As hormone levels fall, a woman’s pattern of menstrual bleeding usually becomes irregular. Many women experience light, skipped or late periods for several months to a year before their periods stop altogether. Some women may experience heavier-than-normal bleeding. Heavier-than-normal bleeding should be evaluated by a doctor to exclude problems in the genital tract. It is important to realize that until menopause is complete, a woman still can become pregnant even when periods are light or missed.
02
Pregnancy
Can you still have your period and be pregnant? After a girl is pregnant, she no longer gets her period. But girls who are pregnant can have other bleeding that might look like a period. For example, there can be a small amount of bleeding when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus.The discharge is thin, watery, or milky white during early pregnancy. The discharge has no offensive odor. Though in some women, a mild odor may be present.
03
Pregnancy Termination
Termination of pregnancy has been practiced since antiquity. Although many societies accept this practice, some reject it, and it is sometimes even considered a crime. The most widely used methods for terminating pregnancy early in the first trimester are surgical, primarily vacuum aspiration, which is safer and less painful than dilation and curettage.
04
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) — or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) — are generally acquired by sexual contact. The organisms (bacteria, viruses or parasites) that cause sexually transmitted diseases may pass from person to person in blood, semen, or vaginal and other bodily fluids. Sometimes these infections can be transmitted nonsexually, such as from mother to infant during pregnancy or childbirth, or through blood transfusions or shared needles.
05
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS may have infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone (androgen) levels. The ovaries may develop numerous small collections of fluid (follicles) and fail to regularly release eggs. The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. Early diagnosis and treatment along with weight loss may reduce the risk of long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
06
Vaginal Infection
A vaginal yeast infection is a fungal infection that results in discomfort, discharge and extreme itchiness in the vagina (the tissue at the vaginal opening). It is also called candidiasis and affects 3 out of every 4 women at some point in their life. Candida albicans is the most common type of fungus that results in yeast infections. Vaginal yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted disease, but there is a high risk of getting infected at the time of first sexual intercourse. Women who are not sexually active can also get infected.