Abnormal Bleeding
What could abnormal vaginal bleeding mean?
You’re used to menstruating every month, so when you suddenly bleed unexpectedly, you’re not sure if it’s part of your cycle or if something is actually wrong.
As your Gynaecologist, it’s my job to find out if your abnormal vaginal bleeding is part of a gynaecological or reproductive condition, abnormal period or another health concern.
What is abnormal vaginal bleeding?
Abnormal vaginal bleeding is any bleeding that happens outside of your normal period cycle.
Irregular bleeding could be:
Bleeding between periods
Spotting before periods
Ovulation/mid-cycle spotting
Bleeding after sex
Post-menopausal bleeding
Bleeding in early pregnancy
These symptoms could be a sign of a hormonal imbalance, ovulation, infection, or cervical abnormalities.
They could also be a sign of the following conditions:
Cervical Ectropion
Ectropion is when cells in the cervical canal (inside of the cervix) are found on the outside surface of the cervix. Ectropion is usually a response to changes in hormone levels. It can resolve itself or may require cauterisation.
Abnormal cervical cells
Abnormal cervical cells found through pap smears (cervical screening tests) are cells that have become abnormal due to the presence of Human papillomavirus (HPV). Abnormal cells could lead to cancer in the future so may need to be removed.
Uterine Polyps
Polyps are non-cancerous growths in the uterus. Depending on their location and size, or the symptoms they’re causing, they may need to be removed. Some can reduce in size with medication.
Fibroids
Fibroids are non-cancerous lumps of muscle tissue that grow in the uterus. Muscle tissue divides and multiplies, developing into a mass of cells. These can resolve themselves or may require surgery.
Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts are sacs filled with various substances that occupy the ovary. These cysts are quite common. They can go away by themselves or may require minimally invasive surgery, depending on the type of cyst or the symptoms they are causing.
Malignancy
In rare cases, irregular vaginal bleeding could be a sign of cancer. If you’re worried about your bleeding, it’s best to see your Gynaecologist.
Seeing your gynaecologist for abnormal vaginal bleeding
I know any irregular bleeding can make you feel anxious. As a female gynaecologist and mother, I’m empathetic to gynaecological and reproductive concerns.
If you’re worried about abnormal bleeding, see your GP and ensure you get a referral. Make an appointment and we can discuss your concerns at the first consultation.
After understanding your situation, we can devise a treatment plan together. This may be as simple as surveilling the situation over subsequent months, or making a follow-up appointment after relevant investigations have been performed.