Title: Determination of Menstruation periods Question: I want to know the exact period of menstruation in women. Its medically said that the period is from 3 to 7 days. My wife used to have this period for 7 days and take bath in the 8th day. Now, sometimes she has this period only for one day and sometimes for 5 days. So, the question is that How could she confirm that the periods are over? Can we do intercourse if there is no sign of bleeding after 5 days? Please let me know Yours Sincerely, Mobeen Pakistan Answer: The exact period of menstruation may vary considerably from one woman to another and also in the same woman over time. The precise determination of the period of menstruation in a particular woman is not a religious issue, but a biological one. It would, therefore, be more prudent, in my understanding, to get the opinion of an expert of the related field. As a principle, however, menstruation would be deemed to have ceased at the complete cessation of bleeding [1] . If there is no sign of bleeding after five days, then the menstruation period would be deemed to have ceased and, subsequently, a person may copulate with his wife. I hope this helps. Regards, Moiz Amjad May 20, 2002 [1] For a more elaborate explanation of the phenomena and the precise determination of the cessation of menstruation, I would suggest that you consult your family doctor or physician.