Is My Blood Supposed To Look Like This?

Dear Madame X,

I started using a menstrual cup and I noticed that my blood is really, really dark and viscous, rather like molasses. Otherwise I’m completely fine. Because it’s the first month I’ve used it I have no idea if it’s always been like this, or if this indicates some sort of medical problem I should approach my doctor about.

Blood Red

Dear Blood Red,

Congrats on using a menstrual cup! Personally, I love them and think every woman should have the experience.

Using a menstrual cup will give you direct contact with your blood which you wouldn’t have had before. When you use tampons or pads the blood is absorbed into the cotton materials and looks completely different.

Having dark viscous blood is actually perfectly normal. You will probably also see blood clots coming out more than you noticed before. Give yourself about three months to get used to the whole process and pay attention each time, and soon you will see what is normal for your body.

In terms of talking to your doctor, there is no need to do so at this point. But, you can always do that if you feel like there is a problem, and after a few months you will know what is normal and what might not be because you will learn better how your body functions.

One trick to changing the cup with this viscous blood is to make sure to have a handful of tissue paper in one hand when you take it out. That way the blood that stays with your body and doesn’t fall into the cup when you pull it out can easily be wiped up and not get in the way.

Enjoy your new cup!

Madame X is a master of sex. She is adamantly pro-sex which she translates to pro-fun and pro-safety. An avid practitioner of the activity, she has also been trained in the technical dos and don’ts. No mere agony aunt, she knows of what she speaks. Send her your questions, comments, and concerns about sex and relationships here.