Bleeding for three weeks…

Question

I’m 23 years old and have always had my period regularly. Last month I had my period on time and and when I was finished about three days later I started bleeding again. It’s not heavy like a period and I have no cramps. It looks like period and my breast are tender. I have been bleeding like this for 3 weeks now. I am sexually active with my boyfriend, and most of the time we use protection, but sometimes we don’t, but even then we’re still pretty careful.Sara

Answer

Last Updated: July 10, 2013
Dear Sara:

There are a few things that could be causing this, the most important of which is pregnancy. It is very important for the health of your child to get started on vitamins containing folate. This helps to reduce neural tube defects which have to do with the spinal column. Also your doctor would do blood tests, infection tests, etc. which help you and your child have the best possible health.

Next, I would think about a possible infection. Your boyfriend would need to be examined as well. Pelvic infections, especially chlamydia, contribute greatly to decreased fertility and tubal preganacies.

I would also consider that you have an ovarian cyst most of which go away by themselves and don’t cause lasting problems. However, since you will be seeing your doctor anyway, they will have considered this possibility.

I am curious what you mean by “even then we are still pretty careful.” Condoms, withdrawal, foams and creams are not very effective means of avoiding pregnancy. The pill, the patch, IUD’s, the shot are not 100% effective in avoiding pregnancy. These latter means also can allow pregnancy but not allow the child to implant into the womb. Thus, the child is aborted.

Please strongly consider a chaste relationship without genital activity until marriage. Take the time to explore each other’s personality before exploring each other’s body. Medically this is the best for all people–you, your boyfriend, your future children. And when you do marry and have significant reasons to avoid a pregnancy, natural family planning is the most healthy way to manage your shared fertility. In this way, you don’t need to “protect” yourselves from each other.

Dr. Gretchen Marsh

Answered By:

Gretchen Marsh, D.O.
Dr. Marsh graduated from Western University of Health Sciences in 1987 in Pomona, CA and is board certified in Family Medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians. She has been certified as a NaProTechnology® Medical Consultant (NaPro) and Creighton model Fertility Care System (CrMS) teacher since 2001. She and her husband, Jon, have 5 sons and live in the Reno region, where she sees patients in person, in addition to her telehealth services offered via MyCatholicDoctor.com

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