Menstrual Cycle issues & Not wanting a girly exam

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about a month and a half ago or so I started my period, and it started at a good time because that is the placebo week for my birth control pills. Then when I got a new pack, I started taking it since my period ended that day (by coincidence, totally awesome .. I like when that happens.) One day later my period started again, I thought maybe it was spotting because I know that happens from time to time.. but no it wasn't spotting because it was regular bleeding. I thought maybe it would last a day..

But nope, I started another Menstrual Cycle all over again and that was three weeks ago and I have not stopped bleeding since then. In fact, at first it was old blood.. for one or two days then it was new blood.. and int has been HEAVY since then.. I have only needed to change my tampon 2-3 times a day but it's getting really annoying. I'll be starting my fourth week for my period.And I have been having cramps on and off during these four weeks from dull to painful. . depending. They're not here at this moment which is good.

I have not switched birth control, I got a new brand about 7 months ago so it's not that, and I have been taking them faithfully. I started taking birth control 2.5 years ago because I would have this exact problem, I used to have periods that would last 4-6 weeks at times, with a week maybe of a period then two weeks no period than I would have 4-6 weeks long periods. I went on BC to regulate it, and it was doing very well until now.

I already got my thyroid tested two years ago for hyperthyroidism because I have a very hard time gaining weight and I also was tested for Anenmia and both came up as negative. So it's not a thyroid issue.

My period ended on Thursday of last week, (not this past thursday but the thursday before that..) and then four days after that my period started again because i was on the placebo week. It should be ending soon, (it is just about over actually...) I have a doctors appointment monday...

Should I be concerned or worried because of the length of my period? What should I do? Is there something that should be concerning me health wise? I am afraid to go to teh doctor because I have not had a pelvic exam, and due to my insane sensory issues I will end up attacking my doctor if she touches me. Or I won't let her touch me really.. and I'll be tense so she won't be able to get things done... so I don't know how I will be able to handle an exam unless she can give me some kind of sedation and I'm not sure if she can or if she'll agree to it..

Geeze, WhittenKitten, no one wants a girly exam! Why do you think there are public service ads guilting us into getting them? It's because it is invasive, uncomfortable and beyond embarassing. If we had a broken arm, we would be pressured much more acutely to get medical help, and that might be a blessing that we are forced to deal with it immediately. But the hardest part is making us do what we would have a million excuses to not do - to walk into that exam room. You are in good company of all of your sisters that have had to make themselves do the same thing. What you need is someone to help you through it, like someone you could trust to just be there. I don't have that, myself, so I am just honest with my Nurse Practitioner and tell her I am autistic and how I am about stuff. That always helps.

Merle

Hi WhittenKitten, there could be lots of different reasons for the bleeding, you should definitely get it checked out and it's great you have an appointment. It's quite possible the Dr will be able to make an assessment and try a course of treatment without an invasive examination, but I imagine they will probably want to check if there's any swelling or inflammation in the pelvic area which they'll do by pressing their hands around your stomach.

Prolonged menstrual bleeding is often caused by hormonal issues, so they don't need to be poking around much for that. Although they'll probably need to do some blood tests.

Like sins said, I'm sure you if explain to your Dr that you have strong sensory sensitives due to ASD they could try and accommodate that and keep the examination brief. Would it be easier if the doctor explained exactly where s/he was going to touch you before they did it? Or maybe s/he can let you do it yourself! All the best..

I would get it checked. No one likes these exams, but once they are over, they are over, and at least you'll know what is going on with the bleeding.

I never had a girly exam either and I'm older than 20. I can't stand when a doctor looks down there. I cringe and cry out. Male docs, female docs, no one. Perhaps they too can sedate me if I needed a girly exam. But I am never having children. So why do I need one then? I can't have sex anyways because of a condition I have. I never been on birth control pills either. Sometimes my periods are irregular, but generally 28-30 days is the norm for me. I wonder if the docs can give you a sedative if you are scared. I sure hope so.

but it had to be done. to be honest, my first exam was in my 30's after I had a positive pregnancy test. But you know what, if I had gone earlier I might have gotten an accurate diagnosis of endometriosis. I've lived all these years chalking up my pain to intestinal ills and all the while, it was endometriosis. After my child was born I developed adenomyosis and I now have to visit my obgyn every month.

Lots of things can cause the type of bleeding you're experiencing and none of them are trivial. I know we are supposed to bleed but not that much. You could be anemic, you could actually bleed out, it's rare but some women have needed emergency surgery to stop the source of the bleeding. Many of the conditions are treatable; it could be a fibroid, or god forbid cancer. At any rate, go to the doctor. I can totally relate to your emotional concerns as I have them with every visit, but you have to look after your health.