It is common for women to face a number of gynecological conditions throughout their lives. One of which is abnormal vaginal bleeding. According to the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health (NCBI), “up to 14 percent of women experience irregular or excessively heavy menstrual bleeding.”
It’s important to keep in mind the differences between
abnormal vaginal bleeding and regular menstruation. To compare, normal
menstruation reoccurs every 21 to 35 days. Cramping and blood flow can vary –
which is common – especially for adolescents and women over 40.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding manifests itself in either spotty
bleeding or excessive flows which soak sanitary napkins between monthly
menstruation cycles. Doctors classify chronic abnormal bleeding to either be heavy
and irregular (menometrorrhagia) or heavy and regular (menorrhagia). There are
those cases where some women experience a lack of menstrual bleeding or
exceptional pain and severe cramping.
A good rule of thumb to determine whether you have abnormal
vaginal bleeding is to ask yourself if it goes beyond the norm for your body. Also,
does excessive bleeding habitually interfere with your quality of life
throughout the month? Abnormal vaginal bleeding can inhibit social interactions
and cause emotional or physical distress whereas a normal menstruation cycle is
only temporary in its effects – bloating, cramping and mood swings.
There are a number of causes for abnormal vaginal bleeding:
·
Discontinuing the use of birth control pills
·
Eating disorders such as anorexia
·
Endometritis
·
Fibroids
·
Hematological disorders
·
Herbal supplements
·
Hormonal imbalances
·
Hormone replacement therapy
·
Hypothyroidism
·
Improper lifestyle habits (obesity, diet or
anxiety)
·
Infection of the cervix
·
Latrogenic causes (intrauterine device or
anticoagulant treatment)
·
Leukemia
·
Liver or kidney disease
·
Miscarriage
·
Ovarian cysts
·
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
·
Perimenopause
·
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
·
Sexual intercourse
·
Sexually transmitted diseases
·
Thyroid dysfunction
·
Vaginal or cervix trauma
·
Vaginal, cervical or ovarian cancer
In addition, pregnant or breastfeeding women sometimes
experience excessive bleeding. However, this is often temporary.
Women who suffer from abnormal vaginal bleeding often
experience secondary symptoms such as anemia (an iron deficiency), embarrassment,
frustration and depression. The condition can also be quite costly when it
comes to time and money. Pain relievers, hygiene products and time away from
work can take its toll.
If you are experiencing abnormal vaginal bleeding, talk with
your physician about a diagnosis and treatment plan. A pelvic and abdominal examination,
cervical smear, infection screening and blood work with aid in determining the
next step.
Your doctor may suggest alternations in your diet and activity
level and recommend one of the following noninvasive treatments:
·
Combined oral contraceptives
·
Cyclic progestins
·
Global endometrial ablation
·
Levonorgestrel
·
NSAIDs14
If none of these gynecological treatments resolve the issue,
doctors will recommend a hysterectomy. It is major surgery and is the final
option for relieving abnormal vaginal bleeding. While very successful, the
removal of the uterus through the vagina or the abdomen comes with risks:
·
Anesthesia complications
·
Thrombosis
·
Urinary dysfunction
·
Bleeding
·
Intraoperative hemorrhage
· Menopausal symptoms if the ovaries are removed (hot
flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness and difficulty sleeping through the night)
·
Blood clots
·
Decrease in sexual pleasure
·
Infection
·
Injury to the skin, bladder, bowel or urinary
tract
·
Loss of ovarian function
Keep in mind that women can no longer conceive if they have
undergone a hysterectomy. However, it will stop the pain and discomfort of
chronic bleeding.
After a 2- or 3-day hospital stay, your gynecologist may
prescribe pain relievers to manage the swelling and discomfort as well as antibiotics
to prevent infection. Once you’re home, your gynecological surgeon will give
you instructions including limiting your physical activity and getting plenty
of rest.
You may have some light bleeding after surgery. Don’t worry
as this is normal, especially 6 to 8 weeks after your procedure. If it persists,
is bright red or increases in quantity, contact your surgeon immediately.
The likelihood of continued abdominal vaginal bleeding after
recovering from a hysterectomy is rare. If you experience blood of any kind –
dark red or bright red – contact your gynecological surgeon. However, if your
recover is free from bleeding, you can expect a full recovery within 6 to 8
weeks.
If you are experiencing abnormal vaginal bleeding, contact MedToGo today
for noninvasive gynecological treatments and hysterectomy options. Our team of
highly qualified gynecologists will help you get back to leading a full and
active life.
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