Period here? Color meaning

[Brian]

Hello. First off, I know that sperm can spread from multiple surfaces from hand, to surface, to other hand or any of that. Sperm will DIE.

Though, my partner’s possibly late.(idk how it works) What does it mean if the pad’s lightly brown, yellowish? Does this mean the period will start soon? She also spots for days beforehand. My partner knows her body, but i’d like to know more myself, rather than I go to other sources. Thank you!

[Andy]

Hi there!

Vaginal discharge can be a variable and a brown color might indeed indicate incoming period. You can read more about it here: Honorably Discharged: A Guide to Vaginal Secretions

Also, did you girlfriend tell you about the discharge? As you say, she knows her body the best so she might be your best source of information about that.

[Brian]

Yeah she did. She found it odd so it made me a little worried. I’m..REALLY trying my hardest not to relapse and spiral again.

[Andy]

I’m wondering that since a lot of your anxiety revolves around your girlfriend’s body and cycle, if it would be helpful for you to ask her not to share information like the one about discharge with you?
Also, do you have any strategies you can use when you feel the worries crop up again?

[Brian]

She usually does share with me, but to be completely honest I don’t know if it helps me or not. Reassurance seeking and what not.

I have good methods of self care, but sometimes it can be overwhelming. I am trying though :,)

[Andy]

That makes sense, it might be something worth thinking about and maybe even trying out if it helps or not and then you can always reevaluate the decision based on that.

That’s good to hear you have good self-care methods! And I can imagine it’s overwhelming sometimes, but from your history with us we know you are doing your best to manage the anxiety so I think you should give yourself a pat on the back for that!