Seeing black period blood can be alarming, but before you panic, let's understand what's happening. Usually, black period blood isn't a cause for immediate concern. It's typically just old blood that has taken longer to exit the uterus. The blood has oxidized, leading to its darker color.
Think of it like a bruise – it starts purple, then turns darker before fading. Similarly, blood sitting in the uterus oxidizes. You might see it at the beginning or end of your period when flow is slower.
While often normal, persistent black blood accompanied by other symptoms like foul odor, fever, pelvic pain, or heavy bleeding warrants a visit to your doctor. They can rule out any potential infections or other underlying issues. So, while black blood isn't always bad news, be mindful of your body and any accompanying symptoms.
