Period FAQs

why is period blood black

by Lacy West Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Black. 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.

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

What does black blood during period mean?

Therefore, when period blood is black or dark brown, it usually means that there is some old blood in the flow. Depending on the amount of menstrual blood together with old blood, period blood can range from brown to dark brown to black.

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. ...

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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...

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.

Why is my period black?

Black menstruation on the first day of period is mostly normal for most women. It occurs as blood loses oxygen and get darker, brownish or black in color. While it’s most likely not a problem, it may be due to an underlying health problem.

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 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.

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.

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.

Why is my vagina dark?

This can cause blood to become dark while coming out of your vagina. 4. Hormonal imbalance. Fluctuations in hormones either due toa medical condition or months after you start your period for the first time can cause women to have bleeding in between periods that can be black or dark.

Why is my period black?

Pregnancy. A small amount of pinkish, brownish or dark reddish bleeding is common in the first weeks of pregnancy because the embryo is attaching itself to the walls of the uterus. However, when this bleeding occurs ...

Why does my period turn darker?

Sexually transmitted diseases caused by bacteria, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, for example, cause a more rapid degradation of menstrual blood, turning it darker. In addition, this type of period is usually accompanied by a foul smell, brown discharge before or after menstruation, pelvic pain and a fever above 38º C. 5.

What causes a woman's period to be darker?

Some changes in a woman's emotional state, such as excessive stress or depression, can affect the structure of the uterus by reducing the thickness of its walls. This change delays the peeling of the cells and, therefore, facilitates blood oxidation, making the period darker. 3.

What does it mean when you have a bleed during pregnancy?

However, when this bleeding occurs at a later stage of pregnancy or is accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain, shoulder pain, dizziness or excessive fatigue, it may indicate the development of ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage, so it is recommended you go to the obstetrician to verify if there’s any problem. 2.

Is it normal to have a period with low blood volume?

Dr. Sheila Sedicias. Gynecologist. May 2021. Whatsapp. Facebook. Generally, a period with dark and low volume of blood is normal and does not indicate any health problems, especially if it occurs at the beginning or end of menstruation. However, when this type of menstruation is recurring, it can be a sign of hormonal changes, uterine problems, ...

Is it normal to have periods for more than 3 months?

Changes in menstrual bleeding are usually normal and do not indicate problems, but you should go to the gynecologist if other symptoms or signs also appear, such as: Period lasting more than 7 days. No period for more than 3 months; Vaginal bleeding between periods; Pain in the intimate area; Fever above 38º C;

What is black period blood?

Black period blood is just “blood that’s older, that’s started to clot a little bit ,” says Rachel Peragallo Urrutia, M.D., an assistant professor of general obstetrics and gynecology at the University of North Carolina. This content is imported from {embed-name}.

Do periods show up when you wear white jeans?

AlexmiaGetty Images. Periods aren't typically a surprise—until they show up a day or two early while you're wearing white jeans. What is surprising is the sight of black blood in place of what is usually red.

Is it normal to see red on your pads?

While, yeah, it's unsettling to see anything other than bright red on your tampon or pad, it might be more common than you think. If periods are good at anything—besides, you know, clearing your body of built up uterine lining—it’s keeping you on your toes.

Is it okay to bring up black blood at an obgyn appointment?

Still, it's important to always pay attention to your body and the signs it’s giving you. If you're concerned about your black or dark blood, bring it up during your next ob-gyn appointment—while it might not point to anything scary, it's worth having peace of mind.

Does Uturria change the color of your period?

Uturria says nothing can really change the color of period blood—though if you're concerned with the amount of bleeding that comes with your period, you can talk to your doctor about birth control options like an IUD that might help reduce bleeding a bit (or get rid of your periods altogether).

Why is my period black?

Usually, black period blood indicates your flow is a little slower than on your heavier days. You may have black period blood at the very beginning of your cycle. If it seems your body takes a day to get your period going, you may experience spotting that looks black.

Why is period blood considered old blood?

Black period blood is usually considered “old” blood because it takes longer to come out. As your flow slows, it changes to a darker color.

Is it normal to have black blood before your period?

If you have a few spots of black period blood before your period, you may have premenstrual discharge. This, too, is usually very normal.

Is it normal to spot more between cycles?

You may also notice that you spot more between cycles. Spotting can be normal in some instances, but it is best to see your doctor if you have other symptoms.

Is it normal to have a change in your period blood?

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 if your period flow has suddenly gone goth.

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 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.

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.

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.

How long does a black discharge last?

Black discharge at the start and end of your period usually isn’t a reason to worry. A typical period may last anywhere from 3 to 10 days and happen every 3 to 6 weeks. Periods can be different from month to month.

Why does my vagina have black discharge?

Black discharge may be a sign that a foreign object is stuck in your vagina. This can happen if you accidentally put in a second tampon or forget about one at the end of your period.

What does it mean when your period is black?

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.

Why does my period start with red blood?

Unusual spotting or bleeding between menstrual cycles may be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection , such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.

Why does my vagina bleed pink?

During pregnancy, pink discharge that contains tissue and occurs alongside cramps may indicate a miscarriage. It is important for women who experience vaginal bleeding while pregnant to see their doctor or obstetrician.

What does the color of your period mean?

Summary. The color of a person’s period blood can relay vital health information. For example, orange or grey blood can sometimes indicate a vaginal infection. During menstruation, the body sheds tissue and blood from the uterus through the vagina. This bloody discharge can vary from bright red to dark brown or black depending on how old it is.

What does it mean when you have brown blood?

Brown blood or spotting can sometimes also be an early sign of pregnancy that doctors refer to as implantation bleeding. Brown discharge or spotting during pregnancy can indicate a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy, which is when the fertilized egg implants in a fallopian tube instead of the uterus.

What causes heavy bleeding?

Growths in the uterine lining, called polyps or fibroids, can also cause unusually heavy bleeding. Rarely, bright red bleeding may be a sign of cervical cancer. Other symptoms of cervical cancer include: heavier periods. periods that last longer than normal.

Why is my period pink?

Using hormonal birth control can lower estrogen levels in the body, which can lead to a lighter flow with a pinkish hue during periods .

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