What causes menstrual pain? Is it harmful to have sexual intercourse during menstruation? Is it healthy to use tampons during menstruation? Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Op. answers to all these questions. Dr. Özgür Ağlamış gives...
Contrary to popular belief, menstruation is not a simple mechanism in which dirty blood is removed from the body every month. The female body thinks that she will become pregnant every month and creates a bed of blood to prepare the uterus for the baby to be attached to the uterus. If the egg meets the sperm after ovulation and fertilization occurs, the baby clings to the bed with this blood and the pregnancy continues. If fertilization does not occur, the woman's body realizes that she cannot become pregnant and destroys this blood bed. Menstrual bleeding is the shedding of this blood bed.
Women usually have their period every 21-35 days. The menstrual period must end after a certain period of time and a certain amount of bleeding. If it lasts for more than 1 week or if you use more than 4-5 pads a day, it is considered 'excessive menstrual bleeding'. If your menstrual period is not within these limits, it should be evaluated as pathological and the underlying cause should be investigated.
IS IT HARMFUL TO USE TAMPON DURING THE PERIOD?
Pads or tampons can be used during the menstrual period. A tampon is an apparatus placed inside the vagina. It prevents blood from coming out. Since it is placed inside the vagina, the blood that accumulates inside and cannot be expelled creates an ideal area for bacteria and other pathogens to multiply. It can lead to conditions called 'toxic shock syndrome', which can lead to death. Therefore, tampons should be used very carefully, they should be changed frequently, especially on the days when menstrual bleeding is heaviest, and they should not be left in the vagina for a long time. Since tampons are used inside the vagina, women who have not had sexual intercourse before should not use tampons.
Can I take a shower during my period?
There is no harm in taking a shower during my period. In fact, it is a recommended approach for hygiene reasons. Additionally, a warm shower has a muscle relaxant and relaxing effect during painful menstrual periods. Taking a shower does not change the duration or amount of menstruation. The duration and amount of menstrual periods vary only with the medical treatments used.
MY BREASTS HURT A LOT DURING AND BEFORE PERIOD. WHY?
Breasts are hormone-sensitive structures. Hormones change a lot during menstruation. Therefore, breast swelling, tenderness and pain may occur during menstrual periods when hormones show sudden increases and decreases. Generally, menstrual pain increases before menstruation and decreases after menstruation. Although medications, hot and cold water bottles and herbal teas are thought to be good, real relief comes when the menstrual period ends and hormonal values return to their previous state.
WILL MY PERIOD PAIN REDUCE AFTER GIVING BIRTH?
Actually, there are different theories and approaches on this subject. Firstly, after normal birth, the cervix remains more open than before, that is, the cervix widens after birth. Since the blood excreted during menstruation drains more easily through the enlarged cervix, contractions triggered by prostaglandins decrease, meaning the menstrual period is less painful. Another theory is that since endometriosis regresses during pregnancy, menstrual bleeding after pregnancy becomes less painful because endometriosis is a disease that causes painful menstruation.
CAN SEXUALITY BE EXPERIENCED DURING THE PERIOD?
The menstrual period is a period when women are much more sensitive and vulnerable to infections. Changing vaginal flora with heavy bleeding is the most important cause of infection. If sexual intercourse is to be had during this period, it is recommended that the male partner use a condom. The practical possibility of pregnancy during menstruation is very low because fertilization has not occurred and the structure of the uterine wall is damaged. However, there is a theoretical possibility of becoming pregnant, albeit very small, so you need to be careful.
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