Menstruation Is This Normal?

Each month women across the world have to deal with the uncomfortable effects of menstruation. Although women may only experience certain symptoms or varying degrees of conditions, it is important to recognize the characteristics of a normal menstruation cycle. The average length of a cycle is 28 days. However, "the cycle length may range from 20 to 45 days and still be considered normal."

Younger women in particular may find that their menstrual cycles are irregular the first few years. The typical menstruation period lasts from three to five days, though many women experience either shorter or longer periods. The most common characteristics associated with menstruation include: vaginal discharge, blood flow, vaginal odor, cramps, bloating, tenderness in breasts, difficulty sleeping, and moodiness. Although several of these symptoms are typical of PMS (i.e., premenstrual syndrome), they often persist throughout menstruation as well.

In addition to varying menstruation cycles and durations, it is normal for all women to exhibit vaginal odor, vaginal discharge, and blood flow during menstruation. Odor is strongest while perspiring and once ovulation begins and is caused when perspiration mixes with the bacteria from your skin. Wearing cotton underwear and a pantiliner, even once menstruation has ended will help to prevent vaginal odor.

During menstruation, blood flow can be light, moderate, or heavy. By the end of menstruation approximately four tablespoons to a cup of blood will be lost. This flow, which consists of blood and tissue, occurs in various forms of reds and browns. Clotting commonly occurs as well. In addition to the blood flow, women also release small amounts of clear or white vaginal discharge called leukorrhea. This discharge may alter in color and consistency during menstruation by becoming heavier and whiter (similar to an egg white consistency). Leukorrhea is a normal element of the menstruation cycle and helps to keep the vagina clean. However, other types of vaginal discharge can be dangerous. Therefore, it is important to learn the difference between leukorrhea and its more dangerous cousins in an effort to prevent vaginal discharge that can be harmful in the future.

Unhealthy Vaginal Discharge

Unhealthy vaginal discharge is generally associated with bacterial infections. Although there are several forms of such infections, each is 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 Gardnerella, an anaerobic bacteria, which forms in the absence of oxygen. However, Gardnerella is only one of many bacteria that can be associated with bacterial vaginosis; others include Prevotella, Bacteroides, Mycoplasma, Mobiluncus. Bacterial vaginosis can be detected by clear, milky white, or gray discharge and vaginal odor. The discharge can be light or heavy. However, symptoms are worse near menstruation and after having unprotected sexual intercourse. When the vaginal fluid is mixed with semen, the odor intensifies. Although women who are not sexually active can develop bacterial vaginosis, it is more common in women who have had multiple sexual partners. Women may also be more apt to develop this condition after engaging in sexual intercourse with a new partner. Douching and poor feminine hygiene also increase the likelihood of developing this bacterial discharge and others. 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 exam and treated with antibiotics.

A yeast infection is another form of a bacterial infection that affects many women and is caused by the fungus Candida. In fact 75% of women will incur at least one yeast infection during their lives. Vaginal discharge associated with yeast infections is white with a cottage cheese consistency. Like bacterial vaginosis, there are several reasons one may develop a yeast infection. Hormone changes, wearing tight fitting clothing or wet bathing suits for extended periods of time, diabetes, being overweight, and the use of antibiotics seem to be linked with yeast infections. Taking antibiotics not only destroys harmful bacterial but useful bacteria as well, which disrupts the body's balance. However, antibiotics can still be effective in treating unhealthy vaginal discharge. Not only are yeast infections common, but approximately five percent of women develop such infections four or more times a year. This condition is known as RVVC (recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis). "Although RVVC is more common in women who have diabetes or problems with their immune systems, most women with RVVC have no underlying medical illnesses." Whether a yeast infection is reoccurring or infrequent, women are encouraged to see their health care providers if an infection is suspected. Yeast infections can be cured through the use of oral pills, vaginal suppositories, and vaginal creams. Although anti-yeast creams are effective in curing yeast infections, they do not cure other types of vaginal infections. Additionally, some creams may weaken latex condoms and diaphragms.