Useful knowledge for every stage

• The first day of bleeding is day 1 of the cycle.
• Regular cycles between 21 and 35 days can be normal.
• Track changes that are unusual for you rather than comparing yourself with someone else.

When to get help: Speak to a GP if periods become irregular, last longer than 7 days, you bleed between periods, or irregular cycles are affecting fertility.

Source: NHS: Periods and fertility in the menstrual cycle · Reviewed 2026-09-18

• Notice whether bleeding disrupts work, sleep, exercise or ordinary activities.
• Record pain, bleeding between periods and other symptoms before speaking with a clinician.
• A GP can discuss tests and evidence-based treatment options.

When to get help: See a GP if heavy periods affect your life, persist, cause severe pain, occur with bleeding between periods or after sex, or accompany pain when peeing, pooing or having sex.

Source: NHS: Heavy periods · Reviewed 2026-09-18

• Keep a simple record of symptoms and changes to your bleeding pattern.
• Discuss options with a GP, nurse or pharmacist; treatment is individual.
• New bleeding after 12 months without a period needs medical assessment.

When to get help: Contact a GP if symptoms affect your life, bleeding becomes heavier, you have palpitations, or you have any vaginal bleeding after 12 months without a period.

Source: NHS: Symptoms of menopause and perimenopause · Reviewed 2026-09-18

• Use products intended for vaginal use rather than perfumed washes or ordinary body lotions.
• A pharmacist or GP can explain moisturisers, lubricants and treatment options.
• Persistent discomfort deserves support rather than embarrassment.

When to get help: See a GP for bleeding after sex, bleeding between periods or after menopause, unusual discharge, or symptoms lasting several weeks despite self-care.

Source: NHS: Vaginal dryness · Reviewed 2026-09-18

• Women aged 16 to 64 who are not pregnant or breastfeeding can ask a pharmacist for advice.
• Follow professional advice and complete any prescribed treatment.
• Repeated infections need clinical review rather than repeated self-treatment.

When to get help: Use urgent GP or NHS 111 help for pregnancy, fever or shivering, pain in the back under the ribs, blood in urine, rapidly worsening symptoms, or no improvement within 48 hours of treatment.

Source: NHS: Urinary tract infections · Reviewed 2026-09-18

• The NHS suggests checking about once a month.
• Look in a mirror, then feel each breast up to the collarbone and into the armpit.
• Normal appearance and feel can change across the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause.

When to get help: See a GP for a lump or swelling, skin dimpling or redness, nipple changes or discharge, a new change in size or shape, or pain that does not go away.

Source: NHS: How to check your breasts · Reviewed 2026-09-18

• Imagine gently stopping wind and urine, feeling an inward lift while breathing normally.
• Practise both short contractions and longer holds, resting between each effort.
• Do not routinely stop urine mid-flow as an exercise; seek individual advice if you are unsure of the technique.

When to get help: Ask a GP or pelvic-health physiotherapist for advice if you have leakage, pain, heaviness, prolapse symptoms, difficulty identifying the muscles or symptoms that do not improve.

Source: Cambridge University Hospitals: Female pelvic floor muscle exercises · Reviewed 2026-09-18

• Use maternity or period pads rather than tampons before the 6-week postnatal check.
• Ask a midwife, health visitor or GP about worsening pain, unusual-smelling bleeding or a temperature over 38C.
• Contraception is needed from 21 days after birth if you do not want another pregnancy.

When to get help: Call 999 for sudden very heavy bleeding, faintness, difficulty breathing or chest pain. Contact maternity services promptly for other concerning symptoms.

Source: NHS: Your body after the birth · Reviewed 2026-09-18