gross question (sorry)

[lola]

It's funny you bring this up because I was just thinking about it as my period ends. I've been noticing clots in the last few cycles and I'm not sure if I am just more aware of them now (that my acupuncturist brought them up) or if I've always had them.

I would say generally dime-size, sometimes bigger. (OMG I'm just going to assume if you're still here you were ready for some TMI so back out now if this is a big mistake for you!) The biggest problem I have had lately is that since they're so thick they're not absorbed by my tampons and I swear I can feel them sliding out whenever I get one. I'm always having to dash off to the bathroom, even if I just changed my tampon an hour before.

I'm assuming it's not a huge deal. My HSG looked perfect, so I am guessing this is alright? Ugh.

[G22]

I haven't ever talked to my doctor about it, but I think a bit if clotting is normal. I get clots every time, maybe 3-4 times during my period. Its usually in the first day or 2 when I'm the heaviest. Its a little gross, but I just always assumed it was normal. And I don't know what a " normal " clot size is, but mine are pea-sized I guess? How's that for a gross answer. Haha

I sat here way longer than I should have thinking of what a good sized anology would be. Pea sized is the best I got.

ETA: to make Lola feel better, mine don't seep into my pad either. I can always tell when I'm about to pass one because my cramps get a bit more intense right before, and then I feel it...uh leave me. Lol

[KaraOrNot]

Yes, I get a lot of clots. I would say typically the size of a nickle. They are pretty consistent throughout my period, w/ the exception of the first and last day. I also have the problem that they aren't absorbed by tampons. Gross.

[genet313]

Now I get to be the one to contradict everyone who says not to worry...but take the below with a big grain of salt.  

I get clots (obviously, judging on the responses, they are pretty common).  However, my acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medicine, if you want to believe the whoo-ha, say that clots are bad, evidence of blood statis.  Apparently TCM says your menstrual blood should be free flowing, etc.  So if there are a lot of clots, that could be indicative of a problem.  

I have yet to hear from Western doctors that clots are bad, but who knows.  In truth, I haven't actually asked an RE what their thoughts are.  I might put it on my list for next session.
I don't know how much I really buy into TCM and/or her, but when I do do acupuncture I notice I have fewer clots and a bit less cramping than when I do.

[BNL2]

I have a ton of clots and bad cramping. I've had them as big as a quarter but they average nickel size. I've stopped wearing tampons because I felt like the clots and tampon combo was making my cramps worse. I can feel them coming out often. I asked my OB/GYN about them and she said it was completely normal. I've never asked my RE about it.

[jewel]

I've also passed a decent number of clots. I never really thought much about it, other than that it feels so shocking every time they pass.

I started taking a baby aspirin several months ago, and the clotting has really decreased.

So, I guess I'm of no help

[womet]

My clots can be big. I've had some big ones that made me run to the bathroom. I stopped wearing tampons because of them, and now I use the diva cup. I've found that the cup catches them unlike tampons.

I need to start re-taking a baby aspirin again.