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PERIOD IRREGULARITY
I am almost 36 years old, mother of three (all normal vaginal births). For about a year now, I have been experiencing weird periods - they show up every month/mostly when they are supposed to, but once the first tinge of red appears...it stops for a few days then explodes in a dark red, heavy flow (sometimes with clots) that lasts usually 2-3 days. Then it becomes almost non-existent for about 1-2 days. Then becomes thin, bright red and lasts another 1-2 days. I sometimes experience cramps, not real bad, but noticeable and tenderness when pressing in on my abdomen. Unfortunately, I do not have insurance and cannot afford a doctors fee so I haven't been to a gynecologist in over three years. If anyone knows what is happening, please respond. Also, there is an odor (fishy) and light yellowish discharge in my panties when not menstruating. Thanks.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Just remembered the place you can go for inexpensive female medical care-- planned parenthood. Is there one near you?
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hi there and welcome. Well, to be totally honest, that is how my periods work too. I get an idea it is coming with a bit of bloody discharge. Then nothing for like a day and then BAM. Super heavy for a couple of days and then it goes back to very very light. So to me, that is normal. I would say not to worry about that and it is good that it comes regularly.
Now the fishy odor is another matter. You could have bacterial vaginosis. That does need to be treated. And it is a tricky thing in that it can be a bit hard to eradicate. I would try to see what your options are to see a doctor. There are urgent cares that work with a sliding fee schedule for people as well as grocery stores have these clinic things in which you can see a nurse practitioner that CAN prescribe medication. Krogers has the "Little Clinic" for example so check around to see what you can find out. I don't know if the "little clinic" can handle something like BV but they may prescribe based on symptom description to get some flagyl for you. Otherwise, an urgent care is our best bet. Soon enough everyone has to have some kind of insurance coverage so hopefully in the future this won't be an issue for you.
Anyway, BV is bacterial in nature and needs an antibiotic to clear it. Wear cotton underwear too and change when sweaty like after a work out. Make sure it is not too tight. Do not douche! Lots of luck
Now the fishy odor is another matter. You could have bacterial vaginosis. That does need to be treated. And it is a tricky thing in that it can be a bit hard to eradicate. I would try to see what your options are to see a doctor. There are urgent cares that work with a sliding fee schedule for people as well as grocery stores have these clinic things in which you can see a nurse practitioner that CAN prescribe medication. Krogers has the "Little Clinic" for example so check around to see what you can find out. I don't know if the "little clinic" can handle something like BV but they may prescribe based on symptom description to get some flagyl for you. Otherwise, an urgent care is our best bet. Soon enough everyone has to have some kind of insurance coverage so hopefully in the future this won't be an issue for you.
Anyway, BV is bacterial in nature and needs an antibiotic to clear it. Wear cotton underwear too and change when sweaty like after a work out. Make sure it is not too tight. Do not douche! Lots of luck
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