logo-transparent.png?h=250

Brand Logo

Contact-us

Contact us

SEE EVERYTHING ABOUT US

Header - About Us - Aux link

Header - About Us

About Us

SEE EVERYTHING WE OFFER FOR GIRLS & PARENTS

Header - For girls & parent - aux link

Header - For girls & parents

For Girls & Parents

SEE EVERYTHING WE OFFER FOR WOMEN

Header - For women - Aux link

Header - For Women

For Women

Period Calculator

Header - Period Calculator

Header - Products - Egypt

Products

Always-Africa Site Header

P G logo

Header - Fam Logo - P&G - Img Set

purple-tab-wave

purple-wave-mob

tab-purple-image

Black Discharge: Why Is My Period Blood Black? - 7 Possible Reasons!

Why Is My Period Blood Black? - 7 Possible Reasons!

Why Is My Period Blood Black? - 7 Possible Reasons! - DT Banner

Why Is My Period Blood Black? - 7 Possible Reasons! - SP Banner

Why Is My Period Blood Black? - 7 Possible Reasons! - TB Banner

Why Is My Period Blood Black? - 7 Possible Reasons! CardBanner

Pink Card

It’s quite normal to experience period blood which is of a different color than red. 

Why Is My Period Blood Black? - 7 Possible Reasons! - Para 1

Noticing black vaginal discharge or black blood during menstruation can definitely be an alarming sight! But before your mind races to different places, hear us out. It’s quite normal to experience period blood which is of a different color than red. This means black period blood at the beginning of the period can be a common sight for many. However, sometimes blackish discharge can be a reason for an underlying condition. So, understanding the various causes of black menstrual blood and learning ways to treat bleeding black blood is quite important.

Why Is My Period Blood Black? - 7 Possible Reasons! - Para 2

Black period blood meaning refers to the menstrual blood that takes extra time to leave the uterus. While it’s in the uterus, it undergoes the process of oxidization which results in the change of color. So, in reality, this dark blood from the period isn’t black but simply dark brown, sometimes resembling coffee ground

<h2>What Does Black Period Blood Mean?</h2>

What Does Black Period Blood Mean? - DT

What Does Black Period Blood Mean?

What Does Black Period Blood Mean? - TB

What Does Black Period Blood Mean? - Img

Why Is My Period Blood Black? - 7 Possible Reasons! - Links

-	[The start or the end of your periods](#link1)
-	[A foreign object is stuck or forgotten](#link2)
-	[Missed Miscarriage](#link3)
-	[Lochia](#link4)
-	[Sexually Transmitted Disease](#link5)
-	[Retained period blood](#link6)
-	[Possibility of cervical cancer ](#link7)

Wondering “why is my period blood black?” Well, here are some of the common causes of black discharge or black menstrual blood.

<h2>What Are The Causes Of Black Period Blood And Discharge?</h2>

What Are The Causes Of Black Period Blood And Discharge?

What Are The Causes Of Black Period Blood And Discharge? - DT

What Are The Causes Of Black Period Blood And Discharge? - SP

What Are The Causes Of Black Period Blood And Discharge? - TB

What Are The Causes Of Black Period Blood And Discharge? - Img

Why Is My Period Blood Black? - 7 Possible Reasons! - Card 1

Your blood flow is relatively slower at the start and at the end of your period cycle. As the blood stays for a longer time in the uterus it oxidises and changes colour. This results in black period blood at the beginning of the period and even at the end of your periods. In case you notice black discharge after a period or black blood spotting, it could be old blood from your last period. In such a scenario, using [sanitary pads](/sanitary-pads) with an extra absorbent core is essential to enjoy stain-free periods. 

<h2 id="link1">The start or the end of your periods</h2>

The start or the end of your periods - DT

The start or the end of your periods

The start or the end of your periods - SP

The start or the end of your periods - TB

The start or the end of your periods - Img

Your blood flow is relatively slower at the start and at the end of your period cycle.

Why Is My Period Blood Black? - 7 Possible Reasons! - Card 2.1

Another cause of experiencing black discharge is the existence of an object which might be stuck in your vagina. It could be [tampons](/tampons), condoms, or contraceptive devices like caps or sponges. Any foreign object can irritate the inner lining of your vagina and lead to an infection.  

<h2 id="link2">A foreign object is stuck or forgotten</h2>

Why Is My Period Blood Black? - 7 Possible Reasons! - Card 2

Along with black period blood, here are some other symptoms that you might notice:

- <h3>Discomfort or itching around the vaginal region</h3>
- <h3>Discharge that has a foul odour</h3>
- <h3>Fever</h3>
- <h3>Difficulty while urinating</h3> 

In such cases, you must seek medical attention immediately. In rare scenarios, it can also lead to toxic shock syndrome.


A foreign object is stuck or forgotten - DT

A foreign object is stuck or forgotten

A foreign object is stuck or forgotten - TB

A foreign object is stuck or forgotten - Img

Why Is My Period Blood Black? - 7 Possible Reasons! - Card 3

If you are pregnant and notice spotting which looks like black period blood, then it could be a sign of a missed miscarriage, which means that a miscarriage has already occurred, but the expecting mother is not aware of it due to lack of symptoms. Some women don’t experience any symptoms at all while others start feeling faint or experience cramps. If you are pregnant and suspect that you are going through miscarriage, please seek immediate medical attention. 

<h2 id="link3">Missed Miscarriage</h2>

Missed Miscarriage - DT

Missed Miscarriage

Missed Miscarriage - TB

Missed Miscarriage - Img

Why Is My Period Blood Black? - 7 Possible Reasons! - Card 4

Lochia refers to the vaginal bleeding that happens four to six weeks after delivering a baby. In the beginning, the flow is heavy and red in colour with small clots. But as the days pass by the flow slows down and you might experience brown-black discharge or dark menstrual-like blood. Before stopping completely, this colour would turn creamy yellow. However, remember to notify your doctor if you notice bright red blood with big clots or discharge that has a foul odour.

<h2 id="link4">Lochia</h2>

Lochia - DT

Lochia

Lochia - TB

Lochia - Img

Why Is My Period Blood Black? - 7 Possible Reasons! - Card 5

Experiencing black discharge instead of a period can also be a result of sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia or gonorrhoea. However, STDs are usually accompanied by other additional symptoms such as:

 - <h3>Burning sensation while urinating</h3>
 - <h3>Itching around the vaginal region</h3>
 - <h3>Pelvic pain</h3>
 - <h3>Bleeding during or after sex</h3>
 - <h3>Spotting between menses</h3>
 - <h3>Vaginal discharge with a foul odour</h3><br><br>

STDs are required to be treated immediately otherwise they can spread to your reproductive organs, causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). 


<h2 id="link5">Sexually Transmitted Disease</h2>

Sexually Transmitted Disease - DT

Sexually Transmitted Disease

Sexually Transmitted Disease - TB

Sexually Transmitted Disease - Img

Why Is My Period Blood Black? - 7 Possible Reasons! - Card 6

Sometimes due to congenital issues with the hymen, vaginal septum, or rarely due to the absence of a cervix (cervical agenesis) your menstrual blood is restricted from leaving your uterus, cervix, or vagina. This is called retained period blood (hematocolpos). The longer the blood is retained in your body, the darker it becomes thereby resulting in __thick black discharge__.

<h2 id="link6">Retained period blood</h2>

Retained period blood - DT

Retained period blood

Retained period blood - TB

Retained period blood - Img

Why Is My Period Blood Black? - 7 Possible Reasons! - Card 7

This could occur in a very rare case wherein black discharge could be a sign of cervical cancer. It’s usually accompanied by other symptoms like irregular bleeding between periods or after intercourse. Typically, in the early stages of cervical cancer, there are no symptoms found. It’s later in the advanced stage wherein you notice these additional signs like: 
- <h3>Pelvic pain</h3>
- <h3>Weight loss</h3>
- <h3>Difficulty in urinating</h3>
- <h3>Heavy periods</h3>
- <h3>Swelling in legs</h3>


<h2 id="link7">Possibility of cervical cancer</h2>

Possibility of cervical cancer - DT

Possibility of cervical cancer

Possibility of cervical cancer - TB

Black Period Blood And Discharge Treatment Options

Depending on the cause of your black discharge, you must seek the right treatment:
1.	In the case of a foreign object being stuck or forgotten in your vagina, it must be removed by a doctor. 
2.	Treat your STDs with antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor and make sure to follow the guidelines given by them to prevent yourself from reinfecting. 
3.	For retained menses, once the underlying condition which is creating the blockage is found, you might need to undergo surgery to treat it. 
4.	Cervical cancer could require a series of treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. In such situations, consulting a doctor is a must as he is the right person who will guide you through the required treatments.


<h2>Black Period Blood And Discharge Treatment Options</h2>

Black Period Blood And Discharge Treatment Options - DT

Black Period Blood And Discharge Treatment Options - TB

Black Period Blood And Discharge Treatment Options - Img

When To Seek Doctor's Help

If you experience __blackish discharge__ apart from the beginning and the end of your periods, you must consult your doctor. Likewise, spotting black discharge during pregnancy, after delivery, and while entering menopause also needs to be notified to your doctor. 

Dealing with black period blood or black discharge might look a little intimidating. Thus to help you out, we’ve got the best protection for you. Try out the [ALWAYS Maxi Thick Pads](/sanitary-pads/always-maxi-thick-pads-with-wings) which are designed with an extra absorbent core that absorbs liquid in no time. It also has unique anti-leakage barriers that provide maximum coverage. Additionally, its high flexi wings make sure that your pad is in place and keep you on the go! 

For days with little black discharge, opting for [panty liners](/panty-liners)  like the [ALWAYS Extra Protect Panty Liners](/panty-liners/always-extra-protect) is the best choice.  Its odour neutralising technology provides up to 100% odour protection. Likewise, it is dermatologically tested and safe for your skin. Last but not least, it’s made available in extra-long size for extra coverage. 


<h2>When To Seek Doctor's Help</h2>

When To Seek Doctor's Help - DT

When To Seek Doctor's Help - TB

When To Seek Doctor's Help - Img

Takeaway

Black discharge is a common sight at the start and at the end of your periods. However, if you notice different [types of discharge](/tips-and-advice-for-women/vaginal-discharge/what-is-vaginal-discharge )  in your cycle, make sure to visit your doctor immediately. With the right treatment, you will be back to being the picture of health in no time!

Now keep a track of your ovulation period with [Always Safe Days Calculator](/period-calculator) .


<h2>Takeaway</h2>

FAQ-1

__Black discharge__ is essentially the period blood that takes time to leave your uterus wherein it oxidises and changes its colour from red to dark red, brown or black.

__FAQS__<br><br>

<h2>What does black discharge mean?</h2>

FAQ-2

If you experience __black period blood__ at the beginning or at the end of your periods then it's a sign of old blood. This type of blood takes a longer time to exit the uterus and undergoes oxidation, eventually resulting in __black blood__. 


<h2>Why is my period blood black?</h2>

FAQ-3

When your flow is slower and when your period blood takes time to leave the uterus, it oxidises and changes its colour to brown or black. 


<h2>Why is my period blood black and thick?</h2>

Wondering “why is my period blood black?”. Understand the reasons of blackish discharge and what does dark black blood during menstruation mean on Always <Country_Name>

Black Discharge: Why Is My Period Blood Black? - 7 Possible Reasons!

Related Articles

Recommended products