Uterine bleeding can be normal during menstruation, but abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) can indicate serious health problems. AUB is characterized by more severe and frequent bleeding with additional pain. Causes of AUB can include injury, hormone therapy, pregnancy, fibroid tumors, and cancer. It’s important to see a doctor for any abnormal uterine bleeding to detect and treat underlying health problems.
Uterine bleeding is a broad term that is used to identify any type of bloody discharge from the uterus. Routine bleeding, such as during the normal course of the menstrual cycle, is a form of uterine bleeding that does not indicate the existence of any type of health problem. However, there are some cases where the discharge of blood from the uterus is considered a sign of serious health problems. When this is the case, many health professionals use the term abnormal uterine bleeding or AUB.
There are several factors that separate abnormal uterine bleeding from normal menstrual bleeding. First, the severity and duration of bleeding are very different from what occurs during a typical menstrual cycle. In addition, the woman has more frequent bleeding episodes than usual. There is usually additional pain other than that which normally occurs during the course of menstruation, making it clear that irregular bleeding episodes are not part of the normal monthly cycle.
Uterine bleeding can result from injury to the cervix or uterus. Bleeding can also originate in the lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium. In severe cases, the origin of the blood can come from the vagina and even the fallopian tubes.
There are several reasons why a woman may experience uterine bleeding that is above and beyond the bleeding that is common during a normal menstrual cycle. Hormone therapy involving the use of estrogen and progestin can trigger some irregular bleeding episodes. Pregnancy can also increase the duration and frequency of uterine bleeding. Situations of this type are often not serious, although they should be reported to the treating doctor immediately.
Other reasons for uterine bleeding can be more serious in nature. Developing fibroid tumors can often increase the frequency and duration of bleeding. Damage to the uterine lining can also be the source of the problem. The presence of cancer cells in the vagina, uterus, cervix, or fallopian tubes can also trigger irregular and painful bleeding.
It’s important to see a doctor whenever you experience any type of uterine bleeding that appears to occur outside the normal menstrual cycle. Even if the amount of bleeding seems to increase during your monthly period, it’s a good idea to see a doctor, rather than simply assuming your period will be a little harder that month. Early detection of the reasons behind uterine bleeding allows the underlying health problem to be treated quickly and thus avoid the woman having to deal with a great deal of additional pain and discomfort.
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