Facebook Pixel
Freedom M.
Q: 

How the Vagina Filters

By March 19, 2011 - 1:16am
 
Rate This

So, the other day my partner and I were together, and during our intimacy he realized that there was blood on his hands. At first, however, he wasn't sure what it was, because of the dark color.
So, I went home and researched. I found out that the dark red, almost black, color of blood is old blood being filtered out of the vagina. This has to happen because sometimes not all of the unused tissues are shed during a cycle, and there is still residue left over. So, when one has they're next cycle, that excess residue is filtered out by the current cycle, until it is all out. It's perfectly natural, and happens to most women.

However, my question is, is it possible for old blood to not be completely filtered out of a vagina during a cycle? Can it build up inside the vaginal tract and be accessible during an intimate moment, if you're not on your period? For instance...A woman has been off her period for two weeks. She goes to a bar and meets a man and they go to her apartment. During their foreplay, the man suddenly stops and says, "There's something dark red on my hands." Is it possible that that would be because her vaginal tract wasn't fully filtered? Or, is it only possible to have access to such a build-up during the start of a cycle?

Add a Comment1 Comments

EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Hi Freedom,
Thank you for your question and welcome to Empowher. Your body is constantly in cleaning motion. You may experience the bloody excess around your menstrual cycle. It could happen before or after your normal cycle. Explaining a specific time frame is highly unlikely. Every woman's body is different.

Normal vaginal secretions is a healthy vagina which produces secretions to cleanse and regulate itself, similar to how saliva cleanses and regulates your mouth. These vaginal secretions are normal vaginal discharge. If you experience the dark blood, that would possibly be the uterus shedding excess blood that wasn't released during your menstrual cycle.

All of the above is normal. If you experience any changes of color, consistency or smell to your vagina, I would seek a physicians assistance. Otherwise, what you explain is common but putting a specific time frame on this would be impossible.

I hope this helps answer your question.
Best of luck,
Missie

March 20, 2011 - 9:10am

This Comment

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
By submitting this form, you agree to EmpowHER's terms of service and privacy policy
Add a Comment

All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.

Menstrual Cycle

Get Email Updates

Related Checklists

Menstrual Cycle Guide

Alison Beaver
Empowered

Have a question? We're here to help. Ask the Community.

ASK

Health Newsletter

Receive the latest and greatest in women's health and wellness from EmpowHER - for free!