ABNORMAL BLEEDING

Heavy bleeding during menstrual periods or spotting between periods is sometimes considered abnormal bleeding. If these are issues you’re experiencing, the team of women’s health practitioners at Susquehanna OB/GYN and Nurse Midwifery can help you at their Bel Air and Havre de Grace, Maryland, offices. Before living another day with abnormal bleeding, schedule an evaluation. You can book your visit by using the online scheduling system, or by calling our Bel Air or Havre de Grace office.

    When is menstrual bleeding abnormal?

    Your uterine lining sheds roughly every 28 days, which results in your menstrual period. It’s normal to experience some slight heavy bleeding during the first part of your period.

    But bleeding shouldn’t cause you to soak through plus-sized tampons or thick pads regularly throughout the day. Nor should you have to get up several times throughout the night to change your tampon or pad. Bleeding might be abnormal if you:

    Have spotting between periods

    • Experience bleeding after sexual intercourse
    • Have periods longer than 38 days
    • Have periods shorter than 24 days
    • Start bleeding after menopause

    These issues are often signs of abnormal bleeding, and you need to check in with your OB/GYN.

    What causes abnormal bleeding?

    Abnormal bleeding stems from some things that could be awry with your reproductive system. Some of the most common causes include:

    • Uterine fibroids or polyps
    • Endometriosis
    • Ovulation problems
    • Ectopic pregnancy
    • Miscarriage
    • Perimenopause

    For some women, abnormal bleeding directly correlates with their birth control method, such as an intrauterine device (IUD). Sometimes sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are to blame for abnormal bleeding, which is why routine STD screening and pelvic exams are necessary.

    While less common, certain types of cancer, including uterine cancer, can lead to abnormal vaginal bleeding.

    How is abnormal bleeding treated?

    Your customized treatment plan for abnormal bleeding depends on what’s causing it. The team at Susquehanna OB/GYN and Nurse Midwifery often combine ultrasound imaging with pelvic exams and laboratory testing to get to the root of your condition.

    For many women, taking birth control pills helps with abnormal bleeding. Or if your abnormal bleeding comes from your IUD or other birth control device, just removing it and changing your birth control method can help. If you have an STD or another type of infection, you might need antibiotics.

    But if your abnormal bleeding stems from endometriosis, fibroids, polyps, or a similar condition, you could need surgery. With advancements in surgical techniques, gynecological surgeries can be laparoscopic, so your surgery is less invasive.

    If you’re experiencing abnormal bleeding, schedule an evaluation at Susquehanna OB/GYN and Nurse Midwifery to find out what’s causing it. Book your evaluation either online or over the phone by calling our Bel Air or Havre de Grace office.