps. That's because cramps occur when the uterus contracts, ...

Why is my menstrual flow thicker than normal?

Typically, menstrual blood is a little thicker than normal bleeding because of the tissue it contains.

Why is my period blood darker?

This is because older blood gets released as the deeper parts of the uterine lining get shed and the bleeding slows. Typically the color of menstrual blood is a shade or two darker than normal bleeding.

How long is a period?

Periods come in a wide range of normal. How wide a range? Doctors consider the following things to all be normal: 2  1 Having a menstrual cycle that lasts anywhere from 24-38 days 2 Having a cycle length that varies as much as 20 days over the course of the year 3 Bleeding for anywhere from four and a half to eight days at a time 4 Losing anywhere from 5 to 80 milliliters (ml) of blood over the course of your period

How many women have abnormal uterine bleeding?

Around the world, up to a quarter of reproductive-age women experience some type of abnormal uterine bleeding. 2 Abnormal uterine bleeding takes on a variety of forms including periods that:

How does your period start?

Then, your period starts when hormonal changes cause the endometrium to start to break down and separate from the wall of your uterus. 1  The excess blood and tissue flow down through your cervix and out through your vagina.

What causes a tumor to grow outside of the uterus?

endometriosis, a condition that causes endometrial tissue to grow outside of your uterus. polyps, which are small, benign growths in your uterus lining. endometrial cancer, which causes malignant tumors in your reproductive organs. bleeding disorders.

What is the term for muscular growths that line the wall of the uterus?

uterine fibroids, muscular growths that line the wall of you uterus

Why does my period have clumps of blood?

This is typically caused by blood clots that are passing through your body. This is normal during any part of your period. However, you may be more likely to see this on later days of your period as your flow begins to slow down.

What is the first day of your period?

Period blood is a mixture of this discarded uterine lining, blood, and vaginal fluid. The first day or two of your period tend to be the heaviest days of bleeding. These are also the days that you’ll most likely ...

What does it mean when your period is stringy?

Stringy period blood typically isn’t a cause for concern. In most cases, a “stringy” or gel-like consistency is just a blood clot leaving your uterus. Blood clots that are small (about the size of a quarter) are normal.

What color are clots on my period?

However, you may be more likely to see this on later days of your period as your flow begins to slow down. These clots may be bright red, dark red, or brown.

Why is my period red?

Period blood that’s bright red and watery can be fresh blood coming straight from your uterus. This may indicate an injury or a miscarriage. Seek medical attention if you notice bright red, watery blood coming from your uterus, especially, if there’s a chance you might be pregnant. If you’re consistently passing large blood clots ...

How long does it take for implantation bleeding to appear?

Dark blood after implantation bleeding is very rare, though. Implantation bleeding sometimes appears 10 to 14 days after a fertilized egg implants itself into the uterine lining.

What is retained menses?

Retained menses (hematocolpos) is when menstrual blood cannot leave the vaginal canal and fills the vagina, slowly growing darker over time . Congenital conditions of the vaginal septum or hymen are frequently responsible for this vaginal blockage.

What happens if you have a black period?

Aside from black period blood, an infection might cause other symptoms, such as: Vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor. Discomfort or itching in or around the vagina. Rash or swelling of the genital area. Fever.

How long does it take for a baby to bleed?

Normal vaginal bleeding that continues six to eight weeks after childbirth is referred to as lochia. It starts out as a heavy flow that’s reddish in color and contains small blood clots, then slows down after a few days. In the early days, abundant blood can become oxidized and turn so dark that it might seem almost black.

What does dark brown period blood mean?

Lastly, dark brown or black period blood might also indicate other underlying health issues such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, endometrial polyps, or an ectopic pregnancy.

How long does a period last?

Normal menstrual bleeding lasts two to seven days and occurs about every 21 to 35 days. Black period blood outside of this window may be irregular and needs to be discussed with a health care provider.

What does black discharge mean?

Black period blood has been associated with sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. Dark brown or black discharge is occasionally accompanied by other STI symptoms such as:

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9