At certain times, women may experience black period blood. While seeing black appear may cause you to panic, it is often not a cause for concern. Normally, this may just be a sign that you are reaching the end of your menstrual cycle.
Why Do I Have Black Period Blood?
When your period blood is red, it is because it is quickly exiting your body and is still fresh. Often, women will have brown period blood as they reach the end of their period. This indicates that the blood is older and was unable to leave the body as quickly. Once the blood has dried, it may look black in color, and it may even look black as it leaves the body.
There are many reasons why you may have black menstrual blood. Among the potential reasons for black period blood, the following are the most common:
- End of Cycle Blood
During your menstrual cycle, some of the blood is not able to leave the body immediately. This causes it to age in the body. When it is expelled, it may look dark brown or black in color. This will only happen at the end of your cycle when the blood has aged. If it happens at the beginning of your menstrual cycle, you may be experiencing clotting and should see a doctor.
There is a chance that different infections could cause your period blood to turn black. An infection in the uterus and various STDs can cause the blood to change color. If you have sex during your menstrual cycle, the blood is pushed back into the vagina and can end up aging more before it is released. When this happens, it is not a cause for a concern. If you may have an STD or an infection, you should schedule a pelvic exam right away.
3. Blood Clots
Blood clots occur naturally during your period. These clots are often jelly-like in texture and red. If the blood clots are black, then there may be something wrong within your body. Schedule a visit to your doctor right away to find out what is wrong and get treated.
Occasionally, women will still have a period during the first month of their pregnancy. While this is highly irregular, it can and does happen. Menstruation will normally look like spotting and be light. It may look brown or black because it is aging in the body before it leaves.
If you have already passed your first missed menstrual period, then you should not have brown or black discharge. If this happens, it could be a sign that a miscarriage is happening. While not all black blood during pregnancy means that you are having a miscarriage, it is a sign that something could be wrong. It is extremely important that you visit your doctor right away and make sure that there is nothing wrong with you or your baby.
Unless it happens frequently or during pregnancy, black period blood is generally not a sign of a problem. If you experience other symptoms, have black blood frequently or have black bleeding while pregnant, you should schedule a visit with your doctor.