Have you been experiencing abnormal bleeding? Many women experience abnormal vaginal bleeding at least once during their lifetime. There are many reasons for abnormal bleeding. Some are serious, but most of the time, abnormal bleeding is harmless.
At Boro Park OB/GYN, we know that abnormal vaginal bleeding is concerning. By explaining a few of the common causes of abnormal bleeding, we hope to help put your mind to rest.
First, you need to know what is considered abnormal bleeding. Bleeding is considered abnormal if you have:
Many conditions cause abnormal bleeding. We discuss some of them here, but there are many more, so it’s best to make an appointment with us at Boro Park OB/GYN if you experience any bleeding that is new or worsening. Here are eight common causes of abnormal bleeding:
Right after you get an IUD, you may notice some minor spotting between your periods or irregular periods. You may also have heavier periods and more severe menstrual cramps. All of these symptoms are normal up to six months after you get an IUD.
If you have bleeding or other changes with your periods after more than six months with the IUD, it could be the cause of your abnormal bleeding.
PID is an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. You become infected after bacteria enters your vagina during sex. PID may cause no signs or symptoms in the beginning to let you know that you need treatment. As the condition worsens, you may notice bleeding during or after intercourse or between your periods.
Other common symptoms of PID include pain, discharge with a foul odor, painful or difficult urination, fever, and chills.
Many women have bleeding between their regular cycles. If you don’t take oral contraceptives, this bleeding is probably normal. Light bleeding that happens 10-16 days after the start of your last period and lasts up to three days is likely due to a problem with ovulation and changes in the levels of estrogen in your system.
Uterine fibroids are a common reason for abnormal vaginal bleeding. Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that grow inside the uterus for no known reason. They come from an overgrowth of uterine muscle tissue.
Depending on the size and location of the fibroids, your symptoms may vary. Common symptoms of fibroids include bleeding, pain in the pelvis, and feelings of pressure in the pelvis and on the bladder and rectum.
Miscarriages in the first trimester are common. If you know or suspect you’re pregnant and have any vaginal bleeding, other than light spotting, your body is letting you know there is something wrong, and you should call us right away for an appointment.
This is a painful condition in which cells from the lining of the uterus grow outside of the uterus and on other organs in your abdomen. This overgrowth of uterine tissue can cause pain and abnormal bleeding during and between your periods.
If you have PCOS, you produce higher-than-normal levels of male hormones. PCOS can cause you to have abnormal bleeding, abnormal cycles, difficulty getting pregnant, and abnormal hair growth on your face and body.
As you age, your periods naturally stop happening. Once you have gone 12 months without a period, you are probably in menopause. If you have any vaginal bleeding after you have gone through menopause, you need to make an appointment right away. Bleeding after menopause could be a symptom of a serious medical problem.
No matter what the underlying cause of your bleeding, our doctors at Boro Park OB/GYN are here to help. To schedule an appointment, call today or use our online booking tool to schedule a visit.
