[chloemartin]

Hi,
I'm 20 years old and I generally have a normal period. I am sexually active, but always with protection, and my last period was about 23 days ago (and I'm due for my next period in a little over a week). About three days after my period stopped, my boyfriend and I had sex. It was incredibly messy with old, brown period blood. A lot of it. This isn't the first time we've had sex this close to the end of my period, and this has never happened, but we brushed it off. Now, for the past ten or so days, I'm still having this dark discharge and I've just noticed it has an unpleasant odor. I've researched and there are too many things it could be to get a clear answer. If there is anyone that has gone through this or could help me, I'd really appreciate it. I've been scared and I don't know if this or normal or cause for concern.
Thank you.

[C4521]

Hi,

I'm 20 years old too and it can be really nervewracking when things don't go as they normally do. I have come to realize that no matter how "normal" things are with your cycle, there can (and will) almost always be months when things don't seem to go normally. Seeing that you used protection (I'm assuming a condom? or maybe the pill?) and there were no slip-ups, I don't think that what is happening means pregnancy. It seems like you are having an especially long period, and it seems like maybe your body is "cleaning out." It happens to me sometimes too. I will bleed in the middle of my cycle (old blood, just as you are experiencing) for several days, or even a week or so. I think it's just the body's way of cleaning out old blood. As far as the odor, I'm not sure but again it could be the smell of the blood! I wouldn't worry too much unless, for some reason, it doesn't stop! I'm sure you are fine

[Romy]

It can't hurt to go and get yourself checked out by a doctor. I'm sure everything is okay but for peace of mind so you know why it's happening.