Darker Menstrual Flow
Published: April 30, 2019 · Last reviewed on this site: 2026-10-30
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The question
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Hi, I have a question. My boyfriend and I had sex 5 days ago and now I got my period but it's looking darker than usual. Could I be pregnant? I'm on contraceptive pills and we used a condom too.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
The answer
TeenHealthFX would like to begin by saying how happy we are that you and your partner are practicing safe sex and using two forms of contraceptives.
Typically, the color of menstrual blood is a shade or two darker than ‘normal’ bleeding. If you have a heavy flow it can be darker due to clots. At the end of your period, dark red to brown blood suggests the blood is older and took longer to leave your uterus. This is your bodies way of cleaning out your uterus preparing it for you next menstrual cycle.
TeenHealthFX cannot tell you if you are pregnant or not. You mention that you had your period. If you bled enough to fill pads or tampons, this a good indication that you are probably not pregnant. If you still feel unsure, FX recommends that you take a pregnancy test.