Vaginal bleeding

Vaginal bleeding is any bleeding from the vaginal area which is unrelated to menstruation. This type of bleeding may include spotting of small amounts of blood between periods — often seen on toilet tissue after wiping — or extremely heavy periods in which you soak a pad or tampon every one to two hours for two or more hours.

Normal vaginal bleeding, or menstruation, occurs every 21 to 35 days when the uterus sheds its lining, marking the start of a new reproductive cycle. A menstrual period may last for just a few days or more than a week. Your flow may be heavy or light and still considered normal. Cycles tend to be longer before age 20 and after age 40 and your flow may be heavier at those ages.

Abnormal vaginal bleeding can relate to an issue with your reproductive system (a gynecologic condition) or to other medical problems or certain medications. If you’ve gone through the menopausal transition — 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period — any vaginal bleeding is a particular cause for concern.

Likely Causes:

• Adenomyosis
• Cervical cancer
• Chlamydia
• Problems with the cervix, such as a cervical infection, inflamed cervix or growths
• Endometritis
• Fluctuating hormone levels
• Gonorrhea
• Intrauterine contraceptive device
• Miscarriage (before the 20th week) or intrauterine fetal death
• Ovarian cysts
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Pregnancy
• Stopping birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy (withdrawal bleeding)

How we can help:

If you’re pregnant, contact us immediately if you notice any vaginal bleeding.

In general, anytime you experience unexpected vaginal bleeding, consult a doctor. Whether or not vaginal bleeding is normal depends on your age and circumstances.

Watch closely for any changes in your wellbeing and contact us whenever you feel there’s reason to be concerned.

Yermiyahu Clinic is at your service at any time for initial emergency care. Dr. Sunny Sapir, an experienced physician with an expertise in family medicine, will be glad to assist you with professionalism and utmost empathy. After a careful examination of your personal situation, Dr. Sunny will provide you with the most appropriate medical solution.

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