Females: Your Period / Question
Published: July 17, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I'm 16 years old and my body is going through something that I believe is very wrong. I usually get my period from 1st-6th, that happened this month. But it came again on 11th-18th, during this time it went from a pale pink color to a dark red color and it was off and on. Then again it came on the 25th and its still here (today is the 27th). I don't know if this has anything to do with anything but I feel like I should let you know that before I got my period me and my boyfriend had unprotected sex from the 27th until the day before my period was due. And not just one time it was couple times every single day. I know it wasn't smart having unprotected sex and it really wasn't smart doing it that many times, but right now I really want your help. Along with the bleeding I'm having terrible pains in my belly button area and in my abdominal area, its sharper than cramps and I've been sleeping all of the time (I mean complete days). I told my mom that this was the third time my period has come this month and I asked her to make me a doctors appointment but I don't think she has. If you could help me figure out what's wrong with me it would mean a lot to me. Thanks.
Signed: Unprotected Sex And Erratic, Painful Period
Dear Unprotected Sex And Erratic, Painful Period,
TeenHealthFX is very concerned for you and urges you to see your doctor immediately. It is important that you see your doctor as soon as possible so that you can figure out what is causing the bleeding and the pain and give you the proper treatment. Let your mom know how severe your pain and bleeding are. If she doesn't make you an appointment you can see go to a local teen health center on your own and get treatment for this as well as get information about birth control, STDs and safer sex practices on a low or no cost basis. Regardless of where you go, be sure to tell the doctors that you have been having sex. If this is something that you wish to be confidential, then also discuss that request with the doctor. If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973.971.6475 for an appointment or contact your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood. If the pain or bleeding worsens before you get to your doctor go to the emergency room.
There can be many causes to your problem but only a doctor can determine what is going on. Your period cycle can be altered for a number of reasons including stress, exercise, and a change in weight or diet, or illness, but these factors do not usually give the sort of pain you are describing. Pain and bleeding could be from an infection, pregnancy, a cyst, and some other more unusual causes. Cysts are fluid filled sacs formed during ovulation to release the egg and then disappear. If these cysts do not disappear they can enlarge and cause pain. Only your doctor can tell you why you are experiencing these symptoms after a thorough examination and tests.
As you have already mentioned, having unprotected sex can have consequences. The risk of pregnancy and STDs never decreases or goes away. You should always practice safer sex to safeguard you and your partner.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
The motor vehicle death rate for male drivers and passengers ages 16-19 is more than one and half times that of their female counterparts.
