While bleeding during menstruation is an expected part of our monthly cycle, some forms of vaginal bleeding can cause concern. Numerous reasons uterine bleeding can be severe or even life-threatening, especially during pregnancy. It can be challenging and nerve-wracking to determine when the bleeding is normal and when it’s time to see your gynecologist. This guide will help you in making this decision. However, if at any time you find yourself seriously concerned, the best choice is always to visit, or at least call, your women’s health provider for guidance.
When It’s Time To Seek Medical Help For Uterine Bleeding
Let’s start with the most frequent cause of vaginal bleeding in healthy child-bearing age women. Vaginal bleeding is a normal and healthy part of our reproductive cycle. Most women pass around 40 milliliters, or almost an ounce and a half, of blood during their period. The typical menstrual cycle lasts from four to seven days. If you experience exceptionally heavy blood flow or have instances of vaginal bleeding between your periods, it’s considered abnormal.
Some indicators that you’re experiencing abnormal vaginal bleeding include:
- Bleeding more than eight days
- Excessive blood loss while menstruating is indicated by rapidly soaking through tampons or pads every hour for several successive hours.
- Needing to get up to change your pad or tampon at night.
- Finding your daily activities impacted by heavy bleeding
- Spotting or bleeding between periods
- Fatigue and severe cramping
- Vaginal bleeding, even after having passed through menopause
Hormonal imbalances, uterine polyps, fibroids, endometriosis, infection, medications, and other concerns can cause abnormal bleeding during menstruation.
Bleeding during pregnancy can be an indication of a problem. However, it’s common for pregnant women to bleed during the first 12 days of conception. This is known as implantation bleeding and typically continues for a few days following conception. Ectopic pregnancies involve the embryo implanting outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tubes. These must be treated quickly and are often indicated by strong cramps and lightheadedness. Not all bleeding during your first trimester is a concern, however. Cervical changes cause additional blood flow to the cervix, and bleeding caused by sex or pap smears are not uncommon, nor are they cause for concern.
However, if you experience bleeding following the end of your first trimester, it’s essential to contact your women’s health provider immediately. Several serious complications can occur during this time that will need immediate attention to ensure the safety of yourself and your child. The sooner these issues are identified and addressed, the greater your chances of avoiding complications.
Contact Summit Women’s & Wellness Medical Group To Ease Your Mind
If you’re concerned about abnormal uterine bleeding, call our office at 909-736-9091. We’ll discuss your symptoms and help you determine if an immediate visit is necessary. We’re dedicated to protecting women’s health before, during, and after pregnancy. You can start receiving exceptional women’s health care by scheduling an appointment at our Rancho Cucamonga, CA office today!
