Vaginal Bleeding: Causes, Diagnosis, What It Means
Medically Reviewed by Dr Sravya, MBBS, MS
What is vaginal bleeding?
The type of Vaginal bleeding which is part of a woman’s menstrual cycle is commonly called getting her period. Each female menstrual cycle is distinctive, with divergences in duration. Most women’s background cycles are spaced around 24 to 34 days apart. The period generally lasts between 4 to 7 days for most women. However, young girls periods may occur from 21 to 45 days or longer. Vaginal bleeding meaning refers to the discharge of blood from the vagina, which can occur for various reasons, including menstruation, injury, or underlying medical condition
In This Article
- Vaginal Bleeding Causes
- Vaginal bleeding diagnosis
- Preventions
- What does it mean to have vaginal bleeding when your regular menstrual cycle is not in progress?
- What actions can I take to stop or lessen the likelihood of vaginal bleeding?
- When should women who are bleeding vaginally seek medical attention?
Vaginal Bleeding Causes:
Numerous factors, including physiological processes and underlying medical problems, might contribute to vaginal bleeding. An expanded explanation of vaginal bleeding and its possible causes is provided below:
- Blood leaking from the vagina is referred to as vaginal bleeding. Aside from the menstrual cycle, which is the most prevalent cause, vaginal bleeding can be caused by a variety of factors. Individuals can determine when it might be important to seek medical assistance by being aware of the possible causes.
- Menstruation: Menstruation, which results from the shedding of the uterine lining, is the most frequent cause of vaginal bleeding. Hormonal changes control the menstrual cycle, which normally lasts 4 to 7 days.
- Ovulation: When an egg is released during ovulation, some women may experience minor spotting or bleeding.
- Hormonal imbalances: Uneven bleeding might result from changes in hormone levels. Unusual bleeding patterns might be caused by thyroid issues, which can disturb the normal hormonal balance.
- Early on in pregnancy, there is vaginal bleeding. Bleeding during pregnancy may occasionally be a sign of ectopic pregnancy or other issues requiring rapid medical intervention.
- Infections: Some vaginal infections, such as yeast infections, can irritate the vaginal lining and lead to bleeding. Abnormal bleeding can occur as a result of STIs such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.
- Fibroids or polyps in the uterus: These benign uterine growths can cause severe or protracted menstrual flow.
- Endometriosis: This condition develops when the tissue lining the uterus spreads outside of it, causing discomfort, erratic menstrual cycles, and occasionally excessive bleeding.
- PID (pelvic inflammatory disease): PID is frequently brought on by bacteria that are transmitted during intercourse. Pelvic discomfort and irregular bleeding are possible side effects.
- Hormone contraception: As the body adjusts to the new hormone levels, beginning or changing hormonal birth control techniques such as oral contraceptives or intrauterine devices (IUDs) might result in irregular bleeding. Blood thinners and hormone treatments can cause vaginal bleeding as a side effect of some drugs.
Vaginal bleeding diagnosis
It’s crucial to remember that any unexplained or chronic vaginal bleeding should be assessed by a healthcare provider who can provide a reliable diagnosis and suggest the best course of a
A thorough assessment of the patient’s medical history, physical examination, and frequently additional diagnostic procedures are required to determine the source of vaginal bleeding. The procedure tries to pinpoint the primary cause of the bleeding and direct the best course of action. An expanded description of the diagnosis of vaginal bleeding is provided below:
1. Medical history:
The healthcare professional will start by gathering information regarding the patient’s menstrual cycle, previous bleeding episodes, related symptoms, sexual activity, use of contraceptives, and any pertinent underlying illnesses. This data establishes a baseline and offers crucial hints about the possible reasons.
A pelvic exam is a component of a complete physical examination. The healthcare clinician checks the vagina, cervix, uterus, and ovaries during the pelvic exam for anomalies, such as lumps, inflammation,
2. Pregnancy test:
If the patient is of reproductive age and there is a chance of pregnancy, a pregnancy test is frequently carried out. It aids in figuring out whether the bleeding might be due to issues with the beginning of a pregnancy.
Blood tests in the lab to measure hormone levels.
Assess your anemia.
Examine yourself for sexually transmitted diseases.
Vaginal bleeding may be exacerbated by hormonal disorders or imbalances.
imaging analyses
Imaging tests may be advised in specific circumstances to view the reproductive organs and spot anomalies. The uterus, ovaries, and pelvic tissues are frequently examined with transvaginal ultrasonography. If necessary, more imaging tests like MRIs or CT scans may be requested.
3. Endometrial biopsy:
If abnormal uterine bleeding is a concern, an endometrial biopsy may be carried out. A small sample of the uterine lining is taken in order to be examined under a microscope for anomalies like cancer or precancerous alterations.
4. Hysteroscopy:
In some circumstances, a hysteroscopy may be advised. A narrow, illuminated device known as a hysteroscope is inserted into the uterus in order to directly view the uterine lining and spot any anomalies or bleeding sources.
Expert advice gathering The healthcare provider may refer the patient to a gynecologist, reproductive endocrinologist, or other expert for additional assessment and management according to the suspected cause.
Prevention
- It is necessary to address the underlying reasons for vaginal bleeding that can be managed or controlled. Although not all causes of vaginal bleeding can be avoided, the following general techniques can help reduce the risk or severity of particular causes:
- Engage in safe sexual behavior to lower your chance of contracting STIs. Limiting the number of sexual partners and using condoms correctly and consistently can help prevent infections that might cause vaginal bleeding.
- Keep up a healthy lifestyle: Leading a healthy lifestyle will help prevent hormonal imbalances and other diseases that can lead to vaginal bleeding. It involves keeping a healthy weight, exercising frequently, and controlling stress. Avoiding smoking and drinking too much alcohol is also crucial because they can
- It is very essential if you engage in sexual activities, use proper contraceptives like condoms, diaphragms, or pills. To know what is best for you, consult a healthcare professional
- Follow the instruction on the prescription: You should follow the doctor's instruction if they give you the prescription take the drug as directed, and let your doctor knows your concern
- Check for diseases that need to be treated at the root: If you have been told you have endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), or uterine fibroids, see a doctor.
What does it mean to have vaginal bleeding when your regular menstrual cycle is not in progress?
You may experience bleeding outside of your regular period for a number of reasons. This unforeseen bleeding may be brought on by infections, underlying illnesses, pharmaceutical use, or hormonal imbalances.
It is advised to keep a note of your symptoms and contact a healthcare provider right away for a complete evaluation and any necessary diagnostic testing in order to address this problem.
What actions can I take to stop or lessen the likelihood of vaginal bleeding?
While some vaginal bleeding is a typical component of your monthly cycle, abnormal vaginal bleeding can be uncomfortable and have an impact on your day-to-day activities. Such bleeding frequently results from factors other than your actions or behaviors.
It is advised to schedule an appointment with your healthcare physician to go over your symptoms in order to treat this problem. They can find the underlying issue if you can identify the timing, appearance, and sensation of your bleeding.
When should women who are bleeding vaginally seek medical attention?
It’s critical to get in touch with your doctor if you notice any of the following vaginal bleeding signs:
- A discernible alteration in the regularity of your menstrual cycle, such as noticeably shorter or longer periods than usual.
- A noticeable change in the volume of blood you lose during your menstrual cycle, either much more or less than usual.
- Vaginal bleeding that follows a sexual encounter.
- Any bleeding, no matter how slight, occurs prior to or during menopause.
- Bleeding while douching is occurring.
- The beginning of bleeding following the start of a new drug or hormone therapy.
- Abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding during pregnancy.
- Any bleeding that is accompanied by excruciating pain, especially if it is not related to your typical monthly cycle.
- Experiencing vaginal bleeding together with a fever, weakness, dizziness,or pelvic pain.
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