Abnormal Bleeding

What is abnormal bleeding?

You’re likely to experience abnormal bleeding at some point in your life. Abnormal bleeding most commonly occurs at the beginning or end of your reproductive years.

Abnormal bleeding is defined as:

• Bleeding between periods
• Bleeding that is heavier than normal
• Bleeding lasting longer than usual
• Bleeding after intercourse
• Bleeding after menopause

Left untreated, you may develop an iron deficiency, and anemia can develop in some cases. The doctors at Progressive Care for Women recommend prompt evaluation of any abnormal bleeding.

What causes abnormal bleeding?

The causes of abnormal bleeding are usually benign and easily treatable. Causes include:

• Hormonal imbalance
• Uterine fibroids
• Uterine polyps
• Pelvic or vaginal infections

In rare cases, precancerous or cancerous cells can cause abnormal bleeding. Diagnosing abnormal bleeding typically involves lab tests, an ultrasound, or an endometrial biopsy.

How is abnormal bleeding treated?

After an exam, your doctor at Progressive Care for Women recommends the treatment that’s right for your condition. Your treatment might include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen)
• Oral contraceptive pills
• Hormonal IUD (such as Mirena)

If these options don’t help, you may need surgery. Your doctor discusses all aspects of your surgical options, such as hysteroscopy with polypectomy or myomectomy, a hysterectomy, or endometrial ablation. Many of these procedures are performed at Progressive Care for Women.

What happens during an endometrial ablation?

Endometrial ablation is a procedure to ablate, or destroy, your endometrium, which is the lining of your uterus. The treatment doesn’t require incisions, and may be performed in several ways.

Your doctor at Progressive Care for Women may perform:

• Electrosurgery: A heated wire loop removes the endometrium.
• Cryoablation: A cooling mechanism is placed inside the uterus to freeze and destroy the endometrium.
• Free-flowing hot fluid: Heated saline fluid circulates for around 10 minutes to remove the endometrium.
• Heated balloon: A balloon device is inflated in the uterus with heated fluid to remove the endometrium.
• Microwave: A slender wand heats and removes endometrial tissue.
• Radiofrequency: A small device transmits radiofrequency energy to vaporize endometrial tissue.

Your doctor at Progressive Care for Women discusses the best treatment option for your condition.

What should I expect after endometrial ablation?

You may experience cramps for a few days afterward, and have watery vaginal discharge for a few weeks. Your periods typically become lighter after endometrial ablation, although it may take a few months to occur.

If you’ve been searching for relief from abnormal bleeding, call today or schedule a consultation online with Progressive Care for Women.