# FEMALES ONLY...Trust me! During your monthly "visitor", have you... **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 24, 2003, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/females-only-trust-me-during-your-monthly-visitor-have-you/190667 "2003-07-24T17:52:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![look\_ninjas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/b2d939/32.png) [@look\_ninjas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/look_ninjas)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2003, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/females-only-trust-me-during-your-monthly-visitor-have-you/190667/41 "2003-07-26T01:35:15Z")
I tend to have some pretty severe mood swings with the PMS, but I’ve never had difficulties with the period itself. **Sumwunsumwer** - you mentioned that you’ve had problems with birth control causing depression. Maybe it’s possible that hormone-related nausea and hormone-related depression are combining to produce the effect you’ve described? ---
**Author:** ![lauramarlane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/a5b964/32.png) [@lauramarlane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lauramarlane)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2003, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/females-only-trust-me-during-your-monthly-visitor-have-you/190667/42 "2003-07-26T02:21:40Z")
For those of you who only have one period every so often, is it every three months or six? And, do you just skip the “period week” pills and keep taking pills straight through? [sorry for the slight hijack] ---
**Author:** ![furthur](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecccb3/32.png) [@furthur](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furthur)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2003, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/females-only-trust-me-during-your-monthly-visitor-have-you/190667/43 "2003-07-26T02:49:39Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by lezlers \* > and for 2 out of 5 days wear super absorbant tampons PLUS an overnight pad. Not to mention the fact that I don’t think I’ve EVER gone a month without bleeding all over my sheets. > > Ahhh, the joys of womanhood. 2 out of 5 days? Most people are 5 days? I can’t recall the last time I didn’t go at least 10-12 (though I am counting the “aftersauce”). And does anyone else get “presauce?” Counting that, my periods last a good two weeks. I can never get through a month without bleeding on the sheets, either. But maybe that’s because I refuse to do the tampon-plus-pad thing. Mrs. Furthur ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2003, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/females-only-trust-me-during-your-monthly-visitor-have-you/190667/44 "2003-07-26T03:18:03Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by sumwunsumwer \* > \*\*During your monthly “visitor”, have you ever heard of (or experienced yourself) being extremely grossed out by the whole deal? I have always dreaded anything dealing with my period, but lately I hate it, it actually makes me feel nauseated. The sight, the smell, the entire process is so yuck to me. \*\* Yup. I was so lucky, I started getting my period on my 11th birthday. Intense cramps, vomiting, diarrhea for a couple of days, then a general sense of malaise, including a pissed-offness and a sense of grossness for another five. I’m on Depo now, with no periods and no bleeding (though I did spot a LOT in my first year on the shot). You couldn’t make me stop this shot. And no, I’m not joking. I will not go back to menstruating. It was ruining my life, causing me to take sick days just so I wouldn’t vomit all over everything. So, I hear ya, sister. Julie ---
**Author:** ![Orange\_Skinner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/3be4f8/32.png) [@Orange\_Skinner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Orange_Skinner)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2003, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/females-only-trust-me-during-your-monthly-visitor-have-you/190667/45 "2003-07-26T03:29:55Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by furthur \* > \*\*2 out of 5 days? > > Most people are 5 days? I can’t recall the last time I didn’t go at least 10-12 (though I am counting the “aftersauce”). And does anyone else get “presauce?” > \*\* I have, but not on every period, which is the case with the aftersauce. I get this maybe 25% of the time, (or less) and it isn’t nearly as gross as the aftersauce, and doesn’t last as long when I do get it, either. Including both sauces, plus the actual menstruation, we’re usually looking at 6-8 days or so, but I usually wait nine days, or two days with no discharge of a menstrual persuasion, before risking doing anything sexual, just in case. (I’m not into doing anything that involves another person and my vagina until it’s presauce, menstruation, and aftersauce free). I feel for you with the 10+ duration. I can’t imagine. ---
**Author:** ![Marvel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/779978/32.png) [@Marvel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marvel)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2003, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/females-only-trust-me-during-your-monthly-visitor-have-you/190667/46 "2003-07-26T04:04:33Z")
First of all…“AFTERSAUCE!!!” Baw-haw-haw-haw!!! Second, sj2, you made me laugh so loud I woke my hubby up! Thanks for the chuckle! Patty ---
**Author:** ![Dijon\_Warlock](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a9a28c/32.png) [@Dijon\_Warlock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dijon_Warlock)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2003, 5:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/females-only-trust-me-during-your-monthly-visitor-have-you/190667/47 "2003-07-26T05:28:55Z")
I can’t believe the words “Band Name” haven’t shown up in this thread yet. “Tonight on MTV: Aftersauce Unplugged” Rooster Poot, Cooter-Booger…it’s a gold mine, folks! ---
**Author:** ![Hazel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e56c9b/32.png) [@Hazel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hazel)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2003, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/females-only-trust-me-during-your-monthly-visitor-have-you/190667/48 "2003-07-26T05:42:39Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by auntie em \* > > * * * > > **Sylkyn** , my mom often tells me that since I don’t want kids I should have a hysterectomy. Why, she wonders, would I want to deal with a period if I’m not even in the market for babies? > > I always figure I’ll miss it when it goes, but from your post, maybe not . . . \*\* _Danger, Willa Robinson!_ I’ve heard that a hysterectomy can reduce or eliminate the ability to experience sexual pleasure. Also, it’s major surgery, from which it can take a long time to recover. ---
**Author:** ![Cyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a88e4f/32.png) [@Cyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cyn)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2003, 5:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/females-only-trust-me-during-your-monthly-visitor-have-you/190667/49 "2003-07-26T05:44:52Z")
AFTERSAUCE!!! Being an OB/GYN nurse, I assess lochia all the live-long day, but personally, yes, it’s my least favorite part of my period—I’d rather have the rubia-blood-red flow. As for grossing me out—be serious. I labored with and helped with delivery with a 375 pound woman, women who last showered at the time of conception, with women who lost all bladder/bowel control, women whose cervix had to be pushed back over their baby’s head…I have great wrist muscles! Haven’t been grossed out in years, my dears. ---
**Author:** ![Kricket](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/f14d63/32.png) [@Kricket](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kricket)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2003, 6:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/females-only-trust-me-during-your-monthly-visitor-have-you/190667/50 "2003-07-26T06:07:01Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by sj2 \* > \*\* > And a big shout out for any woman who has ever pulled on a tampon string only to have it rip off and you have to go beaver diving for the red pearl. \*\* In one of my sex ed classes we had a teacher tell us to check the strings by tugging on them before inserting or run the risk of digging around for it later. I always remembered that and will pass that along to my daughters when the time comes. Should be soon, one just started last month and the next oldest is at the age where she can’t wait to start. And here I am still in recovery stage of hystorectomy. All is going well with that except emotional stuff. My sister had the balloon thing done two weeks before I had my surgery. Going well for her as well. But both of us had issues with aftersauce. I know that wasn’t what it was since I don’t have the parts anymore, but that is what it was like. Nothing to wear a pad with but everytime you wipe it’s there. Just stopped with that a few days ago. It lasted three weeks for me and I think with the balloon thing my sister is still dealing with it a bit. Hazel, no issues for me with sexual urges or feelings. I asked about that before I had the surgery and was told that the lack can be caused by emotion from women who feel less whole afterward or look at it mostly for reproduction. I was worried about this myself but things are A-okay in that department. I’m acctually not quite sure I can wait the alotted time to get back into the game. But, I don’t want to mess things up since after a hysterectomy some women have to go back and have their bladders tacked up. I don’t want anyone in there pushing things around so they don’t heal right. Good thing hubby is in a whole nother state right now!😉 Cyn, I don’t envy you. I thought about the midwife thing for a while and decided not. I remember a few of the women in the hospital when I was in labor with my heathens. With each one I saw some interesting people. I do have a question for you though. My sister and I were wondering how normal it was for a woman to change appointment dates if it falls during their cycle or if most women will just come in anyway? She started her cycle the day of her proceedure and wanted to change the dates and the doctor and the nurse both said no that it was okay since their was going to be blood anyway. She felt squimish about it and I know I would as well. I have changed appointments because of this in the past. Heck, when I miscarried twins seven years ago I felt nasty having the doctor do an exam because I was bleeding. But I knew it was the only way to figure out what was going on. ---
**Author:** ![Essured](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/278dde/32.png) [@Essured](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Essured)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2003, 10:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/females-only-trust-me-during-your-monthly-visitor-have-you/190667/51 "2003-07-26T10:15:47Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by lauramarlane \* > \*\*For those of you who only have one period every so often, is it every three months or six? And, do you just skip the “period week” pills and keep taking pills straight through? [sorry for the slight hijack] \*\* Discuss with your doctor, as everyone is different. I have a period every six months. One of my friends has one every second month, so just skips alternate periods. When I get to the first placebo pill, I just skip all of the placebos and take the first active pill and continue. Speak with your doc though, because some BC pills are fine to do this with, and some aren’t. ---
**Author:** ![lauramarlane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/a5b964/32.png) [@lauramarlane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lauramarlane)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2003, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/females-only-trust-me-during-your-monthly-visitor-have-you/190667/52 "2003-07-26T14:58:35Z")
Just the idea of being able to put off this monthly mess has me smiling! Thanks for the info, **Goo** –and don’t worry, I won’t do any obnoxious jokes about your nickname and the thread subject 😉 Once every six months?! Woo Hoo! Now I can’t wait to see the doc next month! ---
**Author:** ![The\_Griffin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a87d85/32.png) [@The\_Griffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Griffin)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2003, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/females-only-trust-me-during-your-monthly-visitor-have-you/190667/53 "2003-07-26T17:39:42Z")
Aftersauce on toast, anyone? _gets coat_ ---
**Author:** ![lezlers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/258eb7/32.png) [@lezlers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lezlers)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2003, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/females-only-trust-me-during-your-monthly-visitor-have-you/190667/54 "2003-07-26T17:47:04Z")
I usually only actually bleed for about 4 days, that part of it is really short lived. Unfotunately pretty much from the time I ovulate until the time I start, it’s hell. nasuea, diarreah, crampiness, INSANELY tender breasts, crazy moodiness. I’m usually near tears by the time I actually start, I’m so tired of it! Unfortunately I can’t take birth control pills (I blow up like a beached whale, and get crazy heart palpitations, to the point where I get out of breath from _talking_, I’d rather suffer with PMS from hell) and won’t go _near_ the shot (three + months of feeling like that? Are you kidding me?) The balloon thing or hysterectomy are out, as I have every intention of having children, once I meet my future husband and the time is right. So until then I’ll just have to suffer! :sad: ---
**Author:** ![sumwunsumwer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3e96dc/32.png) [@sumwunsumwer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sumwunsumwer)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/females-only-trust-me-during-your-monthly-visitor-have-you/190667/55 "2003-07-31T05:07:15Z")
Well! We have a lot to say about that 🙂 The men stopped commenting I noticed… I have been dealing with depression rather severely lately and have been on an anti depressant for the first time, but did stop using it after a while because it makes me feel uncomfortable. (Kind of like speedy and withdrawn, don’t like that at all.) So the comments regarding the depression or a chemical or hormonal imbalance, possibly being related to my little issue here, sound right on. I will be mentioning a lot of this to my doctor. Maybe because he is a man, I did not express just how extremely I feel about this. I feel like he dismissed it a bit, when there were no infections or obvious medical problems. I truly appreciate your posts, thank you. I almost thought it was too gross to post, but you ladies topped me big time on the gross factor!!! …and the aftersauce…I always called it the nasty brown stuff. I have noticed that some women get that, and some don’t. I wish I didn’t. Ugh. ---
**Author:** ![Skydive101](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f07891/32.png) [@Skydive101](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skydive101)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 5:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/females-only-trust-me-during-your-monthly-visitor-have-you/190667/56 "2003-07-31T05:20:48Z")
Yup, I’m naming my next band Aftersauce. Either that or Hot Dog Fingers… ---
**Author:** ![WILLASS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/54ee81/32.png) [@WILLASS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WILLASS)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/females-only-trust-me-during-your-monthly-visitor-have-you/190667/57 "2003-07-31T15:03:50Z")
All this talk of sauces, after or worcestershire has really, really put me off my bloody mary…I never realised that menstruation was so intriguing, that link to the other thread about the alien egg sac was really cool. I’m gonna question my missus tonight to see if she has ever given birth to alien eggs and if she does in the future I want to see it. The key to getting through ‘having the painters in’ is to make your other half suffer, its only fair after all… ---
**Author:** ![Zebra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/c0e974/32.png) [@Zebra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zebra)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/females-only-trust-me-during-your-monthly-visitor-have-you/190667/58 "2003-07-31T16:10:42Z")
If you mix a little flour with that aftersauce you can make gravy. ---
**Author:** ![chickengrrl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eb9ed0/32.png) [@chickengrrl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chickengrrl)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/females-only-trust-me-during-your-monthly-visitor-have-you/190667/59 "2003-07-31T17:22:37Z")
Wow, reading this I realized I’m pretty darn lucky! Since being on the pill for 4 years, I have (normally) light periods. During PMS I am ravenously hungry but it’s offset by the fact that I don’t get hungry at all during the first 2 days. For the gals who get nauseated perhaps a new medication or other medical factor is making your sense of smell more acute? For those who are grossed out by pads–well, yeah, they are pretty nasty–have you considered tampons??? I guess I’m also lucky that my husband isn’t grossed out by Auntie Flo, because I also get really really horny the second half of my period… Also, if you want to use the pill but can’t use regular ones with estrogen, try the progestin-only or ‘minipill’. I’ve been using that and I used to get migraines on the estrogen pill. It won’t keep your period at bay, however. ---
**Author:** ![vivalostwages](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/d07c76/32.png) [@vivalostwages](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vivalostwages)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2003, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/females-only-trust-me-during-your-monthly-visitor-have-you/190667/60 "2003-08-01T01:03:36Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Zebra \* > \*\*If you mix a little flour with that aftersauce you can make gravy. \*\* That is totally disgusting. Well done. 😉 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/females-only-trust-me-during-your-monthly-visitor-have-you/190667.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/females-only-trust-me-during-your-monthly-visitor-have-you/190667.md?page=4)