What is the difference between lochia and menstruation?

In fact, many female friends don’t quite understand lochia and menstruation. They think that the two look similar and cannot be distinguished. Lochia appears to be relatively white in appearance and contains a large number of white blood cells, membrane tissue, and small blood clots. It does not smell bad, whereas menstruation is in the form of blood and has an odor that lasts for about seven days.

Lochia

1. Composition of lochia

The bloody lochia is bright red, containing a large amount of blood, sometimes with small blood clots, a small amount of fetal membrane, vernix caseosa, necrotic decidual tissue, etc.; the serous lochia is light red, containing a small amount of blood, with more necrotic decidual tissue and cervical mucus; the white lochia is viscous and white in color, containing a large amount of white blood cells, necrotic decidual tissue, epidermal cells, etc.

2. Smell

Normal lochia does have a bloody smell, but it is not foul.

3. Quantity

The total amount is about 500ml, and it turns from bloody lochia to serous lochia, and then to white lochia.

4. Duration

It usually lasts for 4 to 6 weeks, and it does not overlap with the resumption of menstruation in time.

Menstruation

1. Composition of menstrual blood

Blood and some sloughed endometrium, cervical mucus, and vaginal discharge.

2. Smell

Menstrual blood has an unpleasant odor.

3. Quantity

The total amount of each menstrual period is generally 50 to 60 ml.

4. Duration

The cycle is about 21 to 30 days, and the duration of a menstrual period is 4 to 7 days.