A female knows that she has started menstruation when she begins to bleed. It is not necessary to see a healthcare provider for diagnosis. But there are times when an evaluation by a healthcare provider is necessary. Examples include unusual symptoms that do not seem normal for the person's menstrual cycle, such as extreme discomfort or severe bleeding. Routine pelvic exams and PAP smears that should be done by a healthcare provider.
Menstruation lasts from puberty to menopause .
After menopause, a woman ceases menstruation and can no longer become pregnant. Menstruation poses no risk to others. Any history of sexually transmitted diseases , including HIV , call for careful disposal of sanitary napkins and good hand washing. Women use a variety of menstrual products to control the flow of their period. Tampons, pads, sponges, cloth, and menstrual cups can all be used safely by most women to capture menstrual flow.