What is the color and texture of menstruation?
What is menstruation?
Menstruation is a natural process that generally occurs between the ages of 9 and 16. After that, until the age of around 45, almost every woman in the world has blood flowing from her vagina for a few days every month, except during pregnancy. This phenomenon is known as menstruation. It’s a sign of good health. You can be proud of it. Understanding them will help you to enjoy them.
Does menstrual blood smell?
During your period, you may smell something unusual. This is normal; it’s caused by bacteria leaking out of the vagina along with the menstrual blood, as well as the blood that stagnates in your pads. All you have to do is change your menstrual pads regularly and gently wash the outside of your private parts with water and a mild soap. There’s no need to wash the inside of your vagina or use perfume.
If the smell is too strong, it could be an infection: in this case we recommend that you consult a midwife or gynecologist.
How much blood do we lose during our period?
You may feel that you lose a lot of blood during your period, but in reality you only lose between 2 and 6 teaspoons of blood per month.
If you feel like you’re bleeding a lot, that you have to use 1 tampon and 1 pad to prevent leaks, or that you change your pads very often, contact a gynecologist or midwife. They’ll be able to check that everything’s fine and help you.
What color is my period?
The color of your period can vary from pink, bright red, burgundy, brown or even black. Don’t worry if your period is brown and not bright red, as you probably imagined. The colour often varies between the beginning, middle and end of your period.
If your flow is:
- Pink: you’re probably at the start of your period or in the middle of your cycle (ovulation), your flow is mixed with cervical or vaginal secretions.
- Bright red: you’re in the middle of your period.
- Burgundy: you’re in the middle of your period.
- Brown / black: you are at the beginning or end of your period. The colour is linked to the fact that your blood has taken longer to leave your uterus and has oxidized.
- Grey: pay attention to this colour, it often indicates an infection, so consult a gynecologist or midwife as soon as possible. Infections are very treatable if they are treated quickly.
If you have a fever or your period smells unusual, see a gynecologist or midwife as soon as possible.
What is the texture of my period?
Menstruation has different textures depending on its colour. Bright red and burgundy blood is more liquid, while brown and black blood is much thicker.
When the blood is bright red, it may contain some slightly darker “lumps” of tissue. In reality, this is the endometrium (lining of the uterus) that is evacuated during menstruation. These are called blood clots. You may feel them falling down the toilet, or see them on your menstrual pads – this is normal. If you find that your clots are very large, you can consult a gynecologist or midwife to check that everything is fine.
Sources : Jack Parker, Ana Roy – Mademoiselle Caroline & Tiphanie Dieumegard et Mathilde Baudy.