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We usually make an appointment with the gynecologist well in advance, because the dates are sometimes distant. Just before the visit, we often keep our fingers crossed so that it does not fall out during the period. It is not always successful, because it is difficult to win against nature. What to do then? Cancel the visit? Anna Horbaczewska, MD, PhD, obstetrician-gynecologist, dispels these doubts.
- The average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days and is determined by the level of hormones. However, this is an individual matter. It usually takes 21 to 35 days
- The first period, technically known as menarche, most often occurs between the ages of 11 and 14
- The first cycles are usually anovulatory. The first period is when you reach puberty
- Women usually bleed for 3-7 days. Deviations should be consulted with a physician
- More current information can be found on the Onet homepage
Visits to the gynecologist during menstruation
Dr. Anna Horbaczewska, MD, obstetrician-gynecologist at the Superior Medical Center in Krakow advises us not to postpone the visit to the gynecologist if we are concerned about something. Even if we are menstruating at this time. There are also situations when such a visit is even advisable.
– These are, for example, the moments when we start stimulating ovulation. The first follow-up visit should then take place between the first and third day of the cycle, i.e. the first and the third day after the start of menstrual bleeding, the doctor noted.
She further explained that when menstruation occurs, the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, is flaky and thin. This is the best time to assess if there are any pathologies.
She added that patients most often report in situations when their bleeding is prolonged or too heavy.
– In such situations, the patient should wait until these symptoms disappear and then go to the appointment – if something is actually happening, which is a deviation from the norms – said the doctor.
Bleeding – normal
The expert points out that you should not be ashamed of vaginal bleeding, because it is one of the most common situations for a gynecologist.
– It is our daily work – he sums up.
Situations where examination can be postponed
On the other hand, the expert emphasizes that if a patient has an annual check-up at a gynecologist and she has a period, then it is worth postponing the visit by a few days or a week – especially in order to be able to properly collect material for a cytological examination. It is one of the basic tests performed by a gynecologist.
Cytology is one of the basic gynecological examinations, you can find a clinical smear test at Medonet Market.
Not every examination during the period is possible at the gynecologist
Dr. Anna Horbaczewska pointed out that patients must be aware of one thing when they come to the doctor during their period. Not all preventive examinations are possible then.
– In this case, the cytology should be abandoned. For example, during menstrual bleeding, it is difficult to accurately assess the cervical disc or the nature of vaginal discharge, because when inserting a speculum, you can mainly see blood, explains the gynecologist.
Bleeding other than your period
However, it is sometimes difficult for patients to say unequivocally whether the vaginal bleeding is period-related or may be due to a different cause. This may be a signal that you should see a gynecologist immediately.
– Abnormal vaginal bleeding can have a variety of causes. These can be completely harmless and physiognomic conditions, such as periovulatory spotting. However, they can also indicate serious abnormalities and very dangerous conditions, such as cervical cancer or endometrial cancer – the doctor lists.
You should go to the gynecologist immediately if you think you may be pregnant and if you experience vaginal bleeding or spotting.
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