Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Abnormal uterine bleeding is any unpredictable vaginal bleeding or spotting that happens between or during menstrual periods. Generally, women who are not pregnant and are of childbearing age, experience vaginal bleeding each month during menstruation. However, bleeding that lasts longer than usual or heavier, occurs independent of menstruation is considered abnormal uterine bleeding.
Symptoms include:- Spotting or bleeding after sex
- Menstrual periods lasting longer than 7 days
- Bleeding or spotting after menopause
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Abnormal uterine bleeding is any unpredictable vaginal bleeding or spotting that happens between or during menstrual periods. Generally, women who are not pregnant and are of childbearing age, experience vaginal bleeding each month during menstruation. However, bleeding that lasts longer than usual or heavier, occurs independent of menstruation is considered abnormal uterine bleeding.
Symptoms include:
- Spotting or bleeding after sex
- Menstrual periods lasting longer than 7 days
- Bleeding or spotting after menopause
Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding Frequently Asked Questions
Every woman’s menstrual cycle is different. For most women, female hormone levels change every month. The hormones estrogen and progesterone are released as part of the process of ovulation. During ovulation, an egg is released.
A physical exam including a pelvic exam is recommended. Also a complete blood count test (CBC) can help determine if you have an infection or anemia. Your doctor may also give you tests for certain bleeding disorders, and/or tests for sexually transmitted infections. Also, based on your age and symptoms, other tests may be needed such as an ultrasound or MRI.
Your doctor will mostly likely first try to reduce your bleeding with medication. If unsuccessful, there are different types of surgery depending on whether you want to get pregnant in the future, your condition, and your age. With this in mind, surgical procedures include endometrial ablation, hysterectomy, and other procedures.
Complications that may happen with abnormal vaginal bleeding include, trouble getting pregnant and anemia or blood loss.
Living with Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
Because you won’t be able to predict when bleeding will begin, abnormal vaginal bleeding can cause anxiety. Additionally, your daily activities may be limited by heavy menstrual bleeding during your period.
If you have heavy bleeding during your period, try taking ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) a few days before you expect your period or during your period. Since ibuprofen is an inflammatory drug, it can help reduce cramping and pain. But to ensure there are no underlying medical conditions causing the heavy bleeding, you should schedule an appointment with your gynecologist.
Living with Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
Because you won’t be able to predict when bleeding will begin, abnormal vaginal bleeding can cause anxiety. Additionally, your daily activities may be limited by heavy menstrual bleeding during your period.
If you have heavy bleeding during your period, try taking ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) a few days before you expect your period or during your period. Since ibuprofen is an inflammatory drug, it can help reduce cramping and pain. But to ensure there are no underlying medical conditions causing the heavy bleeding, you should schedule an appointment with your gynecologist.