Can I donate blood during my menstrual period?
Disease description:
My wife is having her menstrual period today, but she previously scheduled an appointment to donate blood tomorrow. I would like to ask, is it permissible to donate blood during menstruation?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu
It is not recommended to donate blood during menstruation. During this period, women's bodies are in a state of blood loss, with relatively weakened resistance and possibly reduced blood clotting function. Therefore, donating blood may have an impact on the body.
Women already experience some degree of blood loss during menstruation. Donating blood at this time may further exacerbate the body's ischemic condition, increasing the risk of anemia and causing symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue. Women's immunity is relatively low during menstruation, and blood donation may further reduce immunity, increasing susceptibility to infections. Additionally, reduced clotting function during menstruation may lead to difficulties in stopping bleeding at the puncture site after donation, increasing the risk of hematoma.
To ensure women's health, it is recommended to avoid donating blood during menstruation and also three days before and after the menstrual period. If you have already scheduled a blood donation appointment but happen to be menstruating, you should promptly contact the blood donation center, explain the situation, and reschedule your donation.
In addition, women should ensure adequate rest and avoid staying up late before and after donating blood. It is also important to maintain sufficient nutritional intake, particularly foods rich in protein, iron, and vitamins, to promote recovery. If any discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is advised.
