How can you tell the difference between menstrual clotting and uterine lining tissue?

Question

When a woman gets her period, how can we be sure if it's clotting or uterine lining? I've read that it's pretty much the same thing. The reason I ask is because recently had to take Plan B for an emergency on May 18th; I got my period on June 2nd till June 7th; I did have clotting (sorry TMI!!) and I took a prego test yesterday morn tha's came back nego. The reason for concern about being prego is I'm having some light cramping, I broke out, it feels as if I'm ready to have another period, but I just had the one. Doc told me it's prob just side effects of Plan B, which is why I'm concerned. When I asked him he couldn't really tell me how I was supposed to tell the diff other than to look at it (too late now obviously) but I figured if I'm having that much clotting that it's prob tissue.

Any answers / info would be much appreciated!!

Thank you for your answers so far! I'm having a lot of PMS symptoms right now; bloating, acne, lots of abdominal pain and cramping. It feels like my period is about to start; normally when I ovulate I have some pain but not this much. I'm gathering as you mentioned it's side effects from Plan B.

As in clotting and tissue, I meant is there any real way to tell which is which? I've heard clotting is possible in pregnancy, but the actual tissue (uterine lining) of course isn't there when pregnant.

Thanks again. :)

Answer 1

Well, a period is the shedding of the uterine lining so I'm not sure what you mean by a difference. Now if you mean the difference between the normal bleeding of a period and what you might find say with a miscarriage you would have actual clots that you would have no difficulty recognizing as such. If you did plan B as you say you wouldn't have had time to develop a pregnancy and therefore wouldn't have any miscarriage material just a normal period. It may take a couple months for you hormones to to return to normal after taking that pill so be patient and see how things look in 2 to 3 months.

Answer 2

Well I had a miscarriage, and I had all the same symptoms. I actually had 2 periods in 3 1/2 weeks with a few days between. You really can't tell the difference, other than clots usually will crystalize on a pad, and tissue will kind of dry up on the top in strands. But that's even not that accurate of a description, since everyone is different.

PS. If you keep having problems you may need a D&C...not fun, but they clean everything out.

Answer 3

Menstruation is the process of replacing the lining of the uterus, it isn't only blood.

The cramping could be side effects.

But the timing might indicate ovulation. My wife is one of those who feels minor cramping when she ovulates