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Dark Period Discharge?
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An_246879 posted:
I am a 24 year old woman who has regular periods every month. My cycle is usually about 25 to 28 days long. I don't have any children and will not have any ever. I started my cycle on the 23rd of July and it "ended" on the 29th. I say "ended" because I am still having the dark discharge like I would at the very tail end of my cycle. (The dark discharge I assume is the blood that has been in my body longer and is just getting a chance to come out). I am kind of beginning to worry, due to the fact that usually I only have 2 days of this discharge at the most. Today makes 3!

My hubby and I had intercourse Sunday and the next day I saw the dark discharge. I thought it was from where we had intercourse. I don't think so, but then again I am not for sure.

I have never had any issues with my cycles at all in my life. Been regular since I started in my teens. I do however, have a hormonal imbalance, but that has never effected my cycles.

I hope the ladies out there can help me find an answer to this issue!

Thanks!
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Jane Harrison Hohner, RN, RNP responded:
Dear An: Usually a darker colored flow is the result of a slower flow with less volume. The dark color represents more time to contact oxygen and turn brown. This color is more typical at the end of one's cycle; it can also be typical for spotting--or breakthrough bleeding.

In your specific case, the extended duration could be from either:

1. Having intercourse--this can precipitate spotting on either side of menstruation as the lining of the uterus is more unstable.

2. If you had a cycle without an ovulation, this too can make the lining more likely to have erratic spotting.

If the spotting persists you can contact for GYN as they know your entire health history.

Yours,
Jane


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