Despite nearly half of the population experiencing periods at some point in their lives, periods are widely misunderstood.
This is mainly due to lack of research. education About women’s bodies. At Intimina, we’re here to change that, one question at a time.
We are getting to the nitty-gritty of reproductive health and will move on to the subject at hand. What actually comes out of your body during your period?
It’s time to find out!
Period 101
Menstruation is the occurrence of periods. Whether you just got your period for the first time or it’s been years, many people still don’t really understand what’s going on inside their bodies.
If you relate to this, it’s not your fault! Clear information about menstruation can be difficult to find, and reproductive health education in schools doesn’t always answer our many questions.
What exactly is menstruation?
Menstruation is the discharge of blood and tissue from the uterus and through the vagina, usually every month. This is just a small part of the menstrual cycle.
The menstrual cycle actually lasts one month and includes everything from ovulation to menstruation. Here’s an overview:
- menstrual period: The actual cycle begins on the first day of your period. This usually lasts 3-5 days.
- follicular phase: The follicular phase coincides with the menstrual period (period) and ends at ovulation.
- ovulation: Ovulation usually occurs about halfway through your cycle (day 14 on a 28-day cycle). Your body experiences a sudden increase in luteinizing hormone (LH), which causes the ovaries to release an egg, or ovulation.
- luteal phase: After ovulation, you enter the luteal phase. During this time, the released egg moves from the ovaries through the fallopian tubes to the uterus. The luteal phase is also characterized by increased levels of progesterone, which helps thicken the lining of the uterus in preparation for a potential pregnancy.
If you become pregnant after ovulation, the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall and implants. If implantation does not occur, hormone levels begin to decline, menstruation begins, and the cycle begins again.
What comes out during menstruation?
We know that menstruation is an expulsion of blood and tissue, but what exactly is expelled?
This is no surprise, but one of the main components of menstruation is blood. Normal menstrual blood ranges in color from dark red to brown. If it’s brown, it usually means the blood has oxidized after being in the uterus a little longer.
Another component found in menstrual blood is endometrium. The term endometrium may be familiar to you in your surrounding conversations. endometriosis (Or maybe you yourself have this disorder). The endometrium is the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus and can manifest as a blood clot. small blood clots are completely normal.
Bacteria exist all around us and in our bodies, and are even found in our menstrual blood. Vaginal moisture increases before and after menstruation. As you know, bacteria love moisture. That’s why, like most things on earth, during menstruation a significant amount of bacteria is found.
One of the last things you’ll find in your menstrual blood is secretions from your vagina and cervix. These secretions are primarily made up of water and electrolytes and help keep the vaginal pH low (acidic), which helps reduce the growth of bacteria.
Things to note
We know the main components that make up menstruation, but that doesn’t necessarily tell us what’s normal and what’s abnormal. Knowing what to look out for will help you decide if you have questions or concerns to contact your provider.
We’ve already mentioned menstrual blood clots, and some of them are normal, but when should you worry about blood clots? Normal blood clots are usually infrequent, occurring in less than a quarter of cases. If you experience multiple blood clots larger than a quarter per menstrual cycle, talk to your doctor.
Large or frequent blood clots may indicate a hormonal imbalance, a blockage in the uterus, or even a miscarriage.
Another important thing to note is that color of menstrual blood. We mentioned that normal menstrual blood ranges from red to brown, but look out for any of the other colors below.
- orange blood: Unless accompanied by other symptoms such as itching or a strange odor, orange blood is usually the result of a mixture of blood and secretions from the cervix.
- black or brown blood: This is usually harmless and means that the blood takes longer to leave the uterus, giving it more time to oxidize and turn dark.
- pink or pale red blood: May indicate a hormonal imbalance or approaching perimenopause. If blood of this color persists, it is recommended to see a doctor.
- gray blood: Gray menstrual blood should always be examined by a doctor, as it may mean the presence of a sexually transmitted disease or a miscarriage. Remember that most sexually transmitted infections can be treated with antibiotics if caught early.
This will give you a pretty good idea of whether your menstrual blood is normal or abnormal. You should also pay attention to and track other symptoms such as heavy bleeding, pain, and mood changes. These are all important data that you provide to your healthcare provider to better understand what’s going on inside your body.
Find the right era product
Now that you know everything about menstruation and what’s in menstrual blood, it’s time to find the sanitary products that are best for you and your body.
Of course we are big fans of period cups. Another great thing about menstrual cups is that they allow you to accurately test your blood status to see if anything is wrong. You can choose from cups for a wide range of ages. lily cup one Beginners ziggy cup 2designed for ultimate comfort.
Not sure which cup to get? Check this guide Then you’ll have the most comfortable period ever.
