Vaginal Bleeding

About Vaginal Bleeding

Vaginal bleeding is any bleeding from the vagina; typically, the term is used to refer to bleeding that is not a result of the normal menstrual cycle. Menstruation or period is a woman’s monthly bleeding. Abnormal vaginal bleeding is different from normal menstrual periods. It could be bleeding that is between periods, is very heavy, or lasts much longer than usual. Many women of childbearing age have experienced symptoms of vaginal bleeding and thought, “it must be that time of the month again. Vaginal bleeding symptoms can be normal or abnormal. Normal vaginal bleeding (menstruation) happens every 21 to 35 days.

If you have reached menopause defined as 12 consecutive months, give or take, without a menstrual period subsequent vaginal bleeding may be a cause for concern and should be evaluated. Normal vaginal bleeding is the periodic blood flow from the uterus. Abnormal vaginal bleeding in women who are ovulating regularly most commonly involves excessive, frequent, irregular or decreased bleeding. The hormones also regulate the menstrual cycle. The ovary or female gonad is one of a pair of reproductive glands in women.

They are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus. Vaginal bleeding can be a sign of premature labor or other abnormalities, depending on the stage of the pregnancy. Bleeding that occurs outside of the normal menstrual cycle has a wide range of different causes that vary in terms of their severity, and it can appear in women of just about any age. Vaginal bleeding is a common condition that can affect women of any age. And it can be caused by wide variety of medical issues. If you’ve experienced any abnormal bleeding, you may wonder what can be done to treat the symptoms.

Are you experiencing vaginal bleeding outside of your normal menstrual cycle, after sex or after menopause. It’s important to recognize patterns of vaginal bleeding outside of your normal menstrual cycle so you can talk to your doctor. Normal vaginal bleeding is also called menorrhea. The process by which menorrhea occurs is called menstruation. This slight bleeding is sometimes referred to as “implantation bleeding.”

Symptoms for vaginal bleeding:

  • Vaginal bleeding symptoms unrelated to a normal menstrual cycle are considered abnormal.
  • Vaginal bleeding symptoms can be normal or abnormal. Normal vaginal bleeding (menstruation) happens every 21 to 35 days.
  • A menstrual cycle for one woman may last for a few days but for another woman may last a week or more.
  • Vaginal bleeding or bloody discharge, bloody vaginal discharge, mild unexpected vaginal bleeding.
  • Severe unexpected vaginal bleeding.
  • vaginal pain, vaginal itch or burning.
  • Bleeding after sex.
  • Severe abdominal pain.
  • Pelvis pain.
  • There may be pain during sexual intercourse and sometimes during bowel movements and urination.

Causes for Vaginal Bleeding:

  • Older women who are approaching menopausemay also experience dysfunctional bleeding due to the hormonal changes that accompany the transition.
  • Bacterial infections, Infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can infect the reproductive tract and cause irritation and inflammation, especially after sexual Intercourse, that can result in abnormal vaginal bleeding and other STD symptoms in women.
  • Certain drugs may cause bleeding, especially if a woman takes anticoagulant drugs.
  • One of the main causes of vaginal bleeding is an imbalance in sex hormones .This can lead to an interruption of the timing of the menstrual cycle.
  • In some cases, abnormal vaginal bleeding is heavy. The amount of bleeding will depend on the underlying medical issue.
  • Cancer of the vagina, cervix, uterus and ovaries can cause bleeding.
  • Fungal infections such as yeast also often affect the vaginal canal and result in inflammation that results in bleeding.
  • Uterine fibroids are a type of abnormal muscle growth on the walls of the uterus. These fibroids are fairly common, with most women experiencing them at some point in their life.
  • In some cases, vaginal bleeding is much lighter. This type of bleeding, called spotting, only involves a few drops of blood. However, it may still be a sign of a medical issue.
  • Blood or clotting disorders can result in vaginal bleeding.
  • Vaginal bleeding is a particular concern in women older than age 50 years (or after menopause). The risk of cancerincreases with age.
  • Trauma is also a cause of bleeding. Some types of IUDs may cause heavier periods.
  • Vaginal bleeding is often a result of inflamed or infected tissue. If this is the case, sex may cause irritation that can lead to bleeding
  • Vaginal bleeding doesn’t always have to be in the middle of the menstrual cycle. It can also prolong the normal menstrual cycle.
  • In some cases, vaginal bleeding can be a result of excessive stress or anxiety.
  • Sudden changes in weight can sometimes lead to disruptions in the menstrual cycle, as well as vaginal bleeding.
  • In some women, vaginal bleeding is caused by an imbalance of sex hormones. This can sometimes be corrected with birth control pills.
  • Fibroids can cause pelvic pressure and pain, severe menstrual cramping, and heavy menstrual bleeding that leads to anemia.
  • Other risk factors are vitamin D deficiency, poor diet, obesity, drinking alcohol and family history of fibroids.

Treatment:

Vaginal bleeding can be discomforting and distressing even during a normal menstrual cycle. Seeking prompt medical attention when you notice symptoms of abnormal bleeding will accelerate your diagnosis and allow you to get the appropriate treatment.

Many uterine conditions and endocrine system causes of abnormal bleeding are the result of an imbalance of hormones in the body.

If contraceptive methods or other medications are contributing to your symptoms, your doctor may discuss stopping your current medications in favor of a new regimen.

When medications fail some causes of vaginal bleeding can be treated with surgical options that either remove masses or decrease the lining of the uterus. Most cancers of the reproductive organs are removed by surgery.

Blood tests, urine tests, a complete blood count and pregnancy tests are used to diagnose the cause of abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Diagnosis is made through symptoms, pelvic examination, vaginal and cervical swabs and urine tests.

Treatment for irregular vaginal bleeding depends on the underlying cause. After the cause is determined, the doctor decides if treatment is actually necessary.

Other conditions that cause abnormal menstrual bleeding, or bleeding in women who are not ovulating regularly also can be the cause of inter menstrual bleeding. These newer methods may be less complicated options for some patients and as they are further evaluated they will likely become more widely available.

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