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

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

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

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.

What Does Black Period Blood Mean?

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

What Does Black Period Blood Mean?

What Are The Causes Of Black Period Blood And Discharge?

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

What Are The Causes Of Black Period Blood And Discharge?

The start or the end of your periods

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 with an extra absorbent core is essential to enjoy stain-free periods.

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

A foreign object is stuck or forgotten

Another cause of experiencing black discharge is the existence of an object which might be stuck in your vagina. It could be 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.

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

  • Discomfort or itching around the vaginal region

  • Discharge that has a foul odour

  • Fever

  • Difficulty while urinating

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

Missed Miscarriage

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.

Missed Miscarriage

Lochia

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.

Lochia

Sexually Transmitted Disease

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:

  • Burning sensation while urinating

  • Itching around the vaginal region

  • Pelvic pain

  • Bleeding during or after sex

  • Spotting between menses

  • Vaginal discharge with a foul odour



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

Sexually Transmitted Disease

Retained period blood

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.

Retained period blood

Possibility of cervical cancer

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:

  • Pelvic pain

  • Weight loss

  • Difficulty in urinating

  • Heavy periods

  • Swelling in legs

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.
Black Period Blood And Discharge Treatment Options

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 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 like the ALWAYS Extra Protect Panty Liners 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.

When To Seek Doctor's Help

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 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 .

FAQS

What does black discharge mean?

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.

Why is my period blood black?

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.

Why is my period blood black and thick?

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.

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