Vaginal bleeding occurs frequently in females, due to a natural, biological process that happens monthly. However, there are times when abnormal bloody vaginal discharge occurs between periods. This can be caused by pregnancy or a change in monthly menstrual flow. Vaginal bleeding causes may sometimes need further investigation by a physician.
Menstruation
Menstruation, a woman's monthly bleeding, occurs when the body sheds the endometrial lining in the uterus. Bloody discharge from the uterus flows out of the cervix and exits the body from the vagina. This cycle occurs every 28 days, and there is an estimated blood loss of 30 to 40 mL during each cycle, according to "Introduction to Maternity and Pediatric Nursing" by Gloria Leifer. A regular menstrual cycle ensures a healthy body and helps strengthen bones and the lining of the uterus in preparation for pregnancy due to the rise in hormone levels. When pregnancy does not take place, hormone levels decrease, and the lining of the uterus sheds during menstruation.
STDs
Sexually transmitted diseases, commonly referred to as STDs, caused by bacteria such as gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause bloody vaginal discharge. While STDs can be asymptomatic in men, women's symptoms can vary from none at all to urethritis, a sore throat, or abnormal menstrual bleeding. Gonorrhea can be transmitted from a pregnant mother to her fetus, according to "Understanding Medical Surgical Nursing" by Linda Williams and Paula Hopper. A month can pass after initial exposure before any symptoms of gonorrhea show up, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Pregnancy
Implantation bleeding occurs about six to 12 days after conception, according to the American Pregnancy Association. This scant amount of bloody vaginal discharge occurs as the fertilized egg implants into the uterine wall. This bloody discharge may be lighter in color than normal periods and does not occur as long, according to the Mayo Clinic. Other pregnancy related causes of bloody vaginal discharge include ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage.
Cervical and Vaginal Abnormalities
Abnormalities of the cervix and the vagina can cause bloody vaginal discharge. According to the Mayo Clinic, this discharge can result from cancer or cysts in the female reproductive system, pelvic inflammatory disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine fibroids, uterine polyps, cervicitis, endometrial hyperplasia, endometritis, perimenopause, vaginitis, or uterine sarcoma. Further examination by a physician can diagnosis these abnormalities.
Vaginal Trauma and Other Causes
Sexual intercourse, as well as any vaginal or cervical trauma, can cause light bloody vaginal bleeding. Rape victims and children subjected to sexual abuse often experience vaginal bleeding following the incident. Fluctuating hormone levels, hypothyroidism, and stopping a medication for hormone control, such as birth control and hormone replacement therapy, can cause bloody vaginal discharge. The Mayo Clinic says Tamoxifen may also cause vaginal bleeding.
References
- U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services: Menstruation
- "Introduction to Maternity and Pediatric Nursing"; by Gloria Leifer; 2003
- "Understanding Medical Surgical Nursing"; by Linda Williams and Paula Hopper; 2003
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Gonorrhea
- Mayo Clinic: Vaginal Bleeding
