6 Period Questions We’re Too Embarrassed To Ask Our Gynecologist Even Though They’re Really Important
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Periods come in unannounced every month, causing an upheaval in a woman’s mind. Of course, the hormonal changes are at an all-time high. And, that much bleeding doesn’t help either. But, the worry is hardly ever restricted to just those days. Even a few days before the periods, a woman starts looking at the calendar. The countdown begins, and so does the stress about whether or not it will be on time this month. A mid-cycle bleeding can cause panic in a woman’s mind too.
There has always been a stigma around menstruation. Thus, many women feel uncomfortable voicing out their “period worries” with anyone, including doctors. Can you relate to this? If yes, don’t worry. Here, at MomJunction, we care about your well-being. That is why we will answer a few of these embarrassing yet important questions for you:
1. Should You Be Concerned If Your Period Is Not Always On Schedule?
Not really. Every woman has a different monthly cycle. So, a period flow can happen every 21 to 35 days (1). However, women tend to get worried if they notice irregularities in their menstrual cycle. While it comes earlier than expected one month, it is delayed the next month. But, the change in this monthly schedule is normal. Even the duration of it can vary. It usually lasts anywhere from 2 to 7 days (2). The period mostly starts with light spotting followed by heavy bleeding, which gradually becomes lighter again.
2. Is It Just Spotting Or Period?
Menstruation refers to the monthly bleeding and is dark red in color. Whereas, spotting or light bleeding, mostly brown in color, happens when a woman is not having her regular period. Usually, spotting is nothing to worry about and does not have any associated symptom along with it. However, you can seek a doctor’s consult if you come across symptoms such as abnormally heavy bleeding during periods, abdominal ache, burning sensation during urination, or vaginal discharge and itchiness (3).
3. When Should You Seek A Doctor’s Help?
If the period is irregular consistently, it might indicate that something is wrong. One should consult a doctor if the bleeding is a result of unsuitable birth control dosage. This bleeding might be accompanied with symptoms such as fever or abdominal pain. At times, estrogen deficiency can also be one of the reasons for irregular bleeding.
4. How Is Birth Control Pill Related To A False Menstrual Flow?
Most women assume that they will get their normal period again as soon as they stop consuming their birth control pills. However, that bleeding is actually referred to as the fake period or withdrawal bleeding (4). The duration is shorter, the flow is not very heavy, and it does not pain much either. The regular menstrual flow might resume only after a woman has quit the birth control pills completely. This restoration duration may be anywhere between six to twelve months.
5. Is Bleeding Also An Indicator Of Pregnancy?
Yes, implantation bleeding can be one of the earliest indicators of pregnancy. This takes place when a fertilized egg adheres to the interior uterus lining resulting in spotting or light bleeding (5). However, it is necessary to know how to differentiate between the implantation bleeding and periods. In the former, the color is mostly bright red, in contrast to the darker shade during periods. The implantation bleeding doesn’t really become heavy at any point and the duration is only for two days.
6. What Should You Do In Case Of Contact Bleeding?
Contact bleeding, also known as postcoital bleeding, refers to the spotting that happens after love-making (6). The color of the blood is usually bright red in this case. A contact bleeding can also occur after a physical examination. This bleeding usually doesn’t last for a long duration if the damage is not that serious. But, you can always consult a doctor if the bleeding does not stop.
We hope that this article helped you in some way. But, if you have any further questions, never feel hesitant to reach out to a doctor.
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