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Aunt Vadge: dry, cracked fingers or my period?

  • Jessica Lloyd Lead Naturopath and founder of My Vagina clinic
    Author: Jessica Lloyd
    Senior Naturopath | BHSc(N) | ISSVD, ISSWSH, BSSM, ATMS

Dear Aunt Vadge,

I have been bleeding now for two days, and every time I use the bathroom, a clump of blood comes out. I felt discomfort after a guy touched me. This was my first time, and he had very dry and cracked fingers.

  • What could happen if a clump of blood stays in instead of coming out? 
  • What damage could I have?
  • Will there be any consequences?
  • Could I have gotten pregnant? 

Yours, 
Clumped
Age 25

Dear Clumped,

This type of unexpected bleeding could have several causes, from your period to damage from the interaction. To be clear, without an examination or conversation with a healthcare provider, we can’t be certain. However, here are some ideas you may want to investigate.

Importantly, to rule out pregnancy, home pregnancy tests are readily available in supermarkets and pharmacies, so pick one up and follow the instructions, or visit your doctor.

Periods, hymens, clots and cuts

The blood may be from your period, which can come early or late, or you may be experiencing mid-cycle spotting​1​. You may have other signs of menstruation, like period cramps, which will help you work out if it’s truly your period.

A clot indicates the blood has had time to coagulate (clot) and form the little lumps. The clot won’t stay in your vagina; everything in there flows out eventually.

You mention dry, cracked fingers of the guy, which could damage your tissue, causing a small tear or fissure that results in some bleeding. However, this type of bleeding would not last for three days, so this is unlikely. If you have pain, see a doctor.

If this was your first time having a sexual experience, it is possible that the bleeding you are experiencing has come from your hymen. If this is the case, you can experiment on your own and explore.

But again, this is unlikely as the bleeding wouldn’t last for three days. If you suspect a problem with your hymen, see your doctor for an examination.

The keys to looking after your vagina

  1. If you’re concerned, are bleeding a lot, the bleeding doesn’t stop, or you’re in a lot of pain, see a doctor.
  2. Don’t touch the area until the bleeding has completely stopped and you are not experiencing any discomfort.
  3. Wash yourself gently. Your vagina and vulva are need care.
  4. In future, be thoughtful about what you put into your vagina. Anything that isn’t smooth should not be inserted, and this includes dry, cracked fingers. You are the only one responsible for what goes into your vagina, so be discerning.
  5. Make sure you are properly turned on before inserting anything into the vagina, as your tissue lubricates and swells to prevent damage. You’ll notice that when you are very turned on, you can have sex play with no pain, but if you try the same when you aren’t turned on, you may have a sore, raw-feeling vagina for days afterwards.

You’re the boss, Clumped! Be sure to follow up with a healthcare provider if things don’t improve or the problem recurs.

Warmly,
Aunt Vadge

References

  1. 1.
    Dasharathy SS, Mumford SL, Pollack AZ, et al. Menstrual Bleeding Patterns Among Regularly Menstruating Women. American Journal of Epidemiology. Published online February 20, 2012:536-545. doi:10.1093/aje/kwr356


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