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Wonderful & Wicked Women's Bodies

advice from our experts

Discharge after Sex

Dear Dinah,

I have a new bf and every time we have sex I have a light brown discharge afterwards. This has happened to me once or twice with previous relationships as well. What could be causing this?

Dinah answers: It is unclear whether you are using condoms or not. If not, perhaps it is his semen leaking out with a bit of your natural lubricant. If you guys are using condoms, this would be somewhat more suspicious and worthwhile checking out with your gynecologist. You may have some bacterial imbalance or there may be some internal trauma that periodically gets triggered.

I would recommend, in either case, that you mention it to your gynecologist on your next visit, and like all women, you need to be seeing a gynecologist at least once a year! Perhaps she or he can tell if it is something harmless or something needing treatment. And of course, if there is any pain involved, you should get it seen to soon.

Body Responding to Cheating

Dear Dinah,

I want to now if you have unprotected sex with your boyfriend and he cheated on you will that also cause your menstrual cycle to change??

Dinah answers: I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that the reason your period is late is due to his cheating, when you have a perfectly obvious other reason – unsafe sex! While stress of not trusting a partner can be a possible trigger to making some changes in timing, I think it is more important now to check out if you may be pregnant, but remember that checking too early can give you an inaccurate answer. Read more about doing a home pregnancy test .

Once you know what is going on with that, start dealing with your boyfriend's cheating and ask yourself why, under these circumstances especially, you are allowing yourself to have unprotected sex. It may be worth testing for STDs while you're at it.

Too Thin for Periods

Dear Dinah,

I haven't had my period for about a year now.. I thought its because I lost about 8 kilos about 5 months ago and heard its hard for skinny girls to get pregnant. I've been to the doctors cos I was extremely worried I couldn't have kids. But my doctor done some tests like an ultra-sound and blood tests and everything came back perfectly normal...I haven't been on the pill for about a year and not taking any precautions during sex. I weight about 42 kilos now but recently I'm slowly starting to put a tiny bit of weight now (I weight about 43.8 now) and noticed my nipples are sensitive to touch and little bumps on the areola appeared for like one day or two and disappeared... I had a pregnancy test last week and it came back negative but I'm not sure if I did it at the right time seeing as I haven't had my period in soooo long I've forgotten when the time in the month would be. I'm realllly frustrated and worried please give me some answers!!!

Dinah answers: You haven't mentioned what your height is, so I cannot know if 42 or 43 kilos is really as low as it sounds, but if you are very underweight and your fat percentage is very low, you will be likely to lose your period and not be fertile. It is good that you are putting on weight, I hope that you are doing it healthily. Try consulting with a nutritionist to learn what your ideal weight zone is, and once you approach this, your period could well return. If is does not,

If you haven't had a regular period in so long, you are taking a huge chance by not using any protection, that is if you aren't open to getting pregnant. Ovulation always happens before you get your period, so unless you are checking your temperature and changes in your cervical discharge, you cannot know when you are actually fertile.

Having said all this, skinniness is not a foolproof method of contraception. Some women on the verge of anorexia manage to conceive and others who are just slightly underweight need the weight gain to improve their chances. You cannot know which kind you are, so just be safe.

I suggest that you stay away from any hormonal-based contraceptive , at least until you recover and stabilize your period.

Urethra Stretching and the Vagina

Dear Dinah,

i am having my urethra stretched because i keep getting bladder infections. will this make my vagina big? i have had kids and my partner said his previous partner had a big vagina and that he couldnt feel himself inside, but with me he said its tight, im scared of having this done in case it makes my vagina big.

Dinah answers: The urethra ends near the vaginal entrance (see Three Gateways), but it is a completely separate channel. When you stretch the one (as you may have learned if you had a vaginal birth), it makes no impact on the other.

All vaginal muscles will weaken in time, so you should do regular Kegel exercises to strengthen them and keep them in good shape.

Discharge that won't Move

Dear Dinah,

There is this white jiggly like discharge at the entrance of my vagina, and it hurts to try and clean it out it doesn't move. it won't go away.

Dinah answers: You need to visit a doctor who can check out what you have. It may be something you caught sexually, in which case you must know in order to cure or to avoid further spread to other partners. It may also be a sore which isn't sexually transmitted. In any case, rather let a qualified health professional clean it out or medicate it appropriately, so that you don't cause any damage to your vaginal tissue.

Double Periods

Dear Dinah,

im 20 and have had regular periods from the age of 12. in december 2009 i started bleeding twice in the month each lasting 4-5 days and had pinkish spotting. me and my partner have been together for 6 months and have had sti tests which where all clear...

Dinah answers: Its great that you tested for STIs, but your issue is most likely to be gynecological. Yes, you should visit a gynecologist and find out the reason for this. Its unlikely that this is a permanent state, but you check out the reason for the “extra” bleeding. You may also need some iron supplements.

Discharge After First Sexual Intercourse

Dear Dinah,

My boyfriend and I lost our virginity to each other last week. It was quick, I bled a bit, but the next day my vagina was discharging a dark, foul-smelling fluid. We used a condom, so it couldn't be an infection, right?

Dinah answers: It is highly unlikely that the discharge that appeared the very next day is an infection caused by the sex because infections tend to take longer to develop and you wisely used a condom. Perhaps there was some other existing sore or irritation that was aggravated by the intercourse. Or maybe it was pre-menstrual spotting that was triggered by sex which may have touched your cervix.

In any case, if the discharged did not clear up immediately or if pain followed, its would deserve a visit to your gynecologist for a check up.

Unending Period

Dear Dinah,

A few months ago my period was 2 days late and then the next month I missed my period. I have now been on my period for a month. It was very light in the beginning & is a little heavier now, but still not like a normal period. A few months back there was some major issues with work causing me stress & I started dieting. Is that whats causing me to still be on my period?

Dinah answers: Stress and diet changes can do some major reordering of your period but they should not lead to bleeding for weeks without a break. There is a condition which causes bleeding to continue, it is called endometriosis. It is worthwhile speaking to a gynecologist about this and having an examination to see if this is what you have.

If it is endometriosis, treatment can be very helpful to stop it from deteriorating and to protect your fertility. It is quite a common condition and can be taken care of, but it is best sooner rather than later.

Even if this is not the case, you may be anemic from all the blood loss, so its worthwhile seeing a doctor and checking it up.

Unusual Bleeding after Unprotected Sex

Dear Dinah,

I had sex two days ago with someone and he used a condom for the first part of sex, until I came then he took it off and still had sex with me for a little while longer, like maybe 5 or 10 minutes. The day after we had sex I started to bleed and after the bleeding stopped I have still had a brownish discharge, it does not smell or anything but is this normal? I have not had sex in a while and I am supposed to start my period next week and I have missed my pills for a couple of days. what should I do?

Dinah answers: The bleeding and brownish spotting is most likely related to missing a few pills, which is enough to rearrange your regular bleeding cycle. I cannot understand why you would choose to take the condom off in the middle of the act, especially if you know that you have missed a few pills, which leaves you unprotected on all fronts.

I suggest that you wait for your period to arrive and take a pregnancy test if it is a few days late. Once that concern is taken care of, you should test for STDs. You can get counseling at a local family planning clinic. In the meanwhile, you need to use condoms every time you have sex because you don't know what you may have picked up.

White Residue after Sex

Dear Dinah,

After having sex with my partner i have white stuff and its not sticky and its not liquid. can u pls help me with these matter, its really irritating

Dinah answers: The most likely possibility is that you have a yeast infection. If so, you probably feel some itching and burning when urinating. Some women say the white discharge that is produced looks like cottage cheese. If this is the case, it can easily be kept at bay with an anti-fungal cream that you buy at any pharmacy, but some women have it worse than others, which means it can recur and need you to watch your diet and use something stronger. If so, you should consult with a doctor.

If your discharge does not respond to antifungal cream, or pass on its own, you should have a doctor look at it to figure out if you have an STD or some other problem.

Waiting for My First Period

Dear Dinah,

I think I'm about to get my first period and I have been waiting a long time, is there anyway I can make my period come faster??

Dinah answers: There is no safe way that you can cause your body to start menstruating. Getting your period is dependent on your hormones and you really shouldn't mess with them at a young age.

If you are young (under 17) then not having your period is nothing to necessarily worry about; after that age it is worthwhile visiting a gynecologist for a check-up. Otherwise, let nature take its course and note that periods are a wonderful system for your body to tell you that everything is in order. Your body will speak up when it is ready.

Fallen Bladder

Dear Dinah,

My problem is, My bladder drooped into my urethra causing me to pee out of my vagina and not the clitoris. I am fairly young (but older than 18) i can not find a gynecologist that is able to take medi-cal so i can see what the problem may be. Do you have any idea? under my recent study i have found that is a mild case of cystocele. But, I have had this problem for well over 6 months now. I have done proper exercises to strengthen my muscles in that region. My posture has improved as well. help!
To add to my problem. Is it even possible to get pregnant with a condition like this? i have never had a child before, so most likely i got this condition from lifting heavy things or bowel movements.
Is it safe to have sex while having cystocele? what foods should i avoid? what vitamins should i take?

Dinah answers: From your description you may well have cystocele although you sound young, and this is generally a condition caused by trauma, multiple births and aging of the pelvic muscles. I don't want to try to advise because you really need to see a doctor and be given advice based on a thorough examination and medical history. Only him or her will be able to appraise your chances of getting and maintaining a pregnancy and what is safe or unsafe in terms of sex.

I understand how crazy this may sound when you have little or no medical insurance, but your first priority now must be to find public medical attention, even if it means sitting in line in a hospital, waiting for a referral.

I am impressed that you have been doing pelvic floor exercises (kegels) and that they appear to be working.

I should just correct you that you actually pee out of your urethra, a small tube that comes out near the vaginal entrance (see the illustration and description). Your clitoris is not involved in urination, it is a sexual organ meant only for pleasure.

Period Pains Where?

Dear Dinah,

When I have my period I used to have the normal cramps. But now, at 21, I have pain in the anal area, especially when trying to pass, and soreness in the lower abdomen area that only occurs during my period. Is this normal?

Dinah answers: Absolutely. Period pains can be felt all over the pelvic region and beyond. It is completely normal that over time the strength and place of the pains can change.

White Flags

Dear Dinah,

After I had protected sex with my boyfriend, using a condom, we found a white substance on his skin but the condom wasn't broken, sometimes when I am very aroused i find also a white substance on my panties but I don't know if its possible for the semen to have escaped the underpart of the condom or if it was me. I would take the emergency pill but i had already done that the day before because of the same problem. Am I at risk?

Dinah answers: The white substance sounds like discharge, not leakage. Possibly it is your natural discharge, which tends to get more opaque and obvious at certain points in your cycle and then you can see it on your panties.

Another possibility is that you have a bit of a yeast infection (thrush). It tends to leave heavier white stains. If you have some itchiness and maybe also burning when you urinate, it suggests it is a yeast infection. It can also leave white chunks. It is not dangerous, just irritating, and easily treatable, but tends to return from time to time. Your gynecologist can diagnose it with a quick look.

In future, you don't need to take emergency pill unless a condom tears or slips off. If it stays up, semen cannot escape or spill.

Discharge Changes

Dear Dinah,

After having unprotected sex for the first time, I began experiencing an increase in the "normal" amount daily vaginal discharge. It was more urine-based than thick and mucus like. It is also transparent color and not smelly. Is this normal?? Thanks

Dinah answers: Your description of you discharge is a bit confusing. Discharge should not be smelly; it should move between transparent and opaque (white or light but not transparent) at different times in your cycle. It should not be urine-based since urine comes out of the urethra while the discharge comes from the vagina (see graphic).

If this doesn't go back to normal by the time your next period comes (I am assuming that knowing you had unprotected sex, you have been more aware of your mucus than normal), you should get tested for STIs. In any case, use condoms regularly, not only until you clarify this situation, but in future too.

Sore, Sore Breasts

Dear Dinah,

My breasts hurt very bad to the extent that it hurts to sleep on them or give someone a hug. I am not expecting my period for at least 3 weeks! Have you heard anything about this?

Dinah answers: Sore breasts (if they haven't been bruised or over-prodded) are almost always due to hormones, so they are often the first sign that you are pre-menstrual or pregnant. If there is any chance that you can be pregnant, I would follow that lead, starting with a home pregnancy test. If your last period was a bit lighter than usual, it is possible and quite normal that you are pregnant and still bled.

If this is not the case, have a doctor do a check-up to look for anything unusual.

Weird Mucus During Ovulation

Dear Dinah,

i always know when im ovulating. but my discharge never resembles raw egg whites, its more like a thick, clear, jiggly, clumps of snot. it doesn't stretch and its not sticky.. i know it sounds crazy but thats what it is.. can u tell me why? p.s i confirm ovulation with the ovulation test kit and it always shows the happy face, but no raw egg whites. is there something wrong?

Dinah answers: Every woman's body and functionality is unique. The description of cervical mucus as “egg whites” is an approximate way of explaining it. One woman's will be different from the next. Your description actually sounds quite normal.

If you know that you are ovulating, then that is the most important thing. You just need to learn your own patterns and how to differentiate the ovulation constituency from the feeling of the cervical mucus at other times, and you'll be in good touch with your body's functioning.

Possible Miscarriage?

Dear Dinah,

Two weeks after my last period i started to get really ,really sore boobs. I ended up taking a early home pregnancy test about a week before i was due that came neg. I also was feeling really nauseous. I ended up getting my period two days late. When it came i got the worst cramps of my life (i am 20). I was throwing up in a bucket all while sitting on the toilet and having diarrhea. I had such bad cramps ,that it felt like my vagina was contracting(i could feel it throbbing down there).I couldn't stand or lay down .My body was numb and i almost passed out from the pain. The weird thing was that while having the cramps the bleeding was heavy for about three hours. Then there was only a small amount not enough to fill a pad .Then it went to a light watery pinkish color the next day. So it only lasted basically not even a day. I usually have it for about 4 or 5 days. I have had bad cramps before, but never so strong and violent. Could i still be pregnant, could i have had a miscarriage? Or could it be a hormonal problem?

Dinah answers: You need to visit a gynecologist for a check-up. If it was a spontaneous miscarriage, you need a doctor to check that the miscarriage was complete. It would also be useful to know in the future if you have or have not had a miscarriage in your past.

Even if this is just extreme PMS, perhaps you can speak to the doctor about how to control the symptoms.

Yeast Infections Nightmare

Dear Dinah,

i seem to get yeast infections very easily. i wipe from front to back, try to not eat too much sugar, make sure my husband is clean when we have sex and/or we use a condom. i only wear cotton underwear, i don't leave tampons in for longer than recommended..etc. i use the 7 days monistat and it seems that like 2 wks later i have another one. how can i keep my hormone balance right? im so tired of getting them...it's annoying and a pain! thanks :)

Dinah answers: I am very sorry to tell you that chronic yeast infections have no easy answer. Greater experts than I have written long books on the subject and still there is no definitive solution. It seems like you are doing all the right things but perhaps you can get a bit stricter on the diet. Cut out sugar completely, because candida (yeast infection) thrives on sugar, even fruit when you are in the middle of an outbreak. Stay away from white flour too. It may sound far-fetched, but sugar is an addiction and once you get used to living without it, things just become sweeter. This is my personal experience.

Another helpful tip which may not wipe it away completely but will keep the candida down to a minimum, is Acidophilis, which you buy at a health store. This, like your diet, should be kept to for a few months straight, not only when you have an outbreak. Good luck!

Post-Natal Hormones

Dear Dinah,

I had a baby on July 29 2009 and i still have not gotten a period. I am not breastfeeding either. I have had some cramping sometimes worse than others. I feel like i have been more crabby lately and i was just wondering if this is normal or do you think there is a chance i could be pregnant again!

Dinah answers: You are less than four months after your birth (congratulations!) and your body is still getting itself back together. Even without breastfeeding, it could take months to get your period again, because each woman is unique in how sensitive she is to the hormones of pregnancy. If you are spending many hours a day in direct contact with the baby, your Oxytocin levels will be high and this too can affect your period.

So you have no reason to worry that something is necessarily wrong, but it is probably wise to take a pregnancy test so that you know where you stand, rather sooner than later.

Brown Bleeding After Depo Provera

Dear Dinah,

Is it normal to not have your period but have spotting thats brown, as if it was near the end of your menstrual cycle? I never had a period in which this happened. See I was on Depovera But decide to get off it. Could it be because of that? Im really Freaking out & dont know what to do.

Dinah answers: Depo Provera is a high hormone form of contraception, so when you start it and stop it it is very likely to cause some changes in the bleeding. I would suggest you wait to see how your next period or two go and not worry in the meantime. Dark brown bleeding is quite normal as part of your period, when there are hormone changes going on in your body.

Anal Pain During My Period

Dear Dinah,

During my period my anus hurts really bad. Sometimes it hurts to walk and it is really painful to use the bathroom. I want to know why this happens and what can I do to help stop the pain.

Dinah answers: Our periods are crazy occurrences, with a thousand different ways of affecting each woman differently.

The anal pain is most likely caused by spasms in the pelvic muscles. You should try a muscle relaxant. If the over-the-counter ones don't work effectively, ask your gynecologist or family doctor for a prescription for a stronger muscles relaxant, one that is known to work well on period pains (such as naproxen).

Dark Bleeding

Dear Dinah,

This month the beginning of my period is starting out a little differently.
The color of the blood is brownish red,and the consistency slimy.
I don't understand the slimy part,and the blood isn't usually brownish red, just red. This is not considered normal for me.

Dinah answers: Dark bleeding and heavy mucus at the beginning of your period is quite normal, even if you have not had this happen before. If you experience extended bleeding or a great deal of pain you should consult your gynecologist, but otherwise this shouldn't indicate any problem.

Fisting and My Period

Dear Dinah,

My hubby and i love fisting. But I think it is starting to effect my period. Can it hurt me by making me not have my period?

Dinah answers: Both vaginal and anal fisting can be dangerous if not performed carefully or if you don't build up to slowly. If there is tearing of the internal tissue or infection introduced by a dirty hand, you might land up causing infection in the reproductive system and this could lead to changes in your period.

I am not the one to give you an answer on this one; you need a pelvic exam by your gynecologist, who will be able to feel if there is any inflammation and know how to handle it.

Otherwise, have you considered the option that you may be pregnant?

Period Timing

Dear Dinah,

how long would it take to get my period after having sex.

Dinah answers: Your period works on its own schedule and is not influenced by having or not having sex. If you have a regular cycle, whether it is 26 days, 35 days or any other length, then you'll know when to expect it. If you are irregular, it may be a little more stressful waiting for it to come. Just remember that stress can delay your period.

If you have had unprotected sex, you should test within a few days of the time that you would normally get your period.

Changing Vaginal Tightness

Dear Dinah,

I had an atopic pregnancy in oct and started sleeping with my boyfriend in the end of november. About 3 months in he said I changed dramatically and got really loose. About 2 months later he said I went back to normal. Now about 3 months later he says I am very loose again. Every time this happens he accuses me of cheating and I am not! Please help explain why this is happening. I have cysts and a IUD also not sure if this would contribute to the change?

Dinah answers: There is absolutely no way that cysts or any form of birth control can change the tightness of your vagina. The only things that can change it are pregnancy and childbirth, stretching it with large objects and the passing of time. Unless you were doing exercises to contract the muscles, they would not spontaneously tighten and loosen in this way. An ectopic pregnancy would also not effect this because it would need to be terminated early, before it begins exerting pressure on the vagina and possibly weakening the muscles.

If your partner is feeling a different amount of tension it might be because his erection is not as full as possible, and therefore he does not “fill you up” in the same way. This might be brought on by something going on in his body, or it could be psychological, because he is worried about being cheated on or he is thinking about the pregnancy/termination.

In any case, accusing you of cheating will not help the relationship and it will not help the sex. You need to discuss this openly, maybe even with the help of a couples' therapist. You have both been through something traumatic, and some therapy could really be helpful.

Period Madness

Dear Dinah,

I took 2 hpt and both negative then a blood test and it was negative! For 3weeks now my breast are sore, I get headaches, and cramping! I was 2days late for my period but it started as spotting with a light pink color now it has picked up a lil not enough for me to wear a pad though and its bright red and mild cramping and my breast hurts more and feels swollen! My period was very unusual and is still going, what's goin on with me? Could I still be pg?

Dinah answers: Periods can get messed up by hormonal changes brought on by a wide variety of causes. Often periods change as we age, sometimes getting longer, sometimes shorter, sometimes the timing changing. And then sometimes, periods get exacerbated by colds, flu or other illnesses with similar symptoms.

If the blood test was negative (assuming it wasn't taken too early) then there is no chance that you are pregnant.

Breast Hickies

Dear Dinah,

Me and my boyfriend were getting close and he sucked on my nipple but it was a bit too hard and a hickey is now there but its an ugly one with ALOT of broken blood vessels (however no blood came out). should i be concerned? or will it go away like a regular hickey? i have had this before and those went away but this one is a tad bit darker. i feel no pain, just worried.

Dinah answers: This too will pass. It is just a form of bruising. But I suggest that if his enthusiasm leaves you worried and tense, that you discuss it with him and suggest that he takes his intensity down a bit. Otherwise how is he supposed to know that you have spent all this time troubled?

Smell After First Sex

Dear Dinah,

Me And My Boyfriend Had Sex, For The FIRST Time. He Did Use A Condom And It Went By Well. I Did Take A Shower After It, But Ever Since Then, My Vagina Has This Ugly Smell To It Now. Is Something Wrong?

Dinah answers: There is a good chance that you have some sort of bacterial or fungal upset in your vagina, perhaps even thrush. This is very common in women after having sex for the first time. It is the result of introducing something new into this otherwise harmonious zone, where all the many bacteria were in balance. Sex with a condom can also upset this sometimes, perhaps because of the lubricant on the condom, or just because you wiped away the bacteria when you showered afterwards.

In future, you should wash with water only and try not to enter water into the vagina. The vagina can clean itself, especially when it is in balance. You need only to clean the outside area of the vulva and make sure that your partner keeps clean.

Bacteria and fungi of this sort generally correct themselves. If you are feeling much discomfort visit your doctor for an examination and discuss taking a swab for a culture.

Bleeding and Other Pills

Dear Dinah,

I took a detox pills for a week. I came on my period a week earlier. I started spotting for a whole day. Then it came normal but i have been on for almost a month and it has a normal flow. Am I pregnant '

Dinah answers: I am not sure which detox pills you are referring to, but if they are strong enough to cause your body to reset some mechanism, there is a good chance they could effect your period.

As far as bleeding for a month goes, this is something than needs to be checked out. It would certainly not happen if you were pregnant, but detox pills could possibly bring on a miscarriage, so it would need to be checked by a gynecologist, and the sooner the better.

After such bleeding you also need to check your iron levels, because you may well become anaemic.

Signs of Pregnancy or Illness?

Dear Dinah,

I had sex the first week of April and in the beginning of May I was getting up every morning and throwing up. And if I didn't throw up I felt like throwing up. but I started my period April 21 so i don't know if I was throwing up because I got the flu or because I had morning sickness? Now I'm also starting to wake up with period cramps but no period. And one day when I wiped it was pink so I put a pad on but it had stopped. I would take a pregnancy test but I already took one and it came back negative. I took it the first day that I threw up. So do you think I could be pregnant?

Dinah answers: It is possible that you could be pregnant and having some residual bleeding, or various other reasons could explain the sickness.

It is possible that you took the pregnancy test too early, so it could give the wrong result. You should take another pregnancy test and either way, visit a doctor.

Unusual Bleeding

Dear Dinah,

what does it mean when the first day of your menstrual is bright red and brown and the second day its light and the third day its nothing on the pad but when i wipe its really light pink. Am i pregnant?

Dinah answers: The colour and strength of bleeding cannot provide an answer to whether or not you are pregnant because every woman bleeds differently and has different expressions of early pregnancy. Some women have absolutely no bleeding when they conceive and others have light bleeding, but light can only be defined in relation to her regular bleeding.

If you have any reason to suspect that you may be pregnant, take a home pregnancy test or get to a family planning clinic or doctor as soon as possible to get a real answer.

Pregnant or PMS?

Dear Dinah,

For the last week I have been having the period like symptoms, but at the same time they feel just like pregnancy symptoms. Cramping, crying a little for no reason, sore breasts. So I took a home test and it said neg, but then when I wiped it was light pink and I figured I started but then when I put a pad on it just stopped, which is really weird for me, because my periods are really heavy the first day. So I'm just wondering if I am pregnant? And if I am why would the test say neg? I usually start at the end of the month, but I figured I could take a test and it would tell me positive if I was. Now I'm just confused.

Dinah answers: Ever pregnant woman experiences early pregnancy in a different way. For some there are no signs, for others there is spotting and sore breasts, just as there might be before a regular period. The only way to differentiate is with time and by doing a pregnancy test.

It is important to know when to do a pregnancy test; if it is done too early, it may not show up. Read more on how to take a home pregnancy test correctly.

It is most likely that your period is simply delayed because of stress or diet or some other changes. If the test was done correctly and has shown negative, there is nothing that you can do but wait.

Sudden One-Day Period

Dear Dinah,

i am now 36 years old and i only get my period just for one day, which is strange to me because i usually get mine for three days. please help me.

Dinah answers: If the bleeding came when you were expecting your period, and not in the middle of the cycle (ie. spotting), then the most obvious explanations are either that you are pregnant or that this may be the first signs of menopause.

Some women experience minor bleeding in the first month or so of their pregnancy. If there is even the slightest chance that you could be pregnant, get a home pregnancy test or go test at the family planning clinic, so that you can confirm or reject this option.

As for the possibility of menopause, it usually sets in between ages 45-55, but it is not unusual that it should get started in some women during their 30's. If this is happening to you, you need to make an appointment to see a gynecologist, to discuss what this means and how you can deal with it.

There are other reasons why your period can suddenly change so radically. If you are under immense stress, you might find your period is effected. There are certain physical causes, such as hormonal changes brought on my growths in the reproductive system. This would demand a gynecologists visit and a few tests to check out.

I would suggest you check out the pregnancy option immediately. If this is not the case, perhaps wait to see if your next period is normal and if there is anything unusual, visit a gynecologist and see what she or he can make of it.

Dark Discharge After Sex

Dear Dinah,

I always get goldish-brown discharge after sex, is that normal? We use condoms and lube, could that be why? It lasts for about a day and i dont have any other problems, i got a clean bill of health from the gynos.

Dinah answers: The answer to your question is not something that I can provide, it is something you need to get from a trained physician after a full pelvic exam. I am happy to hear that you have done just that, and been given the all clear, meaning that there are no signs of cervical lesions, or at least nothing that the gynos could find.

There is no reason that condoms and lube would produce dark discharge. Sometimes condoms can be rough on the fragile vaginal tissue, and cause light bleeding, but lube would reduce this, so this doesn't seem to be the explanation.

The only suggestion I would offer it to seek out a second opinion from another gynecologist. Perhaps there is some sensitivity of the cervix, that the doctor can test for specifically. Before doing so, perhaps try having sex without penetrating quite so deep. Maybe if your partner's penis is stays further away from the cervix, you may have less irritation. In any case, it is worth knowing the reason for the discharge, but having more information of what kind of sex increases or decreases the discharge, can only help your doctor look in the right direction.

Strange Monthly Bleeding

Dear Dinah,

Im scared. I show no signs of pregnancy except weird periods. last month is started slow, brown then the usual deep red and lasted nine days. this month it was 4 days late and its light. its been the 2nd day now so idk if its short or long yet. im just scared i mite be pregnant.

Dinah answers: Some women have some bleeding when they are pregnant, but usually any signs of a period cease completely. Could there be another cause of your periods going out of order? Perhaps your weight has changed significantly, or your nutrition, or sleep and stress has changed?

The brown bleeding at first is nothing to worry about. The fact that you bled for 9 days may suggest that there is a problem, like a condition called endometriosis, if it begins to repeat itself. Extensive bleeding of this sort is NOT a typical sign of pregnancy.

In any case, if you have pregnancy scares 2 months in a row, I must ask what you are using for contraception? If you are using nothing, it surely isn't worth the worry that you are causing yourself. If you are using something, and perhaps not using it properly, this is a good wake-up call. You can discuss the contraceptive option that is best for you as well as your bleeding problems with a gynecologist or your family physician.

Bleeding from Somewhere

Dear Dinah,

I started feeling weird, really bad lower back pains associated with cramps but didn't think anything of it, but I did a bowel movement and started spotting blood from the vagina. I wiped really light pink blood but is this because I'm pushing to use bathroom? My boobs hurt the way they usually feel when i'm gonna get my period. I took a pregnancy test which was negative, could I be pregnant? I still have cramps and a kind of burning sensation. i had a pap smear about a month ago and everything was normal? Help, is it too early to take a test?

Dinah answers: The feelings that many women experience when they are first pregnant are often the same as what they feel when they are pre-menstrual. They are both states of hormonal changes that can cause sensitivity of the boobs, cramps and spotting. In order to get an answer to the the question of pregnancy of not, you can take a home pregnancy test as soon as a few days after your period is due. If your period is not regular, you may need to repeat the test in the days or weeks that follow. For best results, read more about home pregnancy tests.

Understanding the cause of the bleeding is a whole different issue. If the bleeding does not return, you don't need to worry about it, but if there is further bleeding, it is important to get it checked out. If the blood is from tearing of the anal tissue due to pushing and straining, it will be bright, like the blood from a fresh cut. If it is darker, but comes from the anal area, it could mean a problem in the digestive system that needs to be discussed with a doctor.

Spotting or vaginal bleeding between periods seems to be more suited to what you described. It is blood from the uterine lining, like period blood, but not yet in full force, so it is mixed with the cervical mucus and appears pink or brownish and more slimy than liquid.

On a woman the three gateways (urethra, vagina and anus) are quite close togther but you can get to know where each one is and then differentiate discharge or bleeding with ease.

Daily Portion of Vaginal Juice

Dear Dinah,

i want to drink my girl friends vaginal juice daily so please tell me, is there any harmful effect on my health or is there any benifits to my health if i drink it? there are not any STD diseases. kindly give me an answer in detail, and what is the main ingredients of vaginal fluid, thanks.

Dinah answers: There is a detailed article on the contents of vaginal juice which explains that it is certainly healthy and enjoyable, as long as there are no STDs present.

Note that there is a difference between vaginal juices, which all women produce, and female ejaculate, which a few women produce when their G-Spot area is stimulated to orgasm.

Can You Have Your Period and be Pregnant?

Dear Dinah,

my question is - is it possible to start your period if your pregnant? cause doesnt the sperm attach to the egg and then your period doesnt come because it detects somthing to make a baby. so getting the blotches - was it just stress or can i still be pregnant even though i started my period?

Dinah answers: It is not possible to have your period when you are pregnant. Sometimes, though, there is a confusing state of bleeding while you are pregnant. The bleeding can happen at any time – when your period is due or on different days. But this is not a period, it is significantly lighter, and it is doesn't continue as long as a period.

When it happens, it is usually not a sign of any problems, and usually passes after a few hours or days. It is quite common in early pregnancy and then stops.
If what you are experiencing is similar to your regular cycle, then you can feel sure that you are not pregnant.

What Does Breast Sensitivity Tell Me?

Dear Dinah,

Right after i ovulate my breasts and nipples always hurt until i get my period. My cycles are 30-36 days long. I was wondering if i do get pregnant would they still hurt or would they start hurting if i do not get my period?

Dinah answers: Your breasts hurt because certain hormones in your blood (estrogen and progesterone) rise after ovulation (mid-cycle). Some girls and women are more affected by this than others. Usually it is felt during the few days before the period begins (some women depend on it as a sign that they are about to start bleeding). But in women who are more sensitive to these hormones, the pain or sensitivity and even lumpiness might be felt for much of the time after ovulation, which is the couple of weeks before your period.

The premenstrual tenderness that you feel in your breasts is similar to the tenderness that women often feel when they are first pregnant; in fact some women note that this is their first sign.

So don't expect your breasts being sensitive or sore to be a sure sign of any one thing. It is simply a sign of changing hormone activity.

Help! Period Pains are Bad and Getting Worse

Dear Dinah,

So... why is that girls get PAIN when we're on our period?!?! I mean, what the heck is going on inside our bodies that makes us feel like some took a butcher's knife and stabbed away for fun... then added salt! ;) And its getting worse as I get older. It's already bad enough that I thought the blood came from our egg "cracking" each month... hmmm... so why the pain, and why does it resonate into our lower back and cause upset tummy??!?! WTF!?!?

Dinah answers: Hormones, hormones, hormones. They can be cruel but they are one of those facts of life. The cause you to laugh and cry and they can make your muscles calm or they can make you feel like your intestines are being put through a washing cycle. Every woman gets affected differently, and sometimes some months are killers and others are walks in the park. The thing is that you can't live without hormones, so you have to try getting along better with them.

Exercising throughout the month and especially when the PMS begins, can reduce the pain and stress. It's usually a good thing to listen to your body, but when you start craving chocolate and filling up on frappuccinos, you're making your situation worse; stay away from caffeine as much as possible.

If the pain is bad, especially if you're experiencing pain that is growing worse as you get older (this is common among women in their late 20's and 30's who have not given birth), some of that pain you're feeling on the first day of your period is your cervix stretching opening, which gets harder as you get older.

There is not much that helps when the pain is so harsh, except for kick-boxing or meds. There are muscle relaxants that are especially effective for period pains, which are usually only available with a script from your doctor. The right medication, if it is taken as soon as the first niggle appears, can stop the cycle of pain before it begins. You shouldn't need much more that a couple of pills per month, which isn't too bad, even if you don't like taking pills.

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