Having questions about your period and cycle is totally normal – both in your teens and beyond. We want to let you know from the beginning that you are not the only one who has doubts.
In this article we discuss when your period comes, then move on to hot flashes before your period . We also explain why you can sometimes have a menstrual cycle with clots, how a menstrual cycle manifests itself during pregnancy and we conclude with the topic of "sex on your period".
Are you curious yet?
Then read on!
1. When will I have my next period?
Although the word goes around that a menstrual cycle should only last 28 days, learn that only 10-15% of women have a cycle that lasts exactly that long. Normally, the period of the menstrual cycle is between 21 and 35 days. It cannot be repeated often enough: "Every woman is unique!
So, in order to know when your period will come, you must first determine the length of your cycle. For this, you can use an online ovulation calculator or you can write in a notebook (or in the notes on your phone) the following data:
- The first day you got your period in the first monitored month
- First day of next period (ie in the second month)
- Repeat this for 3 or 4 cycles to become reliable
- You add up the number of days of each menstrual cycle, and divide the final amount by the number of cycles you wrote down in the notebook.
And look like this, the result will express the average length of your menstrual cycle.
Of course, with a calculator, the cycle will be easier to monitor (plus you can't confuse it with other sheets) and, in addition, you will be able to be notified when the next period comes.
What do you do if you have an irregular cycle?
If you just got your period for the first time, don't stress! It is completely normal for it to be irregular (or even very irregular) in the first year. You will see that as time goes by, your cycle will adjust itself and it will be much easier for you to anticipate it :)
However, it still happens that some women have irregular cycles even after years. And this is not serious at all!
Despite this, you can still calculate the arrival of your next period, but the calculation is different.
To do this, you must first understand the different phases of a menstrual cycle. The good news is that in 99% of cases it is only the preovulatory part, the one between menstruation and ovulation, which is irregular. The post-ovulatory phase is stable.
If your period is irregular:
1. You just need to track your ovulation. (we'll tell you how to do this right after).
2. Once you spot it, write down this date, then write down the date of your next period, and calculate how many days have passed between the two. Keep going. observation over 3 or 4 cycles. It should be between 10 and 16 days.
When this period remains stable, you will always be able to predict the date of your next period, even with a (very) irregular cycle.
But after…
How to find out when you are ovulating?
Simply notice your cervical mucus (your white vaginal discharge). When it's soft and smooth, comparable to aloe vera gel or raw egg white, that's your ovulation date.
2. How long does PMS last?
Before we see how long PMS lasts , let's see what it is. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a combination of signs and symptoms, including:
- Changes of disposition
- Breast tenderness
- Excessive appetite for a certain food
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Headache
- bloating
- Acne breakout
These are just a few symptoms of menstruation that affect about 3 out of 4 women. Wondering when PMS occurs? PMS occurs in the luteal period (between ovulation and the onset of menstrual bleeding), which lasts an average of 14 days. The symptoms listed above can appear a week before your period. Premenstrual syndrome can appear and disappear during the years when the woman is fertile, with the symptomatology intensifying around the age of 40.
Yeah, there's something else...
Why do my breasts hurt after two weeks of my period?
Well, there are two possibilities here: either it's a symptom of PMS or you're pregnant. During PMS, breast swelling and tenderness may occur in the second half of the menstrual cycle. Conversely, early pregnancy breasts may feel fuller and heavier, and this tenderness and swelling may occur one to two weeks after conception.
3. Why do blood clots flow during menstruation?
Sometimes, during your period, you may notice that you are passing out pieces of tissue or clotted blood. And the question "Why do I have blood clots during my period ?" it comes naturally (and with a little worry). But, we want to let you know from the beginning that you don't have to be scared.
Menstrual clots are a mixture of blood cells, tissue from the lining of the uterus, and blood proteins that help regulate blood flow. These menstrual blood clots are a natural part of the body's defense mechanism. The thick, jelly-like texture of a menstrual clot helps prevent too much blood from escaping.
Menstrual clots generally occur when menstrual flow is heavy. You may experience heavy periods with clots during the first 2 days of your period, which is usually the heaviest part of a period.
When to worry?
When those blood clots during menstruation are larger than usual and the flow is heavier than normal.
4. How does the cycle manifest itself during pregnancy?
We believe that every woman has heard about the cycle at least once during pregnancy. But is this a period in the true sense of the word? The simple answer is: NO. You may not get your period during a pregnancy.
However, you may experience bleeding episodes or spotting (a few drops of blood) when you are pregnant. Here are the main causes of bleeding during pregnancy:
· Miscarriage: bleeding is accompanied by clots, abnormal formations, is abundant and prolonged.
· Ectopic pregnancy: in which case menstruation can occur on time, faster or with a slight delay. It will last you as long as it normally does, stop, then start again after a few days and persist.
· Implantation of the ovum: You may bleed when the ovum has implanted, the embryo "biting" through the highly vascularized mucosa, causing bleeding. This "cycle during pregnancy" is lighter in color than menstrual bleeding.
· Decidual bleeding: This is a hormonal dysfunction that could cause parts of the lining of the uterus to shed.
5. Can you have sex when you're on your period?
Of course!
In addition, sex during the menstrual cycle also comes with certain benefits:
- Cramp relief: Orgasm can relieve menstrual cramps because during orgasm the muscles of the uterus contract and then release. This release can bring relief from pain.
- A better mental state: Sex triggers the release of endorphins, which provide a good mood.
- A shorter cycle: During sex, the contents of the uterus are pushed out faster.
Sex on your period can seem like a taboo subject, it can even be considered dirty, but it's up to the couple to discuss it. Consent is one of the fundamental values that we must keep in mind when having sex with someone. Having sex during your period is an option, not an obligation.
Menstrual flow also has an advantage: it is a completely natural lubricant. Composed of blood and vaginal secretions, it allows the limitation of vaginal dryness and therefore pain.
One tip might be to have sex in the shower. :)
But, a complementary question is "Can you get pregnant on your period ?"
And the answer is: the chances are small, but never zero. You have to consider that sperm can live inside the vagina for up to 72 hours after ejaculation. Towards the end of the menstrual period, the chances of getting pregnant will increase. But remember that menstruation does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases either. If neither you nor your partner have been tested, condoms are still essential.
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