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However, it is important that you don’t ignore bleeding after sex as it can sometimes occur if there's a more sinister underlying cause like cervical cancer. Blood from these tears mixes with fluid in your vagina, and leaves the body looking like pink discharge.
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You might also experience pink or bloody discharge after sex, as sometimes intercourse can leave you with small tears in the vagina or cervix that heal on their own. It can be a bit of a nuisance, and typically settles after you have been taking the contraception for more than 3 months, however if it is bothersome, speak with your doctor or sexual health clinic. If you use hormonal birth control such as the pill or the implant, you may notice some spotting or pink-stained discharge at other times of your cycle. Period blood can take on a pink tint when it mixes with cervical fluid, which can sometimes happen at the start or end of your period as your discharge changes and dilutes the blood. This is usually just very old blood that has taken a long time to pass through your system, and therefore has oxidised to the degree that it has turned black - this can look similar to coffee grounds in appearance. Blackīlack blood can look a little alarming, but it doesn’t always mean there’s anything wrong. Alternatively, if you tend to experience a very slow flow each month, blood could be taking longer to pass through your system, therefore having more time to oxidise and turn to a darker shade of red or even brown. Just as dark red blood is a sign that the blood has oxidised, blood that is brown means it is older, and more likely to signal the end of your period. We have a whole blog on lochia and what to expect, here. The darkness in colour simply means the blood has oxidised inside the uterus, and you are more likely to notice dark red blood when your period cycle is coming to an end - this is ‘old blood’ leaving the body.Īnother reason for vaginal blood to be dark red is if you have recently given birth, and this is called ‘lochia’. This is because when you have been lying down for a while the blood collects, ready to be expelled when you stand upright. Dark Redĭark red blood is also nothing to worry about, and is very common, especially when you first wake up in the morning. If you experience untoward pain or believe something is abnormal about your cycle, always chat to your GP so they can make sure everything is A-OK. These are non-cancerous growths that can occur in the uterus and cause women to experience a heavy flow during their period, and possibly even pain. Very vividly bright red blood, if it is particularly heavy or accompanied by clots (where the blood comes out in lumps), can sometimes be a sign of polyps or fibroids. At the beginning and middle of your period you will likely see bright red blood, and possibly some darker red towards the end.
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Period blood is known for being bright red, so this is pretty average, and indicates a steady flow of fresh blood. While period blood is known for being red, it can vary in its strength of colour, and even the colour itself. Have you ever noticed the rainbow of different colours that can emerge from your vagina during your period?! Paying attention to these can be beneficial, as the colour of your period blood can actually indicate crucial health information.
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