Reasons you’re bleeding other than your period
BLEEDING outside of your period should always be considered abnormal and can be due to a variety of causes.
According to obstetrician-gynaecologist, Dr Anna-Kay Taylor Christmas, if you are experiencing this, it is best to seek the attention of your gynaecologist to make sure there is nothing serious going on.
Dr Taylor Christmas said causes for irregular bleeding are varied and include:
1. Vaginal or cervical infections
Such infections can cause severe irritation of the genitals. “Also, these tend to cause an abnormal discharge with or without odour. They need to be treated quickly to decrease the risk of infection spreading to the tubes and inside the belly.
2. Vaginal bruising or tearing during sex
“This is more likely to occur during rough intercourse. If you are bleeding heavily after intercourse, seek medical attention right away as a large amount of blood can be lost in a short space of time from the vagina. Bruising on the vulva can cause spotting and can be treated with warm salt water baths,” she said.
3. Polyps or abnormal thickening of the lining of the uterus (the endometrium)
The Obgyn said these abnormal growths are usually detected on an ultrasound and can cause heavier periods than normal or irregular bleeding outside of the normal time for the period. “They have numerous causes, some of which are genetic, and others which are caused by hormonal factors. Although most are benign in menstruating women, a biopsy or sampling of the lining is important to rule out something cancerous. Treatment can then be planned easily to correct the problem and stop the irregular bleed,” Dr Taylor Christmas said.
4. Uterine fibroids
She said these are common growths of the womb found in a high percentage of Jamaican women. They can cause extremely heavy periods with a lot of clots and can also cause bleeding to occur at irregular times. She said an ultrasound must be done to accurately diagnose fibroids and differentiate from other things that can enlarge the womb. She added that treatment will then depend on the size, location and symptoms of the fibroids as well as the desire for future pregnancy.
5. Endometriosis
“This can also cause abnormal bleeding and is usually accompanied by pain, which may be quite severe around the time of the menses. If more advanced, the pain can be present all the time and may be associated with infertility or difficulty getting pregnant,” she said.
6. Hormonal medication
Dr Taylor Christmas said examples of hormonal medication include contraceptives or the morning-after pill. “Contraceptives commonly cause irregular bleeding, especially in the first few months of starting them. The morning-after emergency contraceptive also can cause a change in the normal menstrual cycle and irregular bleeding,” she said. “Talk with your gynaecologist if you are experiencing this after using a contraceptive. Other medications such as blood thinners can also cause irregular and heavier bleeding if the blood becomes too thin.”
7. Cancer of the vagina, cervix, uterus and ovaries
“This can also cause bleeding outside of the regular period and is the reason that irregular bleeding (especially if persistent) must always be checked by a doctor. Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of female cancers in women who still see their period, and can be prevented (or treated early) with regular Pap smears and annual checks at the gynaecologist,” the ObGyn said.
Dr Taylor Christmas added: “Irregular bleeding should never be ignored because it can be a sign of a more serious problem.”
