Extended Menstruation

What is normal?

Each month women across the world have to face the unpleasant effects of menstruation. Although women may not experience symptoms or varying degrees certain conditions, it is important to recognize the characteristics of a normal menstrual cycle. The average duration of a cycle is 28 days. However, "the cycle can vary from 20-45 days and still be considered normal." Young women in particular, may find that their menstrual cycles are irregular the first few years. The typical menstruation period lasts three to five days, although many women have periods shorter or longer, either. The most common characteristics associated with menstruation include: vaginal discharge, blood, vaginal odor, cramps, bloating, tenderness in the breasts, insomnia and mood swings. Although several of these symptoms are typical of PMS (ie, premenstrual syndrome), they often persist throughout menstruation as well.



In addition, various cycles of menstruation and the duration, it is normal for all women to exhibit vaginal odor, vaginal discharge, and blood flow during menstruation. Smell is the strongest while perspiring and once ovulation begins and occurs when the sweat mixes with bacteria on your skin. Cotton underwear and a panty liner, even after menstruation has ended will help prevent vaginal odor.



During menstruation, blood flow can be mild, moderate or severe. At the end of menstruation about four tablespoons in a cup of blood will be lost. This stream, which consists of blood and tissue, occurs in various forms of red and brown. Clotting occurs frequently as well.1 In addition to the bloodstream, women also release small amounts of clear or white vaginal discharge called leukorrhea. This discharge may change color and consistency during menstruation, becoming heavier and whiter (similar to a consistency of egg white). Leucorrhoea is a normal menstrual cycle and helps keep the vagina clean. However, other types of vaginal discharge can be dangerous. Therefore, it is important to learn the difference between vaginal discharge and its cousins more dangerous in an effort to prevent vaginal discharge that may be harmful to the future.



Unhealthy vaginal



Unhealthy vaginal discharge is usually associated with bacterial infections. Although there are several forms of these infections, each associated with an unpleasant odor, vaginal irritation, itching and painful urination. The most common type of unhealthy vaginal discharge is bacterial vaginosis. This discharge can be caused by the organism, an anaerobic bacterium Gardnerella, formed in the absence of oxygen. However, Gardnerella is one of many bacteria that can be associated with bacterial vaginosis, others include Prevotella, Bacteroides, Mycoplasma, Mobiluncus. Bacterial vaginosis can be detected by flow clear and milky white or gray vaginal odor. Losses may be heavy or light. However, symptoms are worse around menstruation and after having unprotected sex. When the vaginal fluid mixed with semen, the smell intensified. Although women are not sexually active may develop bacterial vaginosis, it is more common among women who have had multiple sexual partners. Women may also be more likely to develop this disease after having sex with a new partner. Douching and poor feminine hygiene also increase the likelihood of developing the landfill and other bacteria. Many women who have bacterial vaginosis do not even notice the symptoms. Even in the absence of physical symptoms, however, bacterial vaginosis can be detected during a physical examination and treated with antibiotics.



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