Women's cycles change, sometimes for no "apparent" reason, and the normal changes can include blood flow that is different in color (red, pink, brown); longer/shorter in duration; lighter/heavier in amount; occurs with or without pre-menstrual symptoms. All of these changes can occur over time, can occur seemingly suddenly, or can alternate between cycles.
When to know when there is a problem? Abnormal periods are defined by either absence of menses, amenorrhea (no period for 3 months)...or include the other extreme with heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding lasting longer than 7 days, or is painful.
Having a period that is shorter in duration (2-3 days is normal), is lighter or different color can all be normal and healthy. The change in color really depends on the rate of flow (darker blood, even as dark as brown, only indicates blood that has been around longer...thus the flow is slower...compared to the bright red blood).
Sexual activity does not alter anything with your menstrual cycle, so you do not need to worry that you are messing up your system. As long as you are using condoms to protect yourself from any infections or diseases, then your reproductive organs will not be harmed by normal sexual activity.
I am happy to talk more in-depth about your menstrual cycle being separate from sexual activity, if you are interested!
And, it would make sense that you would have negative pregnancy tests, as you have not missed a period. A missed period is the first sign of pregnancy; menstrual bleeding (even light, change in color, change in symptoms) does not indicate a pregnancy! I am curious what your doctor told you; did you ask him/her about your change in menstrual cycle and recent sexual activity? Did you explain that you had your period, have taken multiple pregnancy tests, but are still worried/concerned about your health? Were you provided with helpful information?
Please let me know if I answered all of your questions, or if you need more information.
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Women's cycles change, sometimes for no "apparent" reason, and the normal changes can include blood flow that is different in color (red, pink, brown); longer/shorter in duration; lighter/heavier in amount; occurs with or without pre-menstrual symptoms. All of these changes can occur over time, can occur seemingly suddenly, or can alternate between cycles.
When to know when there is a problem? Abnormal periods are defined by either absence of menses, amenorrhea (no period for 3 months)...or include the other extreme with heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding lasting longer than 7 days, or is painful.
Having a period that is shorter in duration (2-3 days is normal), is lighter or different color can all be normal and healthy. The change in color really depends on the rate of flow (darker blood, even as dark as brown, only indicates blood that has been around longer...thus the flow is slower...compared to the bright red blood).
Sexual activity does not alter anything with your menstrual cycle, so you do not need to worry that you are messing up your system. As long as you are using condoms to protect yourself from any infections or diseases, then your reproductive organs will not be harmed by normal sexual activity.
I am happy to talk more in-depth about your menstrual cycle being separate from sexual activity, if you are interested!
And, it would make sense that you would have negative pregnancy tests, as you have not missed a period. A missed period is the first sign of pregnancy; menstrual bleeding (even light, change in color, change in symptoms) does not indicate a pregnancy! I am curious what your doctor told you; did you ask him/her about your change in menstrual cycle and recent sexual activity? Did you explain that you had your period, have taken multiple pregnancy tests, but are still worried/concerned about your health? Were you provided with helpful information?
Please let me know if I answered all of your questions, or if you need more information.
November 3, 2009 - 4:06pmThis Comment
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