Mildred's Story

Doctor Reveals What Your Period Blood Colour Actually Means For Your Health

Doctors and nurses often use the colour of a person's period blood as a starting reference when determining whether or not they might be battling a particular health condition.

That's because menstruation can be affected by other changes going on inside the body.

With that in mind, medics believe that women and individuals who menstruate should clue themselves up on the colour that a healthy flow would demonstrate, as well as the different shades that period blood might present itself and what this could mean.

Bright red blood

According to experts at Medical News Today, this indicates fresh blood, and as such, a steady menstrual flow.

Whilst this colouring might be partial to darkening towards the end of a cycle, in most cases, it'll remain red until it stops.

Bright red blood tends to indicate a healthy flow (Getty Stock Image)

If you observe bright red blood between cycles, however, this could either be a sign of an STI - like chlamydia or ghonorrhea - or growths/polyps within the uterus or cervix.

In very rare cases, bright red blood could indicate cervical cancer - though, this usually comes hand-in-hand with a number of other symptoms, like heavier or longer periods, bleeding after intercourse, back/leg/pelvic pain, weight loss or foul-smelling discharge.

Black blood

Black blood can be common as an individual reaches the end of their period, being that it is an indicator of being older blood, or blood that has taken longer to leave the uterus.

The colour change is caused by oxidisation, in these cases.

That said, however, black blood can sometimes indicate some form of blockage inside the vagina, which usually accompanies other symptoms - like foul-smelling discharge, a fever, urinating issues, or swelling - and requires medical treatment.

Black period blood usually indicates the blood is older, and has been oxidised (Getty Stock Image) Dark red/brown blood

Like cases of black blood, this can be common as individuals approach the end of their menstrual cycle.

In a lot of cases, however, spotting with brown blood can serve as an early indicator of pregnancy, and is referred to in the medical community as implantation bleeding.

If this occurs unexpectedly at the later stages of a pregnancy, it could indicate that a miscarriage has occurred, or that the patient is suffering with an ectopic pregnancy - when the fertilised egg implants in the fallopian tubes, as opposed to the uterus.

Dark red/brown blood can also occur following childbirth and is known in these cases as lochia, or postpartum bleeding, which is not a cause for concern being that it usually passes several months after delivery.

Pink blood

A pale, light red coloured period occurs when menstrual matter mixes with cervical fluid, and usually occurs as a result of hormonal birth controls lowering the amount of oestrogen in the body. This can cause a period flow to lighten in colour.

Pink period flood is usually the result of hormonal birth control (Getty Stock Image)

Such is also the case when sexual intercourse results in small tears of the vagina or cervix.

Pink period blood could also serve to indicate that a miscarriage has occurred, especially if tissue is also observed inside it, or it accompanies cramps. As such, it's recommended that pregnant women who experience vaginal bleeding visit a doctor.

Orange blood

In the same way, orange menstrual fluid can also indicate that blood has mixed with cervical discharge.

In some cases, however, this particular variant can indicate infections like bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis.

Sufferers of this particular shade should also watch out for itching within the area, as well as discomfort and foul-smelling discharge, as these support the likelihood of infection.

Grey blood

Arguably the most unnerving shade, grey discharge - either whilst menstruating or otherwise - is considered a sign of bacterial vaginosis.

Orange period blood could indicate infection (Getty Stock Image)

This common infection is caused by an imbalance between beneficial and harmful bacteria in the vagina.

Other indicators of this health woe include a foul-smelling odour from the area that could be accurately described as 'fishy', as well as pain when urinating.

It is treatable in the majority of cases with antibiotics.

Bacterial Vaginosis Is The Most Common Vaginal Infection In Women ...

Experts explain what cause bacterial vaginosis and how to treat it. (Photo: Getty Images)

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the condition affects nearly 30% of women between 15 and 44 years old. However, BV disproportionately impacts Black women, who have an estimated infection rate of more than 50%.

BV occurs when there's an overgrowth of bacteria, according to the Mayo Clinic, which throws off the natural pH balance of the vagina.

What causes bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis is most often caused by an overgrowth of a common type of bacteria called gardnerella vaginalis. Certain risk factors, such as douching, can disrupt the balance of "good" and "bad" bacteria in the vagina, leading to this overgrowth.

BV can happen to anyone with a vagina, even if you're not sexually active. However, occurrence in those who are not sexually active is rare.

You're at higher risk for getting BV if you're pregnant; have a new sex partner, a female sex partner or multiple sex partners; don't use condoms or dental dams; use douches; or have an intrauterine device (IUD).

There is no foolproof way of avoiding bacterial vaginosis. But you can reduce your risk by not douching, limiting sex partners, using latex condoms or dental dams and wearing cotton or cotton-lined underwear.

What are the symptoms?

Dr. Jennifer Wider tells Yahoo Life, "Sometimes there are no symptoms, but if there are, the most common include an off-white, gray or greenish, watery vaginal discharge [and] a 'fishy' odor that can be strongest during the period or after sex. A less common symptom is itchiness or soreness."

Dr. Kecia Gaither, director of perinatal services at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln in the Bronx points out to Yahoo Life that some people think bacterial vaginosis is a sexually transmitted infection, "hence the stigma," she says. "But it is not."

However, BV can increase your risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, according to the CDC. That, in turn, can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease. Having BV when you're pregnant also increases the risk of preterm birth (before 37 weeks of pregnancy).

BV is sometimes mistaken for other conditions like a non-viral STI called trichomoniasis, as well as other bacterial infections including chlamydia and gonorrhea.

According to Cleveland Clinic, the most common mix-up occurs between bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections because both are bacterial infections that cause increased discharge. However, there are notable differences between the two infections: discharge with bacterial vaginosis has a fishy smell and is watery in consistency, while discharge from a yeast infection is thick and white with a cottage cheese-like appearance and there isn't a strong odor.

Typically, BV doesn't cause irritation or itchiness, but a yeast infection will. Finally, yeast infections can be treated with over-the counter-medications or with an antifungal medication, while you will need prescription antibiotics for bacterial vaginosis.

How do you treat bacterial vaginosis?

The good news is that bacterial vaginosis is curable. The infection is diagnosed through a sample of vaginal fluid taken through a gynecological exam and sent to a lab. After diagnosis, treatment usually involves a seven-day course of antibiotics. Gaither explains that "multiple therapeutic medications have been utilized for treatment like metronidazole, clindamycin and tinidazole."

However, not finishing the full course of antibiotics can trigger a relapse, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Also, in a small percentage of cases, people may need a second treatment. Unfortunately, research shows that BV has a high rate of recurrence — a 2021 study found that BV will recur within six months in more than 50% of cases.

Bacterial vaginosis is thankfully considered a mild infection, but it can make you susceptible to more serious health conditions. If you experience any of the symptoms, don't delay seeing your medical provider.

Want lifestyle and wellness news delivered to your inbox? Sign up here for Yahoo Life's newsletter.

Doctors Say Bacterial Vaginosis Home Remedies Can Help *After* You've ...

Are you feeling less-than-great down there lately? Unpleasant symptoms like itching, burning and discharge are typical of two very common conditions: bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. If you're like most women, you've probably wondered about bacterial vaginosis home remedies.

"Almost everyone who comes to see me with vaginal discomfort has tried something they looked up on the internet first, and it usually compounds the problem," says Rebecca Levy-Gantt, DO, an OBGYN in private practice in Napa, California, and the author of Perimenopause for Dummies. "Garlic is very nice on spaghetti, but please don't put garlic in your vagina. It disrupts the pH balance."

Here's what you need to know about the most common vaginal infections and how to treat them. Plus, learn how to prevent future flare-ups with bacterial vaginosis home remedies.

What is bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) occurs when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted. In other words, the bad bugs crowd out the good ones. Unlike a yeast infection, it's caused by bacteria, not yeast. BV is particularly prevalent among women in their reproductive years. It's probably BV and not a yeast infection if the discharge is thin, gray and foamy, or has a fishy smell, says Jennifer M. Blaber, MD, clinical assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Stony Brook Medicine. (Click through to learn how balancing your vaginal pH can ease itching and odor.)

Several factors can contribute to BV by changing the balance of bacteria in the vagina. This results in too many bad microbes and not enough beneficial ones. Common causes include:

Multiple or new sexual partners

Using scented products in the vagina

A natural lack of lactobacilli bacteria

"BV is not an STD," assures Dr. Blaber. It can occur in women who are not sexually active.

What is a yeast infection?

"A yeast infection is characterized by inflammation caused by an overgrowth of a fungus in the Candida family," says Dr. Blaber. Candida is usually present in small amounts in the vagina. When its balance is disturbed, it can lead to an infection.

KATERYNA KON/Getty

Yeast infection symptoms differ from BV in that the discharge is thicker and there isn't a strong odor. "The classic yeast infection symptoms are a cottage cheese-type discharge and itching," says Dr. Levy-Gantt.

Some of the most common causes of yeast infection include:

Antibiotic use, which kills beneficial bacteria in the vagina

Certain health conditions such as diabetes

Even women who have never had issues can start getting yeast infections as they progress through pregnancy, perimenopause or menopause, says Dr. Levy-Gantt. It's the changing hormones that alter the vaginal microbiome.

"After your period, you're also more vulnerable to a yeast infection because blood changes your vagina's pH," adds Dr. Levy-Gantt.

Related: Ob/Gyns: If Your Yeast Infection Doesn't Go Away After Treatment, It May Be *This*

Do home remedies for bacterial vaginosis work?

It's complicated. Dr. Blaber and Dr. Levy-Gantt say there aren't great evidence-based home remedies that reliably cure either bacterial vaginosis or yeast infection. The best way to treat bacterial vaginosis is with a prescription antibiotic. And the best way to treat yeast infections is with a prescription antifungal.

If you've had yeast infections before and had success with an over-the-counter treatment like Monistat, it's OK to use it if you can't get in to see your doctor. "Just get the three- or seven-day formulas," Dr. Blaber advises. "The one-day formula has a different active ingredient that can lead to secondary infections."

That being said, many women have gotten relief from natural fixes. And there are home remedies for both bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections that can help prevent the conditions from flaring up again in the future once you've cured an active infection.

Home remedies for bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections

If you are experiencing anything that doesn't feel right, visit your gynecologist. "Go at the first sign or symptom — that means even a vague feeling of vaginal discomfort or irritation," says Dr. Levy-Gantt. Putting it off is likely to mean more discomfort, medication and expense than necessary.

Once your infection is cleared up, you can help reduce your risk of recurrences from both bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections with these home remedies.

1. Opt for a boric acid suppository

This is one of the most widely-known home remedies for both bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. A Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine study found that 77% of women were satisfied with boric acid treatment for their recurrent infections. The women were prescribed an initial regimen of boric acid daily for seven to 14 days after a flare up. This was followed by maintenance doses of boric acid two to three times a week for 13 months.

FotoDuets/Getty

"If we properly treat the issue first, boric acid may be used as a maintenance treatment," says Dr. Levy-Gantt. One to try: NutraBlast Boric Acid Vaginal Suppositories (Buy on Amazon, $14.99). (Click through to see our best natural yeast infection cures.)

2. Use vitamin C this way

In a small study in the Journal of Clinical Medicine Research, researchers looked at women who had been cured of a bacterial vaginosis episode by antibiotics. When they inserted a 250 mg vitamin C tablet into their vagina once daily for six days, it prevented a recurrence of BV for 86% of them. Vitamin C may prevent infections by restoring a healthy pH level in the vagina to enhance the body's ability to fight off bad bacteria.

3. Savor probiotic-rich yogurt

"Since the depletion of good vaginal bacteria (lactobacillus) is the root cause of BV, it makes sense to replenish them," says Barbara DePree, MD, a certified menopause practitioner and founder of MiddlesexMD.Com. "Studies have shown a 60% reduction in infections in women who eat probiotic-enhanced yogurt daily for 30 days." (Click through for a simple recipe to make yogurt at home).

Not a fan of yogurt? Dr. DePree advises taking a probiotic with lactobacillus once daily to help ward off future infections. One to try: Nature's Way Women's Probiotic Pearls (Buy on Amazon, $11.81).

Cavan Images/Getty

Related: Can You Have BV and Yeast Infection At The Same Time? Yes! Ob/Gyns Share the Best At-Home Remedies for Both

4. Consider a vinegar and water combo

Since the vagina is "self cleaning", there's no medical reason to douche. And doctors agree you should avoid store-brought douches, which contain fragrances and other ingredients that do more harm than good. Still, "there are people for whom nothing else has worked," says Dr. Levy-Gantt. "For them, I suggest a homemade vinegar and water douche."

This fragrance-free homemade version can be helpful for changing the pH in the vagina to make it more resistant to infections. Combine two parts water with one part vinegar in a peri bottle. One to try: Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle (Buy from Amazon, $12.97).

"Put it in the shower, and twice a week, squeeze it up [the vagina]," Dr. Levy-Gantt says. The vinegar raises PH in the vagina, helping to create an environment where healthy bacteria can flourish. For women with frequent flare ups, it can help ward off both BV and yeast infections.

Healthy habits that block infections

In addition to bacterial vaginosis and yeast infection home remedies, there are simple vagina-friendly habits you can adopt to help keep trouble at bay.

Don't use soap, commercial douches or any product advertised as a way to feel fresher "down there," says Dr. Levy-Gantt.

"Wear cotton underwear," says Dr. Blaber. It's a breathable fabric that helps maintain a healthy environment for microbes and prevents moisture from building up,

When being intimate, use condoms, Dr. Blaber advises. This can help prevent picking up BV from bacteria introduced by a new partner.

"Stop shaving," recommends Dr. Levy-Gantt. Your hair is there to protect you from bacteria, she adds.

"Don't linger in wet or sweaty clothes," says Dr. Blaber. It's a fast track to yeast infections.

Cotton underwear helps block vaginal infectionsAlena Mostovich/Getty

For more ways to get relief from vaginal health hassles:

Cure a Yeast Infection Without Meds? Yes! Top Gynecologists Explain Which Natural Remedies to Use When

Balancing Your Vaginal pH Can Put an End to Odors, Itching and Discharge, Say MDs

Ob/Gyns on How to Tell If That Lump Is a Vaginal Skin Tag Or Something More Serious

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

Woman's World aims to feature only the best products and services. We update when possible, but deals expire and prices can change. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. Questions? Reach us at shop@womansworld.Com.

---