My period lasts a full 7 days. Does this mean anything about my fertility or gynecological health?

Answers (3)

Amy Levine, MA, CSE (Sex Coach & Sexuality Educator) answered (1/25/2012)

We all have our own menstrual schedule. If this is your norm, it's likely not an indication of a problem. However, I suggest taking with your OB/GYN since he/she can take your medical history into account.

In regard to fertility, you should be fine so long as you get your period around the same time every month, for the similar length of time. Something else to take into account: Age. The older we get (like, 40+ as an example) the more challenging it can be to get pregnant without medical intervention.

The main thing to keep in mind is when you ovulate. Typically, it's said women ovulate around day 14. But, that's not true for everyone. So, the better you understand your own ovulation pattern, the better the chances of conceiving.

The real way to know is to learn the Fertility Awareness Method which is explained in the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler.

You could also buy an over-the-counter ovulation kit. The basic ones typically give you a range of days (for instance, once you get a smiley face you know it's within a couple of days that you'll likely ovulate), rather than pinpointing a particular day. And, with sperm living for about 5 days inside our bodies after ejaculation this is doable. Although, women often have more success with the hard-core digital over-the-counter option that costs about $199 + sticks and show you a more precise time-frame.

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James L. Whiteside (Ob/Gyn (Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery Specialist)) answered (11/5/2012)

A 7 day menses is within the normal range. Typically no matter how long the menses last the first 2 days have the largest amount of menstrual fluid/blood loss. Fertility is a complicated matter and in the U.S. the most common cause of infertility would be related to the fellow not the woman. Female infertility in the U.S. is mostly related to tubal disease yet ovulatory problems are common causes for infertility. These are heralded by irregular menses (or not at all) - not on the duration of the menses. As noted in another post age does matter. Age can effect menstrual regularity and egg quality.