Vaginal bleeding can have many causes besides the monthly recurring menstruation,. Thus, an abdominal pregnancy and miscarriage may be more likely. But also the disease of the uterus and cervix are likely. In addition, complication in the last months of pregnancy and inflammation of the vagina should be considered.
In the case of abdominal pregnancy
Vaginal bleeding can have many causes besides menstruation recurring monthly. In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg is not in the uterus, but often in one of the ovaries. Here it implants and grows. During this process, the ovaries are greatly stretched and cause severe pain in the abdomen of the affected person. Vaginal bleeding occurs, which in severe cases can also lead to fainting of the affected person. Vaginal bleeding caused by an abdominal pregnancy is a life-threatening condition. In an emergency operation, the fertilized egg and usually the affected fallopian tube must be completely removed. If there is unexpected vaginal bleeding, an ectopic pregnancy is considered likely and should be investigated by a physician.
In case of miscarriage
Miscarriage also causes vaginal bleeding and is considered a likely possibility. Provided that pregnancy is present, this alternative should also be thought of in case of unexpected vaginal bleeding. If the pregnancy has not yet been confirmed by a doctor, it can be recognized by the absence of periods, tense breasts, morning tiredness and also abdominal pain. Usually it is very difficult to distinguish a miscarriage from an abdominal pregnancy. Within the first twelve weeks of pregnancy, miscarriages occur at a ratio of one to eight compared to a normal pregnancy.
When the uterus is diseased
Vaginal bleeding should also be thought of as a disease of the uterus. For example, inflammation may be present and should be treated urgently. Endometriosis may also be present. In this case, the uterine tissue settles not only in the uterus, but also on tissue outside it. In addition, cancer of the uterine orifice and cancer of the endometrium should be considered. Less commonly, vaginal bleeding is caused by uterine prolapse. The uterus is basically held in its correct position by the connective tissue. Should this now give way, the uterus sinks downwards and in the worst case can even slip out through the vagina. Furthermore, fibroids should be considered. These are benign tumors in the uterus, which can also be causative for vaginal bleeding.
In case of disease of the cervix
Disease of the cervix causes vaginal bleeding. Often, this bleeding also occurs after sexual intercourse and also leads to excessive vaginal discharge. The most common cause is cervical cancer. The cervix forms the lower part of the uterus. This is where cellular changes can occur under certain circumstances. If these turn out to be malignant, then it is called cervical cancer.
In case of complications in the last months of pregnancy.
If most of the pregnancy has gone well and bleeding does not occur until the last few months, this indicates placental abnormality. If this bleeding should be painless, there may have been a displacement of the placenta in the uterus. This lies too deep in the uterus and causes the vaginal bleeding. If the vaginal bleeding is painful, the placenta may have detached from the uterus. This should be urgently investigated by a doctor.
In case of inflammation of the vagina
Inflammation of the vagina (see also vaginal infections (vaginal infections)) can also cause unexpected bleeding. In this case, the discharge from the vagina is thin and watery. In addition, this has blood in it. Inflammation of the vagina is the most common disease of the female reproductive organ. Here, the protective mechanism of the vaginal mucosa is disturbed. The corresponding pathogens find it very easy to cause an inflammation in the vagina due to this disturbance. In addition to bleeding, affected persons also complain of pronounced itching or a strong burning sensation.This inflammation is relieved and treated with ointments, creams or suppositories. Finally, a blood clotting disorder should be considered. Although this is rarely encountered, vaginal hemorrhage can nevertheless occur in this case as well.
Diseases with this symptom
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Myoma
- Cervical cancer
- Miscarriage
- Lowering of the uterus
- Vaginal cancer
- Endometriosis
- Uterine cancer
- Vaginal infections
When should you go to the doctor?
Vaginal bleeding is easily confused with menstrual bleeding. If they occur at the time of menstruation, it is clear what is involved. On the other hand, in case of major vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, the woman should be alert. There are various occasions during pregnancy, such as the implantation of the egg or the shedding of the mucus plug shortly before birth, which can lead to minimal vaginal bleeding. If, on the other hand, bleeding occurs suddenly, in gushes or even with larger blood inclusions, or is accompanied by pain, the pregnant woman must see the doctor as soon as possible or, even better, go to the emergency room. Vaginal bleeding outside of pregnancy is a concern even if it is not related to menstruation. Spotting may occur occasionally and may indicate, for example, hormonal imbalance or intolerance to a hormonal contraceptive. If they are more frequent, they must be clarified by a doctor. Painful, recurrent vaginal bleeding may be due to an injury or disease of the internal female reproductive organs. Their cause must be clarified by a doctor, as they can be the first visible symptom of an underlying disease. Cervical cancer or the various preliminary stages thereof are conceivable. Slight vaginal bleeding in conjunction with altered discharge, burning and itching in the intimate area, on the other hand, are indicative of a venereal disease. Such symptoms disappear quickly with treatment, but this cannot be initiated without a medical diagnosis.
Outlook and prognosis
Vaginal bleeding occurs in most cases of miscarriage or diseases of the uterus and cervix. In this case, the miscarriage is the most likely cause of vaginal bleeding and is therefore always checked first by a doctor. If the pregnancy has not yet been detected, a test must be performed by the doctor. Usually, the vaginal bleeding occurs with pain in the abdomen and vomiting. If the vaginal bleeding is caused by diseases of the uterus, in many cases it can be treated with the help of medications or surgical procedures. Complications can occur if the disease is cancerous. In this case, it is not possible to predict the course of the disease. A tumor is often present if vaginal bleeding occurs immediately after or even during sexual intercourse. In this case it is advisable to see a doctor urgently. In many cases, however, vaginal bleeding also occurs when the vagina is inflamed. These inflammations are harmless and can be quickly treated with the help of ointments and suppositories. Here, in addition to vaginal bleeding, there is also a reddened vagina and itching in the affected areas.
What you can do yourself
Vaginal bleeding can have many causes and should therefore always be clarified first by a gynecologist. Accompanying this, various measures and home remedies promise relief. Harmless menstrual bleeding can be treated by typical relaxation measures and antispasmodic home remedies such as lady’s mantle tea or monk’s pepper. Goose finger herb and hibiscus help against inner restlessness and irritability. A particularly heavy menstrual flow can be reliably stopped with the help of the pill and similar preparations from the pharmacy. In addition, yoga, physiotherapy and other measures that promote blood circulation help. Ice packs on the coccyx reduce bleeding and have a pain-relieving effect. Alternative healing methods recommended include acupuncture and acupressure. Appropriate applications release substances in the brain and muscles that naturally regulate the menstrual cycle. Bleeding during pregnancy is best countered with bed rest and stress avoidance.Sexual intercourse should be avoided until the symptoms have subsided. Vaginal bleeding as a result of an abdominal pregnancy must always be treated by an emergency physician. The same applies if a miscarriage or a serious disease of the uterus or cervix is suspected as the cause. If the cause is unclear, a physician should be consulted.
