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Excessive Vaginal Bleeding; How To Avoid?

Excessive bleeding from the vagina can be a cause of concern. Read on to know the causes and what one must do in such cases to avoid further complications.

By Lekhaka

Excessive vaginal bleeding for whatever reason including an unusually heavy period is cause for worry for a female at all ages. Anything apart from a regular menstrual cycle can be worrying and the very first thing to do is to comprehend the cause for this.

While the uterus or vagina might be the apparent reason, you will find instances where the excessive vaginal bleeding is from another tissue or organ. This should be identified and controlled through treatment to remain healthy.

causes of excess vaginal bleeding

Generally, women go through a menstrual period including a sequence of hormonal changes leading to the release of an egg by the ovary. This egg might be fertilized and stay in the womb, or the lining of the womb might be shed during the menstrual cycle. This is generally seen as regular bleeding and may last from two to seven days for almost all women.

Normally, about a cup of blood is shed. When the bleeding is not normal and is way more than the average period, there might be several causes.

causes of excess vaginal bleeding

Excessive bleeding from the vagina can be caused by complications like ectopic pregnancies and abortions, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory diseases, menopause, disorders of the female reproductive organs like cancer, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, vaginal diseases, drugs, inherited bleeding disorders and injury.

The signs of excessive vaginal bleeding typically show as quite heavy menstrual periods and stained garments without warning, and there is an interruption in everyday routine and it causes fatigue. While it might not always be a crisis, it is necessary to seek a gynaecologist's help at the very first indication of abnormal bleeding.

causes of excess vaginal bleeding

In case there are other signs with the bleeding like dizziness, severe pain in the stomach or fever, a comprehensive evaluation will be required to avoid excessive loss of blood. The doctor will usually recommend examinations and tests to identify the problem.

A full pelvis exam is performed as part of the physical exam. Pregnancy tests, blood test to check for anaemia and platelet count, thyroid tests, X rays and ultrasound of the stomach and pelvis area and endometrial biopsy (tissue from the womb is studied) are done.

Story first published: Friday, November 11, 2016, 15:35 [IST]
Read more about: bleeding treatment