Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
Vaginal bleeding can occur through different factors, with some causes easily treated. However, some may need further surgical assistance.
Heavy Periods
Unusually substantial or prolonged bleeding is not to be confused with heavy menstrual bleeding, common in premenopausal women. These heavy periods are most likely caused by hormone imbalances which produce menstrual cycles lacking ovulation. Hormone changes are most common in adolescents and women in the 40-50s as they approach menopause.
Symptoms
If you are experiencing heavy periods, you may also be experiencing some of the following symptoms:
- Anemia – fatigue, shortness of breath
- Menstrual bleeding for over a week
- Saturation of one or several pads/tampons within an hour consecutively
- Preventing daily activities due to substantial menstrual flow
- Producing heavy periods with blood clots for several days
- Waking during the night to change sanitary protection
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please make an appointment to see your doctor.
Causes
While heavy periods are most likely caused by hormone imbalances, there are a number of other possible causes:
- Hormone imbalance
- Ovary malfunction
- Uterine fibroids
- Polyps
- Adenomyosis
- Intrauterine device
- Pregnancy problems
- Inherited disorders of bleeding
- Particular medications
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Thyroid malfunction
- Endometriosis
- Cancer
- Liver or kidney disease
Treatments
Methods such as a blood test, ultrasound or endometrial biopsy will be used to investigate heavy menstrual bleeding. Once investigated, the following treatments are available:
- Anti-Inflammatory Medication
- Oral contraceptive pill (OCP)
- Tranexamic acid
- Surgical hysteroscopy
- Polypectomy
- Myomectomy
- Other alternative treatments
Abnormal Pap Smear
A cervical screening test is commonly called a Pap smear. This involves a small spatula and brush that collect cells from the cervix. It screens for the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), precancerous and cancerous cells. When any of these abnormal cells are detected, a follow-up including a colposcopic exam is required.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age. The symptoms are irregular or prolonged periods, excessive hair growth all over, acne, increased weight, male-pattern baldness and infertility.
Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are benign tumours, comprised of muscular and fibrous tissues, that originally form in the womb.
Bleeding After Intercourse (Post-Coital Bleeding)
Post-coital bleeding from the vagina and other urinary parts after sex can occur even when you are not menstruating. This symptom is more concerning with older or post-menopausal women.
Possible causes of bleeding after intercourse include:
- Genital sores (herpes, syphilis)
- Cervicitis (chlamydia, gonorrhoea)
- Cervical ectropion/eversion, and polyps
- Cervical cancer
- Damage to the uterine lining
- Lack of lubrication during intercourse
- Menstrual period
- Sexual abuse
- Substantial friction during intercourse or trauma
- Vaginal atrophy, and dryness
- Vaginitis
If you are experiencing regular episodes of post-coital bleeding, you may need an examination and tests to determine the cause.
Polyps
Polyps have the potential to form in any organ with blood vessels as a result of abnormal tissue growth. Most commonly they do not need treatment unless they become painful or being to bleed. Polyps are typically benign; however, they can become cancerous (malignant) due to the abnormal tissue growth.
The two main types of polyps are:
- Uterine Polyps – They are formed by the overgrowth of endometrial tissue and can range in size. Like most polyps, uterine polyps are usually benign, but they can cause issues with menstruation or fertility.
- Cervical Polyps – Are commonly cherry-red to reddish-purple or greyish-white and can vary in size. There are two types of cervical polyps:
- Ectocervical polyps develop on the outer surface of the cervix.
- Endocervical polyps are found in the cervical glands inside the cervical canal.
Symptoms
Many polyps are incidental and do not usually cause symptoms, however when this does occur symptoms include:
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Heavy menstruation
- Light bleeding between menstrual periods
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding and pain, especially after intercourse.
- Vaginal spotting or bleeding after menopause
- Infertility
- Abnormal discharge
Diagnosis
Uterine and cervical polyps can be identified through the use of multiple different tests:
- Ultrasound
- Routine pelvic exams
- Cervical screening test
- Hysteroscopy
- Endometrial biopsy
- Curettage
Miscarriage
If you are pregnant and experiencing abnormal vaginal bleeding, it is possible you are experiencing a miscarriage.