How to recognize abnormal vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods

Author: Louise Ward
Date Of Creation: 7 February 2021
Update Date: 1 July 2024
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Obstetrics and Gynecology – Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding: By Kate Pulman M.D.
Video: Obstetrics and Gynecology – Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding: By Kate Pulman M.D.

Content

Bleeding between menstrual cycles can be normal, so don't worry. This is likely to be normal if you are nearing your period, ovulation, IUD insertion, or have recently changed oral contraceptive pills. In addition to the above cases, bleeding before your period can be abnormal. You can spot unusual vaginal bleeding by watching for symptoms such as fever, pain, discharge, dizziness, and bruising. Also consider any health conditions, pregnancy, or sex that can cause bleeding. Seek medical attention if you experience frequent bleeding or other symptoms.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Recognize normal bleeding


  1. Check if you're going to have your period in the next few days. It may be scary to see blood on your toilet paper or underwear before your period is on, but this is normal if it happens within a week before your period. Check your calendar to see if your period is on the way. If so, then this phenomenon is probably normal.
    • Keeping track of your menstrual cycle is helpful for you to know what are normal or unusual. You may bleed for a few days before your period every month, and this may be normal for you.
    • If you've never had pre-menstrual bleeding, something might be wrong. It may not be a worry, but it's important to ask your doctor for peace of mind.

  2. Identify ovulation, which can also cause bleeding. Bleeding during ovulation is completely normal. This happens when an egg is released from the ovary. Usually the blood will be pink because there is cervical secretions. Check your calendar to see if you are between days 10 and 16 of your period, so it is possible that you are ovulating.
    • The menstrual cycle begins on the first day of your period. Ovulation usually occurs around day 14, usually a few days or a week after your period ends.

  3. Understand that you may experience bleeding in the first few months after using the new birth control method. Both the oral contraceptive pill and the IUD (IUD) can cause mid-cycle bleeding. This is a normal side effect of a hormone in the oral pill or the IUD placed in the body. If you started using a new birth control method within the last 3 months, that is probably the cause of the bleeding.

    Other possibilities: If you have an intrauterine device, bleeding can result from displacement of the uterine device and scratching the inside of the uterus. In this case, you also experience heavy bleeding, pain, and periods. See your doctor if you are concerned about this.

  4. Note if you have recently taken emergency contraceptive pills. Although generally safe, emergency contraceptive pills can cause bleeding when used. Usually nothing to worry about, unless you have prolonged bleeding. If you feel anxious, see your doctor to make sure everything is okay.
    • For example, you may experience mild bleeding after taking Plan B.
    • Although bleeding is a rare side effect of EC pills, it can happen because of the hormones in the pills.
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Method 2 of 3: Recognize abnormal bleeding

  1. Pay attention to other symptoms. You may experience unusual bleeding from pelvic inflammation, health problems or cancer. Don't worry too much, as many causes of bleeding are harmless. Monitor for symptoms of potential problems yourself. See your doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms:
    • Easy to bruise
    • Fever
    • Dizziness
    • Abdominal or pelvic pain
    • Have an unusual discharge
  2. Determine if bleeding is a symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormone-related syndrome, which is a common cause of irregular menstruation and other symptoms. Mid-cycle vaginal bleeding is also part of the irregular menstrual cycle. If you know you have PCOS, see if it's the cause of the bleeding.
    • Symptoms of PCOS include irregular periods, heavy facial and body hair, acne, male pattern baldness (thinning hair on the temples or on top of the head), and ovarian enlargement. See your doctor if you suspect that you have undiagnosed polycystic ovarian syndrome.
  3. Note if bleeding occurs after intercourse. You may experience bleeding after intercourse due to rubbing the inside of the vagina or a medical condition. This is not a big deal at times, but it can also have cause for concern. If you bleed only once, that's usually okay. However, if you are concerned about bleeding after intercourse more than once, it's best to talk to your doctor.
    • If you have dry vagina, you will be more likely to bleed after sex. In this case, using lubricants can help you avoid bleeding in the future.
  4. Get a pregnancy test to see if you are in the first few weeks of pregnancy. Vaginal bleeding can occur in the first days after conception, when the embryo attaches to the lining of the uterus. However, this phenomenon also happened in the first few weeks. If you think you might be pregnant, try a home pregnancy test to see if this could be the cause of the bleeding.
    • If your pregnancy test is negative and your period hasn't come yet, you can try a pregnancy test again or talk to your doctor.
  5. See your doctor to check if you are pregnant. Don't worry, but bleeding can be a sign that something is wrong. See your doctor to make sure you are not having an ectopic pregnancy, which is the fetus growing in the fallopian tube. Besides that, your doctor can also make a diagnosis to make sure that these are not the initial symptoms that signal a miscarriage.
    • If something goes wrong, your doctor will start intervening right away to treat you and your baby.
    • This situation is worrying, but maybe everything is fine. There is something you have to see your doctor right away.
  6. Consider your risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) Some STDs can cause vaginal bleeding. Your risk is higher if you have unprotected sex with a new partner, or if you don't have only one sex partner. Consider getting tested for sexually transmitted infections and talking to your partner to see if they are at risk.
    • If you do have an STD, you need treatment to heal quickly.
  7. Check for side effects of any medications you are taking. Vaginal bleeding can also be caused by taking certain medications. Do not stop taking your medicine without consulting your doctor. Make an appointment with your doctor and ask about the medications you are taking to see if that is the cause.
    • In addition to oral contraceptives, other medications such as anticoagulants, antidepressants and antipsychotics can also cause vaginal bleeding between periods.
    • Your doctor can tell you that there is nothing to worry about with bleeding in you, or they can change your medication for you.
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Method 3 of 3: Medical treatment

  1. See your doctor if bleeding recurs or signs of infection are present. While there is no need to worry, you may need treatment if vaginal bleeding is frequent or other symptoms occur. See your doctor to find out the cause and ask if you need treatment.
    • Your doctor can determine that your bleeding is normal or nothing to worry about. However, you need to be officially diagnosed with peace of mind, as some of the causes of bleeding irregularities can be very serious.
  2. Get a seizure test to find the cause of unusual vaginal bleeding. You will be ordered for painless but potentially unpleasant diagnostic tests. After that, your doctor will make an official diagnosis to start treatment if needed. Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following tests:
    • Do a pelvic exam for signs of infection, fibroids, abnormal growth, or cancer.
    • Have a vaginal culture to check for any abnormal cells or infections.
    • Simple, painless blood tests to check for infection or hormonal imbalances.
    • Imaging tests to look for fibroids, abnormal growths, or problems with the reproductive organs.
    • Get tested for sexually transmitted infections to rule out these infections.

    Advice: If you have never had a period, your doctor may just look at your medical history and do a physical exam. However, you may have a blood test, diabetes screening test, thyroid disease, study for bleeding, hemoglobin and platelets, or an exam with anesthesia. If you are postmenopausal, you may need blood tests, a transvaginal probe ultrasound or an endometrial biopsy if your doctor suspects cancer. If you are of childbearing age, your doctor will usually give a pregnancy test, and may need blood tests, thyroid screening tests, liver disease tests and imaging tests to find the cause of the bleeding.If you're not pregnant, your doctor will usually order a blood count test (CBC), a fasting blood glucose test, an HgAIC test, an ultrasound, an FSH / LH test, a thyroid test, a level test. prolactin, and possible endometrial biopsy. If you are pregnant, your doctor may give you a transvaginal ultrasound or blood test if you are in the first 3 months of pregnancy. In later stages of pregnancy, your doctor may prescribe a trans-abdominal ultrasound to locate the placenta.

  3. Call your doctor right away if you are pregnant to be sure. It may not be worrisome, but it's best to get it checked by your doctor. Sometimes a bleeding is an abnormality, but your doctor can determine that everything is okay. You should make an appointment with your doctor on the same day or go to the emergency room to get prompt treatment.
    • Don't worry too much, as it probably shouldn't be a problem. However, it is important to ensure the health of both mother and fetus is okay.
  4. Talk to your doctor if you are bleeding in menopause. After menopause, there is usually no vaginal bleeding. If this happens, then perhaps something is wrong. See your doctor to find out the cause and get treatment if necessary.
    • For example, maybe you have a hormone imbalance or have signs of cancer. However, it's also possible that you're going through your final ovulation, and this is usually not a concern.
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Advice

  • It's best to see your doctor if you are concerned that vaginal bleeding is unusual. Maybe everything is fine, but your doctor will give you peace of mind.