Vaginal bleeding

Vaginal bleeding can have many causes in addition to the monthly recurring menstruation. So an ectopic pregnancy and a miscarriage can be likely. But diseases of the uterus and the cervix are also likely. In addition, complications in the last months of pregnancy and inflammation of the vagina should be considered.

For an ectopic pregnancy

In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg is not in the uterus, but often in one of the ovaries. It is here that it plants itself and grows. The ovaries are greatly stretched and cause severe abdominal pain in the affected person. Vaginal bleeding occurs, which in severe cases can also lead to fainting of the person concerned.

Vaginal bleeding caused by an ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening matter. In an emergency operation, the fertilized egg and usually the affected fallopian tube must be completely removed. In the event of unexpected vaginal bleeding, an ectopic pregnancy is considered likely and should be discussed by a doctor.

In the event of a miscarriage

Miscarriage also causes vaginal bleeding and is considered a likely possibility.

If you are pregnant, you should also consider this alternative in the event of unexpected vaginal bleeding. If the pregnancy has not yet been confirmed by a doctor, it can be recognized by missed periods, tense breasts, morning fatigue and abdominal pain.

It is usually very difficult to distinguish a miscarriage from an ectopic pregnancy. During the first twelve weeks of pregnancy, miscarriages occur in a ratio of one to eight compared to a normal pregnancy.

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In case of uterine disease

If you have vaginal bleeding, you should also consider a disease of the uterus.

For example, there may be inflammation that needs urgent treatment. Endometriosis can also be present. This is where the uterine tissue settles not only in the uterus, but also on tissue outside it. Cervical cancer and uterine lining cancer should also be considered.

More rarely, vaginal bleeding is caused by a uterine sagging. The uterus is basically held in its correct position by the connective tissue. If this should now give way, the uterus sinks down and in the worst case can even slip out through the vagina. Furthermore, fibroids should be considered. These are benign growths in the uterus that can also cause vaginal bleeding.

With disease of the cervix

Cervical disease causes vaginal bleeding. This bleeding often 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. Under certain circumstances, cell changes can occur here. If these turn out to be malignant, then it is called cervical cancer.

For complications in the last months of pregnancy

If most of the pregnancy went well and bleeding has only occurred in the last few months, this indicates placental abnormality.

If this bleeding is painless, the placenta may have shifted in the uterus. This is too deep in the uterus and causes vaginal bleeding. If, on the other hand, the vaginal bleeding is painful, the placenta may have loosened from the uterus. This should be clarified urgently by a doctor.

When the vagina is inflamed

An inflammation of the vagina (see also Vaginal infections) can lead to unexpected bleeding. The discharge from the vagina is thin and watery. It is also provided with blood.

Inflammation of the vagina is the most common disease of the female genital organ. Here the protective mechanism of the vaginal mucous membrane is disturbed. It is very easy for the corresponding pathogens to cause inflammation in the vagina through this disorder.

In addition to the bleeding, affected persons 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 found, it can also lead to a vaginal bleeding.

Diseases with this symptom

• Ectopic pregnancy
• Myoma
• cervical cancer

• Miscarriage
• Uterus subsidence
• Vaginal cancer

• Endometriosis
• Uterine cancer
• Vaginal infections

When should you go to the doctor?

Vaginal bleeding is easy to confuse with menstrual bleeding. If they occur at the time of the menstrual period, it is clear what it is. If there is significant vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, however, the woman should be careful.

There are various reasons during pregnancy, such as the implantation of the egg or the discharge of the mucous plug shortly before birth, which can lead to minimal vaginal bleeding. If, on the other hand, bleeding occurs suddenly, in a surge or with large amounts of blood or is accompanied by pain, the pregnant woman must see a doctor as soon as possible or, even better, go to the emergency room. Vaginal bleeding outside of pregnancy is of concern even if it is unrelated to the menstrual period. Spotting can occasionally occur and indicate, for example, a hormonal imbalance or an intolerance to a hormonal contraceptive. If they are observed more frequently, they must be clarified by a doctor.

Painful, recurring vaginal bleeding may be due to an injury or disease of the internal female genital 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 of it are conceivable. Slight vaginal bleeding in connection with altered discharge, burning and itching in the genital area, however, are an indication of a sexually transmitted disease. Such symptoms quickly disappear with treatment, but without a doctor's diagnosis this cannot be initiated.

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Outlook & forecast

Vaginal bleeding occurs in most cases with miscarriages or with diseases of the uterus and cervix. The miscarriage is the most likely cause of the vaginal bleeding and is therefore always checked by a doctor first. If the pregnancy has not yet been recognized, a test must be carried out 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, this can in many cases be treated with the help of medication or surgery. Complications can arise if the disease is cancerous. In this case it is not possible to predict the course of the disease. A tumor is often present when the vaginal bleeding occurs immediately after or even during intercourse. In this case, it is advisable to urgently consult a doctor.

In many cases, however, vaginal bleeding occurs even if the vagina is inflamed. This inflammation is harmless and can be fought quickly with the help of ointments and suppositories. In addition to vaginal bleeding, this also leads to a reddened vagina and itching in the affected areas.

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You can do that yourself

Vaginal bleeding can have many causes and should therefore always be clarified by a gynecologist first. In addition, various measures and home remedies promise relief. Harmless menstrual periods can be treated with typical relaxation measures and antispasmodic home remedies such as women's mantle tea or monk's pepper. Goose weed 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. Yoga, physiotherapy and other measures to promote blood circulation also help. Ice packs on the tailbone reduce bleeding and have a pain reliever. Acupuncture and acupressure, among others, are recommended as alternative healing methods. Corresponding applications release substances in the brain and muscles that regulate the menstrual cycle in a natural way. 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 ectopic pregnancy must always be treated by an emergency doctor. The same applies if a miscarriage or a serious disease of the uterus or the cervix is ​​suspected to be the cause. If the cause is unclear, a doctor should be consulted.