Vaginal bleeding can be normal during menstruation or a sign of reproductive system problems. It can also indicate pregnancy complications or serious issues like cancer. Consult a doctor if bleeding occurs in children under eight or postmenopausal women.
Women can experience vaginal bleeding, or blood flow from the vagina, for a variety of reasons. It can be a normal function of the body, such as a result of a woman’s menstrual cycle. It can also be harmful in nature, such as during various problems with the reproductive system.
Uterine bleeding during the menstrual cycle is a common physiological response. During menstruation, which usually occurs monthly, the lining of the uterus breaks down, causing blood to flow through the vagina. Most fertile women of childbearing age, which usually begins between the ages of eight and sixteen, will experience such menstrual bleeding every month.
If the reproductive system has hormonal changes or other problems, vaginal bleeding can also occur. Injuries to the uterus or neck can cause bleeding. During pregnancy, bleeding from the vagina can be common in small amounts. This is known as spotting. A pregnant woman experiencing heavy vaginal bleeding, however, could experience a complication during her pregnancy and should see her doctor promptly.
Some pregnancy complications that can cause bleeding include a rupture or abruption of the placenta, an ectopic pregnancy, or even a miscarriage. During the early stages of pregnancy, bleeding can mean an increased chance of miscarriage. In later trimesters, a mother may develop placenta previa, a condition in which the placenta covers or partially covers the cervix. If this occurs, severe bleeding can occur.
Vaginal bleeding can occur at any age. If bleeding occurs in children under the age of eight or in postmenopausal women, a doctor should be consulted to determine the cause. If a child is experiencing such bleeding, he may be in early or early puberty. She could also have an infection, a foreign object inside her vagina, or a tumor. Bleeding at such an early age can also be a sign of child molestation.
Premenopausal women who experience vaginal bleeding may still have their periods. Metrorrhagia, or bleeding between periods, could also be the cause. Other causes may include endometritis, leftover birth products or miscarriage present, or uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, which are benign uterine tumors. Vaginal bleeding can also be a symptom of vaginal cancer.
After menopause, vaginal bleeding can indicate other serious problems. While most cases can be attributed to vaginitis or hormonal changes, endometrial and cervical polyps could also be to blame. Other possibilities include endometrial cancer and endometrial hyperplasia which, although benign, can also lead to cancer.
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