Abnormal Menstrual Bleeding and Miscarriage Symptoms

Abnormal menstruation or miscarriage?

Hello Dr.
Lin: After having intercourse with my husband, I noticed some blood, which wasn't a lot but continued until the third day, so I went to see a doctor.
The doctor said it looked more like a menstrual period.
After that, my menstrual flow returned to normal.
The next night, the flow wasn't heavy, but I passed a piece of tissue.
What could that tissue be? My menstrual bleeding has lasted for 9 days, and I experience significant discomfort and pain during this time.
Does this situation resemble a miscarriage?
Additionally, I recorded my basal body temperature: December 15th (13°C) and December 16th (21°C).
Does this indicate that I might have ovulated again? Is it possible to ovulate immediately after menstruation, or could this be an irregular cycle? (My last menstrual period started on November 7th, with a cycle length of 34 days).
Thank you for your response, Dr.
Lin!

Xiao Hua, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2000/12/16

Dr. Lin Zhaopei reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
Generally speaking, if there is bleeding after intercourse, it is often caused by issues related to the cervix (such as inflammation or polyps).
However, if the outpatient physician believes it is menstrual bleeding, it should not be directly related to intercourse with the partner.

2.
The discharged material should be submitted to a physician for testing to determine its nature.
If menstrual bleeding lasts for 9 days and is accompanied by discomfort, a follow-up examination at the outpatient clinic is necessary, and a pregnancy test is essential.
3.
Basal body temperature typically ranges from 36°C to 37.3°C; it will never be as low as 13°C or as high as 21°C.
Additionally, a temperature difference of only 1°C will not result in an 8°C discrepancy.
Ovulation does not occur immediately within a few days after menstruation; there may be an issue with the measurement method.

Reply Date: 2000/12/16

More Info

Abnormal menstrual bleeding can be a source of significant concern for many women, particularly when accompanied by other symptoms such as pain or unusual discharge. Your situation, as described, raises several important points that warrant further discussion.

Firstly, the presence of blood after sexual intercourse, especially if it continues for several days, can be indicative of a few different conditions. It could be related to the menstrual cycle, particularly if it coincides with the expected timing of your period. However, if the bleeding is unusual in quantity or duration, it may warrant further investigation. The fact that you mentioned passing a "piece" could suggest the possibility of endometrial tissue, which can occur during menstruation, or it could be related to other conditions such as a miscarriage or retained products of conception if you were indeed pregnant.

Regarding your concern about whether this could be a miscarriage, it is essential to consider the context. If you were not aware of a pregnancy, the bleeding might be related to your menstrual cycle rather than a miscarriage. However, if there was a possibility of pregnancy, it would be prudent to consult with your healthcare provider for further evaluation. They may recommend a pelvic exam or an ultrasound to assess the situation more thoroughly.

As for your question about basal body temperature (BBT), fluctuations in BBT can indicate different phases of the menstrual cycle. A rise in BBT typically suggests ovulation has occurred. If you recorded a temperature of 21 degrees Celsius on December 16, it could indicate that ovulation took place around that time, especially if it followed a lower temperature. However, it is also possible to experience irregular cycles, which can lead to confusion regarding ovulation timing.
It is important to note that ovulation can occur shortly after menstruation, particularly in shorter cycles. If your last menstrual period started on November 7 and your cycle is typically around 34 days, you would expect your next period around December 11. If you experienced bleeding that you described as similar to your period, it could be a normal menstrual cycle, but the additional symptoms you mentioned, such as discomfort and the passage of tissue, should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

In summary, while some of your symptoms may align with normal menstrual variations, the presence of prolonged bleeding, pain, and the passage of tissue are significant and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. It is crucial to provide your doctor with a complete history, including any potential pregnancies, to facilitate an accurate diagnosis. Regular follow-ups and open communication with your healthcare provider will help ensure that any underlying issues are addressed promptly.

Similar Q&A

Menstrual Cycle or Miscarriage Symptoms: Understanding Your Body

Hello, doctor. I have not been using contraception for six months. In September, my menstrual cycle was 50 days long, and I experienced severe menstrual pain. I visited a gynecologist, and both my uterus and ovaries were found to be normal, with no signs of pregnancy. I usually t...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the factors that can affect the menstrual cycle or cause intermenstrual bleeding are numerous, including age, environment, lifestyle, stress, emotional instability, weight changes, medications, emergency contraceptives, diet, polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine or cervical ...

Understanding Unusual Bleeding: Pregnancy, Miscarriage, or Menstrual Cycle?

I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, based on your description, it is difficult to determine whether it is menstruation, a miscarriage, or early pregnancy, as all these conditions can cause vaginal bleeding. It is best to consult a gynecologist for a pregnancy test and ultrasound examination. Wishing you safe...

Is It Menstruation or Pregnancy? Understanding Post-Miscarriage Symptoms

Hello, I had a natural miscarriage about a month ago (around 6 weeks gestation), and I had intercourse at the end of the month. It has been about 8-9 days since then. For the past few days, I have been experiencing lower abdominal pain, but no other symptoms. Yesterday, I felt a ...

Dr. Lin Wenbin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. After a miscarriage, the first menstrual period may be delayed and can be irregular. You should consult a physician for an examination. 2. A urine pregnancy test can only provide preliminary information. A definitive diagnosis requires additional ultrasound examination and blo...

Abnormal Bleeding Three Months Post-Miscarriage: Causes and Concerns

Hello Doctor, my child was diagnosed with a neural tube defect at 12 weeks, and therefore I underwent a therapeutic abortion on December 5th of last year. After the abortion, I had two menstrual periods (the first on January 15th and the second on February 17th). Before each peri...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, you are experiencing irregular menstruation. Sometimes, after childbirth or a miscarriage, menstrual irregularities can occur. Please observe if it improves in the next month. If it does not improve, it is advisable to visit a gynecologist. Wishing you good health.