1. Vaginal Bleeding can be Perfectly Normal
Vaginal bleeding, as a result of menstruation, is a normal gynecological process that occurs periodically when the female body sheds its uterine lining. Unless pregnancy occurs, this process happens for most mature women every four weeks, and it usually lasts for a period of three to five days. Vaginal bleeding can be an indicator of how your ovaries are functioning. Monthly menses is indicative of regular ovulation, while menses that fall outside the range of what physicians consider "normal" may be symptomatic of irregular ovulation. If you have irregular menstruation cycles, you may experience heavy vaginal bleeding, light spotting or no bleeding at all for months in between.
2. Pregnancy Causes Abnormal Bleeding
Abnormal vaginal bleeding occurs outside the normal time frame of menstruation and usually in atypical amounts. Physicians can establish if vaginal bleeding might be abnormal by first determining if you are pregnant, if you are ovulating or if there is a typical pattern to your bleeding. For a doctor to diagnose abnormal vaginal bleeding appropriately, it is important for you to note the dates of your menses and keep track of any irregularities that may occur. In the event you experience vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, your physician will run tests to determine if you have had an ectopic or tubal pregnancy or a miscarriage. In cases where you have heavy bleeding, also known as menorrhagia, you might become anemic from excess blood loss and experience dizziness or fainting. If you are pre-menopausal, your menses may be irregular and spotty as your hormones fluctuate.
3. Many Causes of Vaginal Bleeding
Other factors beside ovulation and pregnancy can influence vaginal bleeding. Uterine fibroids and endometrial polyps are both benign growths that can cause bleeding. Disorders, such as lupus, hyper- and hypothyroidism, can be culprits as well. Hormonal birth control devices, such as an IUD or birth control pills, might cause occasional, light spotting. Frequent bleeding can be a sign of a sexually transmitted disease, such as chlamydia or of pelvic inflammatory disease. Emotional and physical stress can affect vaginal bleeding as well.
4. Take Some Tests
Physicians can perform many tests to determine the nature of your vaginal bleeding. He will first perform a complete medical history and physical evaluation. A positive pregnancy test can confirm a ceased menses, while an internal pelvic exam can uncover polyps, which may be the cause of heavy bleeding. Pap smears, as well as fluid samples, can detect early signs of cancer or other types of sexually transmitted diseases and infections.
5. Get Prescribed a Cure
Depending on the cause of vaginal bleeding, your doctor may prescribe a treatment either in the form of medication or surgery to rectify the disorder. She can remove polyps and fibroids through surgery and she can regulate hormonal imbalances by prescribing hormones such as a birth control pill.
