What is abnormal bleeding?
Every 28 days, your uterine lining starts to shed, precipitating your menstrual period. During the first part of your period, you can expect to endure slightly heavy bleeding as a result of this shedding.
However, if your menstrual period is causing you to soak through thick pads or plus-sized tampons, you might be experiencing abnormal bleeding. Some of the most common symptoms of abnormal bleeding include:
- Getting up several times during the night to change your tampon or pad
- Menstrual cycles lasting longer than 38 days
- Menstrual cycles lasting less than 24 days
- Bleeding after menopause
- Bleeding after intercourse
- Spotting between periods
You should contact Dr. Olanescu if you’ve experienced any of the above symptoms. She’ll be able to determine whether your symptoms are signs of abnormal bleeding and recommend treatment.
What causes abnormal bleeding?
Abnormal bleeding often stems from issues with your reproductive system. Dr. Olanescu identifies the following as common causes of abnormal bleeding:
- Perimenopause
- Miscarriages
- Ectopic pregnancies
- Ovulation problems
- Endometriosis
- Polyps and uterine fibroids
In some cases, you might experience abnormal bleeding as a direct side effect of your birth control device, such as an intrauterine device (IUD). Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can also cause abnormal bleeding. This is why Dr. Olanescu recommends regular STD screenings and pelvic exams. In rarer cases, uterine cancers can lead to abnormal bleeding.
How is abnormal bleeding treated?
During your appointment at Medical Care for Women PC, Dr. Olanescu spends the necessary amount of time determining the exact cause of your abnormal bleeding. From there, she can establish an individualized treatment plan to eliminate your symptoms and restore healthy blood flow.
Dr. Olanescu might recommend birth control pills to help with abnormal bleeding. If you have an IUD, you might want to have it removed and change your birth control plan. If an STD is causing abnormal bleeding, Dr. Olanescu can prescribe the necessary treatment.
If your abnormal bleeding comes as a result of fibroids, polyps, endometriosis, or other similar conditions, you might need surgery to treat the issue at hand. Dr. Olanescu discusses your surgical options with you to make sure you understand that there may be minimally-invasive options to treat your abnormal bleeding.
Schedule an appointment today by phone or online if you’ve experienced abnormal bleeding and want to find out how to treat it.
