How can I manage heavy bleeding?

If you’re experiencing heavy bleeding, you should try and find out why. It’s a good idea to see a gynaecologist to look at what the cause is and look at treatment options.

This could be as simple as going on the pill or having a coil fitted. On a practical level, setting an alarm to wake and change whatever sanitary options they have decided on will help, as well as wearing double protection will help.

What contraception options other than condoms are available?

There are a vast array of contraceptive options available for women today and it’s important to find one that is right for you. They range from tablets and injections to implants or vaginal rings. If they contain both hormones, oestrogen and progesterone, they can be taken as pills or the vaginal ring.

Other options contain just progesterone, and come as a tablet, the so-called “mini pill”, or injections or implants. The Mirena coil contains progesterone and acts on the lining on the womb. It is fantastic for reducing heavy periods as well as being a contraceptive. Oral contraceptive pills are also used to regulate hormones, for example for women who have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, and can help to reduce acne.

Other contraceptive pills can reduce heavy periods. For those who don’t want to take hormones, there’s the copper coil which is very effective and lasts for 10 years. It’s so convenient, too, as there is no need to remember to take a pill everyday. There is such a wide range of contraceptives, it’s normally possible to find one that suits you.

Sex education for women: a gynaecologist answers our most common sex questions