Vaginal Bleeding

Also called: Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding, Uterine Bleeding

Menstruation, or period, is a woman's monthly bleeding. Abnormal vaginal bleeding is different from normal menstrual periods. It could be bleeding that is between periods, lasts several weeks, or happens before puberty or after menopause. Causes can include

• Uterine fibroids or polyps
• Hormone problems
• Hormone pills, such as birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy
• Cancer of the cervix, ovaries, uterus or vagina
• Thyroid problems

Bleeding during pregnancy can have several different causes. It is not always a serious problem, but to be safe you should always contact your healthcare provider.

Pelvic exams, blood tests and other procedures can help your healthcare provider diagnose the problem. Treatment depends on the cause.

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Vaginal Diseases

Symptoms such as vaginal itching, burning, pain and discharge are some of the most common reasons that women seek medical care. Often, the problem is vaginitis, an inflammation of the vagina. In women of childbearing age, the most common cause is a bacterial infection. The main symptom is a smelly vaginal discharge, but some women have no symptoms. The treatment is antibiotics.

Other infections that can cause vaginitis include trichomoniasis and yeast infections. Some other causes of vaginal symptoms, including vaginal bleeding, are sexually transmitted diseases, vaginal cancer and vulvar cancer.

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

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