The quantity of blood lost during the monthly periods varies among women. It is estimated to be about 20 to 60ml throughout the menstruation which can vary between 2 to 7 days but averages about 3 to 5 days in most women. Despite these difference, every woman has a fair idea of the usual amount of blood lost as a result of menstrual bleeding. Sometimes this can be excessive in which case it is known as menorrhagia – heavy vaginal bleeding or prolonged vaginal bleeding. An isolated period which is heavier or longer than normal is not a cause for concern but if it persists or is recurrent then it needs to be investigated further as it may be a symptom of some underlying disease.
Menstrual blood is usually bright to dark red and may or may not have some clots. It should not be brown to black and if it is then it needs to be investigated further. The main reason why blood may appear these colors is due to degradation of the blood cells either due to exposure to air (oxidation) over time, the action of bacterial enzymes or exposure of blood to certain chemicals that may cause rapid degradation and discoloration. A brown to black vaginal bleed in a pregnant women particularly if it is accompanied by abdominal pain should be investigated immediately.
Menstrual bleeding is the only regular vaginal bleed that occurs in girls and women after menarche. The menstrual cycle starts with menstruation (vaginal bleeding) which usually lasts between 3 to 7 days and the entire cycle runs for approximately 28 days on average. Bleeding at any other time should be considered as abnormal. If it occurs as a once-off episode between periods or even in menopause without any other signs and symptoms, it may not be a cause for concern. Sometimes the abnormality may be associated with the menstrual bleed which can be heavier or longer than norma. However, when persistent then it should be investigated as it could be associated with serious disease which could even be life-threatening.
The sight of blood clots, when you have your period, can be quite alarming and you may not want to seek medical attention for such a personal ailment. In most cases menstrual clotting is normal and may be accompanied by stomach cramping.
The presence of blood clots may only be an indication of heavy periods which is known as menorrhagia. Excessive bleeding during a period may cause the formation of blood clots and this alone is not always a cause for concern unless the heavy bleeding leads to other complications such as anemia. However, if the bleeding is excessive and prolonged and you have been passing large clots too frequently, it would be advisable to consult with your doctor.
Bleeding at any stage of pregnancy should be a cause for concern and medical advice should be sought immediately. It is important to bear in mind that the first trimester is a ‘touch-and-go’ time in any pregnancy. A host of complications are possible in early pregnancy that can lead to a miscarriage or threaten the life of the mother. Vaginal bleeding is one of those important signs that should alert expectant mothers of a possible problem.
An Ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy which develops outside of the womb most usually in the fallopian tubes though it can occur in other parts of the reproductive system. Other common sites for the pregnancy to develop are the uterus, cervix, the abdominal cavity and the ovaries.
How does this happen and why? Normally when fertilised the egg will go down the fallopian tubes into the womb, it will then grow in size until it forms what is called the blastocyst, this is what the embryo and placenta will develop from. Within days of conceiving the blastocyst will attach itself to the lining of the womb however if for any reason there is a delay in this happening then the blastocyst will be ready for attachment before it has reached the womb.
This will then more than likely result in an Ectopic pregnancy. There is a risk to the women’s health should they have an Ectopic pregnancy with most of them relating to the fallopian tubes being damaged or altered.
