Abnormal vaginal bleeding is a very serious women’s health issue. Cancer, pregnancy issues, and infections can all be at the core of your vaginal bleeding problem.
If you are experiencing abnormal vaginal bleeding or vaginal bleeding with discomfort, it is vital to talk to a doctor. In serious cases, getting ahead of this women’s health issue can save your life.
How Do You Identify Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding?
Any bleeding that is unrelated to your menstrual cycle is considered abnormal vaginal bleeding, according to the Mayo Clinic. This includes spotting and small amounts of vaginal bleeding between periods.
Normal vaginal bleeding happens during that time of the month, every 21 to 35 days. This is natural, unless you are on birth control that stops your period all together.
However, a lack of period may be an indicator of pregnancy, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), or another serious women’s health issue. If you’re not pregnant and you have missed your period for any elongated time, talk to a doctor.
Vaginal Bleeding and Women’s Health
Understanding abnormal vaginal bleeding or any vaginal bleeding that happens when you’re not on your period is vital. Many women’s health issues are indicated by period problems.
One important question to ask is, “What is the pattern of your abnormal vaginal bleeding?” The answer may give doctors insight into the problem, as well as testing and treatment measures.
Vaginal bleeding is certainly nothing to ignore. To ensure proper women’s health, take not of the following 37 abnormal vaginal bleeding causes.
Cancer Causes Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
It is important to remember that cancer can be at the root of abnormal vaginal bleeding. Vaginal bleeding due to cancer is your body’s way of telling you that a serious women’s health condition may be surfacing. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2017, “4,210 women will die from cervical cancer.”
1. Ovarian Cancer
2. Uterine Sarcoma
3. Vaginal Cancer
4. Cervical Cancer
5. Endometrial Cancer
6. Endometrial Hyperplasia
Women’s Health Endocrine System Issues
Women’s health issues that are related to endocrine system issues can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding, or infrequent vaginal bleeding. This is true in the case of PCOS. PCOS affects five to ten percent of women, and 50 percent of women are yet to be diagnosed.
7. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
8. Changes in Birth Control
9. Menopause Treatment
10. Hyperthyroidism
11. Hypothyroidism
Pregnancy and Fertility Causes Vaginal Bleeding
There are a number of pregnancy and fertility women’s health problems that can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding. For instance, vaginal bleeding can occur during an ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is a serious issue and happens in nearly 20 out of 1,000 pregnancies.
12. During Pregnancy
13. Random Ovulatory Cycles
14. Sexual Intercourse
15. Perimenopause
16. Vaginal Atrophy
17. Ectopic Pregnancy
18. Imbalance of Hormone Levels
19. Prior to Being 20 Weeks Pregnant
Infections Can Result in Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
There are wide ranges of infections concerning women’s health that can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding. STDs and other infections may be behind vaginal bleeding, and it is an indicator to get tested. Vaginitis is common, and a yeast infection is the most known type of vaginitis. Did you know one in ten women would get a yeast infection in a lifetime?
20. Vaginitis
21. Endometritis
22. Gonorrhea
23. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
24. Cervicitis
25. Chlamydia
26. Ureaplasma Vaginitis
Knowing what causes abnormal vaginal bleeding is the first step in ensuring proper women’s health. If you are experiencing vaginal bleeding outside of your normal periods, contact a doctor to get your questions answered. A simple click is free, and could prove to be life saving.
Submitted by Dr. Richard Honaker: https://www.independentmedicalexaminer.com/IME-Directory/Virginia/Dr-Richard-A-Honaker-MD.asp