Hematocolpos
It could also be hematocolpos or retained menses. This is when menstrual blood can’t leave the vagina. Instead, it collects, while slowly oxidizing and getting darker. It’s often the hymen, the septum, or surgical complications that could cause this. However, if you have not been diagnosed with this condition, it is highly unlikely.
Rarely, cervical cancer
The next reason is very rare but worth looking into. This is especially true if you also experience irregular periods, menorrhagia which is defined as prolonged or heavy menstrual bleeding, and post-coital bleeding, which means bleeding after sexual intercourse. Black period blood could, in very rare cases, be an early symptom of cervical cancer.
Early-stage doesn’t really have any distinctive signs but if you have a history of cancer, you might want to err on the side of caution and get it checked. At the later stages, the symptoms are bleeding or pain during or after sex, fatigue, longer and heavier periods, pelvic pain, and swollen legs.
Postpartum lochia (discharge)
If you had recently given birth, black blood might be postpartum lochia which is a perfectly normal form of bleeding that occurs around 6-8 weeks after childbirth. A lot of blood has accumulated and eventually, the body expels dark or black blood that eventually lightens as the bleeding continues.
If you are less than 5 months pregnant, black blood could, unfortunately, be an indication of an early miscarriage. The body might go into a missed miscarriage and still present symptoms of pregnancy so the best course of action is an ultrasound to precisely determine what has happened and set your worries to rest.
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)
Lastly, it could be a sexually transmitted infection causing this if black blood is accompanied by a burning sensation when peeing, discharge with an unpleasant smell, itching, pain or bleeding during or after sex, pelvic pressure or pain, and spotting between periods
Key Takeaways
Black blood is concerning if it happens alongside other symptoms or outside your normal timing for a period. For most women, periods last around two days to a week every three to five weeks. Certain conditions might need for you to visit a healthcare provider if it happens during pregnancy, after delivery, or while entering menopause.
It’s also best to get checked if it’s accompanied by abnormal discharge and itching, cramping or pain, and a fever that could indicate an infection.
The treatment for this, if it is required, will depend on the reason once it is ascertained. This means the removal of the object, antibiotics for infections, and other procedures needed to resolve the underlying conditions. If you are unsure about anything, make sure to do your research and reach out to your doctor.
Learn more about menstruation and its impact on health here.
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