You Get a Gush of Blood When You Stand Up
Gross? Yes. Normal? Yep. “If you’ve been lying down or sitting for a long period of time, blood will collect in your vagin*,” Dr. Herta explains. “When you get up, that pool of blood will come out.”
It’s a Little Smelly Down There
Sure, it’s not the best part of having your period, but sometimes a funky odor can develop. Luckily, you can do something about it—try changing your tampon or pad more often. “Any time you have old blood that just sits there, it will start to break down and smell,” Dr. Herta explains.
Of course, some weird period issues are actually a sign that something’s off. Dr. Herta recommends talking to your doctor if your cycles are really irregular, meaning they have more than a 10-day variation, or if you’re in serious pain each month during your period. Also, if you bleed heavily and feel lightheaded, dizzy, or nauseous, you should speak up—it could be a sign that you’re anemic during your cycle.
But Dr. Herta stresses that every woman’s period is different, and there are variations within that. “Everybody has a different range of ‘normal,’” she says. If you notice something that’s outside of that range, it doesn’t hurt to flag it to your doctor.
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Sure, here's a breakdown of the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Blood pooling in the vagin* when lying down or sitting for extended periods: This happens due to gravity, causing blood to accumulate in the vagin*l area. When standing up, this pooled blood may be released, resulting in a gush of blood. This phenomenon is normal and expected after prolonged sitting or lying down.
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Funky odor during menstruation: Old blood that accumulates and remains in the vagin*l area can break down, leading to a distinct odor. Changing tampons or pads frequently can help prevent this odor by minimizing the duration blood remains in contact with the body.
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Irregular menstrual cycles: Dr. Herta notes that a normal menstrual cycle typically fluctuates within a certain range. However, cycles with more than a 10-day variation or those causing severe pain might indicate an underlying issue. Consulting a doctor is advisable in such cases.
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Heavy bleeding and associated symptoms: Experiencing heavy bleeding during menstruation, especially accompanied by lightheadedness, dizziness, or nausea, could be a sign of anemia. Seeking medical attention is recommended if these symptoms occur.
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Variations in menstrual experiences: Dr. Herta emphasizes that every woman's menstrual cycle is unique, and what is considered 'normal' can vary among individuals. If a person notices something significantly different or unusual for them, it's essential to discuss it with a healthcare provider.
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Importance of open communication with a doctor: Flagging any concerns or changes outside of one's typical menstrual experiences to a healthcare professional is advised. This open communication facilitates addressing potential issues or variations that might require medical attention or guidance.
As for evidence supporting this information, it aligns with established medical knowledge about menstrual cycles, blood circulation, and potential abnormalities during menstruation. The phenomenon of blood pooling and subsequent release upon standing is a recognized aspect of human physiology. Similarly, the connection between the breakdown of old blood and odor is a known occurrence. Additionally, irregular menstrual cycles and symptoms indicating potential health concerns during menstruation are widely documented in medical literature.
