Abnormal uterine, or vaginal, bleeding is any bleeding that women experience unrelated to normal menstruation. Abnormal uterine bleeding is one of the most common reasons women see their physicians, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Abnormal uterine bleeding can affect women at any age and has many causes.
Normal Cycle
A woman experiences vaginal bleeding approximately every 21 to 35 days, according to the MayoClinic.com. A woman's menstrual cycle can vary in length and flow and still be normal. The first day of menstrual bleeding is the first day of a woman's cycle, which lasts on average 28 days. During the menstrual cycle, the ovaries create the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This causes the inner lining of the uterus to grow in preparation for the possibility of pregnancy. Approximately 12 to 14 days before a woman begins menstruating, ovulation occurs and an egg is released. If the egg is not fertilized, the levels of hormones decrease. This signals the uterine lining to shed, a woman's period to begin and starts a new menstrual cycle, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Causes
There are many reasons a woman may bleed between periods. Women may experience spotting when they release an egg during ovulation or suffer from an imbalance of hormones. Women often experience spotting at the beginning of pregnancy when the embryo implants in the uterus. Some causes of breakthrough bleeding may signal a more insidious underlying cause. Miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and certain cancers of the uterus, cervix and vagina can cause abnormal bleeding, as well as problems with birth control devices, uterine fibroids and polyps, according to MayoClinic.com.
Symptoms
Symptoms of abnormal bleeding include bleeding between periods, bleeding after sex, spotting anytime in the menstrual cycle, bleeding after menopause, and bleeding heavily or bleeding for more days than normal during menstruation. Women should consult a physician if they experience these symptoms in order to determine the cause.
Diagnosis
In order to diagnose the cause of the bleeding, a physician will often conduct an interview and ask about past or present illnesses, use of medication, birth control, weight, eating and exercise habits, as well as gather a family health history, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. A urine sample can help determine if pregnancy or infection is the cause. Other possible tests include an ultrasound, a biopsy of the uterine lining, a viewing of the uterus with a camera and laparoscopic surgery to view the pelvis.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause of the breakthrough bleeding, as well as the age of the patient and whether she wishes to have children. Physicians often prescribe birth control pills or an intrauterine device to help regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce bleeding. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.
