Menstruation is a key aspect of the female body as it opens up women to a host of infections and chronic illnesses, while also being a great signifier of health conditions brewing underneath the surface. Yet it is highly misunderstood.
A study published in BMC Public Health stated, ‘The poor knowledge and understanding of menstruation may lead to unsafe hygienic practices that in turn increases the risk of reproductive and genito-urinary tract infections, cervical cancer, school drop-out, poor academic performance and overall poor quality of life.’
Fortunately, you can easily find credible resources online that explain all the strange colours and smells of period blood. However, one aspect of menstrual blood that is often overlooked is how fast the period blood starts rotting once it leaks out of the vagina. To understand this, the team of OnlyMyHealth spoke to Dr Sucheta Parte, Consultant, Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Lullanagar, Pune.
Why Is My Period Blood Look Rotten?
No two periods can be the same. This sentence holds true for life, as much as it does for your menstrual cycles. Experiencing fluctuations in the duration, initiation, quantity of period blood, and the level of discomfort during your ‘time of the month’ is normal. However, if these fluctuations are extreme, there might be a problem.
Also Read: Does Your Period Blood Smell Worse Than Usual? Expert Shares Causes And Tips To Ditch The Odour
Dr Parte explained, “Hormones play a crucial role in regulating the menstrual cycle, and any fluctuations or disruptions can lead to changes in the consistency and odour of menstrual blood.” So can poor menstrual hygiene practices, she added.
According to researchers from the University Of Amsterdam, who conducted a study on the speed and mechanism by which the blood starts rotting, once blood exits from the body, it turns from bright red to dark brown upon coming in contact with air, as oxygen breaks down the haemoglobin present in the blood.”
Explaining the reason why you could be experiencing this phenomenon on a rapid basis, Dr Parte shared, “An excess of estrogen can result in a faster breakdown of blood cells, leading to quicker decomposition and an unpleasant smell.”
Also Read: Why Is My Period Blood Black? A Gynaecologist Shares Possible Reasons
This can also be a sign of, in Dr Parte’s words, “Neglecting regular cleaning practices or using harsh chemical products on the genital area which can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina. This imbalance can create an environment conducive to bacterial growth and speed up the decomposition process of menstrual blood.”
In conclusion, it is crucial for you to listen to what your body is telling you, and deeply understand its signs and signals. Never overlook good menstrual hygiene. Do not keep your pads and tampons on for too long as rotten period blood can provide the best breeding ground for harmful pathogens. Remember, any significant or sudden changes in your menstrual blood should be discussed with a healthcare professional. They can help determine the underlying cause and provide guidance on how to manage or address the issue.