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Vaginal bleeding, also known as a vaginal haemorrhage, refers to any bleeding from the vagina, usually outside of menstruation. It can vary in severity, duration, and cause. Common causes include menstruation, pregnancy complications like miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, hormonal imbalances, infections, vaginal trauma, and certain medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), uterine fibroids, or cervical polyps. It's crucial to differentiate between normal bleeding, such as menstruation, and abnormal vaginal bleeding, which may indicate underlying health issues. Seeking medical attention for persistent or severe vaginal bleeding is essential to diagnose the underlying cause and ensure appropriate treatment and management.
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Vaginal bleeding symptoms may vary based on the underlying reason and age. Here are some symptoms that can be associated with excessive vaginal bleeding.
Menorrhagia (Heavy menstrual bleeding)
Metrorrhagia (Irregular bleeding between menstrual periods)
Postmenopausal bleeding (Bleeding after menopause)
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (Abnormal bleeding unrelated to menstrual cycle)
Menometrorrhagia (Heavy and irregular bleeding)
Postcoital bleeding (Bleeding after sexual intercourse)
Breakthrough bleeding (Bleeding while on hormonal contraceptives)
Abnormal uterine bleeding (Any irregular bleeding from the uterus)
Bleeding associated with pelvic inflammatory disease (Bleeding due to inflammation of reproductive organs)
Hormonal imbalance: Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels disrupt the menstrual cycle, leading to abnormal bleeding patterns.
Uterine fibroids: Noncancerous growths in the uterus can cause heavy, prolonged, or irregular bleeding.
Cervical polyps: Benign growths on the cervix may cause bleeding, especially after intercourse or during menstruation.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): Infection of the female reproductive organs can lead to abnormal vaginal bleeding.
Endometrial hyperplasia: Thickening of the uterine lining due to hormonal imbalance can cause irregular or heavy bleeding.
Here are a few tests to diagnose vaginal bleeding:
Pelvic exam: Physical examination of reproductive organs to assess for abnormalities, infections, or signs of trauma.
Transvaginal ultrasound: Imaging test using a probe inserted into the vagina to visualise the uterus and ovaries.
Pap smear: Screening test to detect abnormal cervical cells or infections that may cause bleeding or discomfort.
Hormone level testing: Blood tests to assess levels of estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones affecting the menstrual cycle.
Endometrial biopsy: Removal of a small sample of the uterine lining for examination under a microscope to diagnose underlying conditions.
Vaginal bleeding treatment involves both surgical and non-surgical interventions.
Hormonal therapy: Regulating estrogen and progesterone levels to stabilise the menstrual cycle and reduce abnormal bleeding.
Surgical intervention: Procedures like dilation and curettage (D&C) or hysterectomy may be necessary for certain conditions.
Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce heavy bleeding and manage associated pain.
Antibiotics: Treating underlying infections such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) to resolve bleeding caused by infection.
Endometrial ablation: A minimally invasive procedure to remove the uterine lining, often used for heavy menstrual bleeding and not responding to other treatments.
Cold compress: Applying a cold pack to the pelvic area can help constrict blood vessels and reduce bleeding temporarily.
Herbal supplements: Herbs like shepherd's purse or yarrow may help regulate menstrual flow and reduce excessive bleeding.
Iron-rich foods: Consuming foods high in iron such as spinach or red meat can help replenish iron lost through bleeding.
Hydration: Drinking plenty of water can help maintain blood volume and prevent dehydration, especially during heavy bleeding episodes.
Rest: Getting adequate rest and reducing stress levels can support hormonal balance and alleviate menstrual irregularities.
Persistent or heavy vaginal bleeding, especially outside of menstruation, warrants prompt medical attention. Seek a doctor if bleeding occurs during pregnancy, or menopause, or is accompanied by severe pain, dizziness, fainting, or fever. Any sudden changes in bleeding patterns or concerns about underlying health conditions should be addressed by an experienced gynaecologist.
Vaginal bleeding can arise from various causes, including hormonal imbalances, infections, and structural abnormalities. Seeking timely medical evaluation is crucial, especially when bleeding deviates from normal menstrual patterns or occurs during pregnancy or menopause. Diagnostic tests like pelvic exams and ultrasound help identify underlying issues, guiding appropriate vaginal bleeding treatment strategies ranging from medications and hormonal therapy to surgical interventions if necessary. While some home remedies and lifestyle adjustments may offer symptomatic relief, they should complement rather than replace professional medical care. Ultimately, vigilance and proactive management ensure optimal health outcomes and alleviate concerns surrounding vaginal bleeding.
Consult our gynaecologists at Manipal Hospitals if you need treatment and care for vaginal bleeding or any other gynaecological issues.
Possible causes include hormonal imbalances, cervical polyps, or pelvic inflammatory disease. Medical evaluation can identify the underlying issue for appropriate treatment.
While light spotting can be common, heavy bleeding may indicate complications like miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, necessitating immediate medical attention.
Conditions such as uterine fibroids, hormonal imbalances, or bleeding disorders may cause heavy periods, warranting medical evaluation and appropriate management.
Yes, pelvic inflammatory disease or sexually transmitted infections can cause abnormal bleeding, highlighting the importance of prompt medical assessment and treatment.
Yes, postmenopausal bleeding may signal serious conditions like endometrial cancer. Any vaginal bleeding after menopause requires a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider.
