The causes of abnormal vaginal bleeding

WITH the exception of the monthly menstruation, any form of vaginal bleeding can be considered abnormal and should be cause for concern. The causes are many and varied, and may be from something as simple as a tear during intercourse or as major as cervical cancer. Even an abnormally heavy period could be cause for alarm. Here are some things to watch out for.

Pregnancy: Because bleeding can indicate a problem with pregnancy, possible pregnancy should always be considered in a woman of childbearing age. While spotting to minimal bleeding may be normal, any bleeding during pregnancy should be evaluated by a gynaecologist. Heavy vaginal bleeding or bleeding that occurs before 12 weeks may indicate a serious problem, and could be as a result of an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.

Hormone imbalance: Hormone imbalance could interfere with normal ovulation resulting in abnormal bleeding. This is known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

Birth control pills: Birth control pills sometimes cause minor bleeding between periods during the first few months of using. If pills are not taken regularly, this could also result in irregular bleeding.

Intrauterine device (IUD): This may also increase the chances of spotting or heavy periods.

Infections: Infection of the pelvic organs (vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries) may cause vaginal bleeding. This is especially true after intercourse or douching. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are often the cause of infections, so it is very important to treat any form of STDs as early as possible.

Delivery/Abortion: Heavy bleeding during the first few weeks after delivery or after an abortion may occur because the uterus has not contracted to the pre-pregnancy size. In the case of an abortion, foetal tissue remains in the uterus (retained products of conception).

Peri-menopause: If you are 40 years or older, abnormal vaginal bleeding may mean that you are entering peri-menopause.

Menorrhagia: Menorrhagia or heavy menstrual bleeding is often caused by hormonal imbalance during adolescence or menopause. If your period is heavy enough to require changing more often than every one or two hours, or if you have a period that lasts more than a full week, you may be experiencing menorrhagia. Uterine fibroid tumours are another very common cause of excessive menstruation.

Other causes of abnormal vaginal bleeding:

*Sexual abuse

*An object in the vagina

*Cancer of the cervix, uterus, ovaries, or vagina

*Extreme emotional stress and excessive exercise.