Is contact bleeding bright red or dark red?
Contact bleeding may appear bright red or dark red, and both colors can occur depending on the speed of bleeding, the duration the blood remains in the body, and the location of the bleed. If contact bleeding occurs, medical evaluation is recommended as soon as possible to determine the underlying cause, regardless of the color.

When the bleeding site is superficial and the bleeding is rapid, the blood does not remain in the body, resulting in bright red contact bleeding. This is commonly seen in cases such as cervical surface injury or cervical polyps. The blood flows out directly, appearing vivid and bright, sometimes accompanied by spotting.
When the bleeding site is deeper, the bleeding is slow, or the blood remains in the vagina for some time, hemoglobin becomes oxidized, causing the contact bleeding to appear dark red. The discharge may be mixed with secretions and is often associated with conditions such as endometritis or submucosal fibroids, where the blood darkens before being expelled.
In daily life, it's important to maintain external genital hygiene, avoid unhygienic sexual practices, and minimize cervical irritation. Choose loose-fitting, breathable cotton underwear and change them regularly. Avoid frequent use of irritating cleansers to maintain the natural balance of vaginal flora and reduce the risk of reproductive system infections.