Unusual Tissue Passed During Menstrual Cycle: Seeking Insight
Age 22, standing at 5’9”, I am currently on a birth control regimen that includes the combination pill Loryna and have no other prescriptions aside from fish oil and vitamin C, along with some additional supplements. My medical background includes a history of ulcerative colitis, but I've been in remission for the past year. A month ago, I started using the generic version of Loryna, which has a lengthy name that begins with a 'D' followed by an 'E'. Yesterday, I began my placebo pills and encountered my menstrual cycle today. Typically, the first day of my period is characterized by light flow accompanied by significant cramps. As is customary, my flow increases by the second day. However, during a recent trip to the restroom, I observed a tubular, tissue-like mass that was tan at one end and transitioned to purple toward the other. This occurrence was painless. My day has been filled with cramps, which is standard for me. I intend to share a visual reference if possible. Upon conducting online research, I came across several possibilities regarding the tissue, including ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, hormonal changes, or simply the shedding of the uterine lining. Naturally, I am feeling anxious about the potential of being pregnant or having had a miscarriage. Is a visit to the doctor necessary at this early stage? My concern stems from unprotected sexual encounters on August 17th and 24th, but I initiated my birth control on August 21st. After each instance, I took Plan B to mitigate any risk, though I was uncertain about my ovulation status. To date, I've taken weekly pregnancy tests, all yielding negative results. However, the appearance of this tissue today raises new questions. Should I consider taking another pregnancy test? Might the results be inconclusive because I’m currently menstruating? Given that my flow is relatively light, could it potentially be spotting due to early pregnancy? Any shared experiences or expertise on this matter would be greatly appreciated. 🙏🏼
Answers (1)
9/15/2025, 10:10:50 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious after noticing unusual tissue during your period, especially with your medical history and the circumstances around your sexual health. Here’s a breakdown of the main points regarding your situation:
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Potential Causes of the Tissue: The tubular, tissue-like mass you described could indeed be related to hormone fluctuations, especially since you recently switched birth control brands. It's not uncommon for women using hormonal contraceptives to experience changes in their menstrual cycle, including different types of tissue shed during periods. However, other possibilities, such as early pregnancy or miscarriage cannot be completely ruled out given your past sexual encounters.
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Pregnancy Testing: While it's good that you’ve been testing weekly, taking a pregnancy test during your period could yield a positive result if you’re indeed pregnant, especially if you are experiencing very light flow. Conversely, it could also return a negative if your hormone levels haven’t risen significantly. Given your previous unprotected encounters and use of emergency contraception, waiting a few days after your period may provide a more reliable test result. Home pregnancy tests are typically most accurate if taken after a missed period.
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Next Steps: Here’s what I recommend as immediate actions:
- Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of any new symptoms, such as changes in your flow or severity of cramps. Note if the tissue appears again or if there are any other unusual signs.
- Pregnancy Test: If you are feeling very anxious, consider taking another pregnancy test now since it's been some time since last exposure, or wait until your period concludes.
- Stay Informed: If you continue to observe unusual tissue in subsequent menstrual cycles or if your cramping becomes significantly worse, it’s wise to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide a more thorough evaluation and peace of mind.
It's perfectly normal to feel concerned, but remember that hormonal changes can often cause irregularities that are not serious. Still, it's important to listen to your body and be proactive about your health. If you have any further questions or if anything changes, feel free to reach out for more guidance.
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