Intermenstrual Bleeding

  1. What is breakthrough bleeding?
  2. Prognosis of the disease
  3. Symptoms of breakthrough bleeding
  4. Medical tests for breakthrough bleeding
  5. What are the causes of breakthrough bleeding?
  6. Can breakthrough bleeding be prevented?
  7. What is the treatment for breakthrough bleeding?
  8. What specialist treats it?

What is breakthrough bleeding?

Breakthrough bleeding is vaginal bleeding that occurs between a woman’s monthly menstrual periods. It can produce a unilateral lower abdominal pain associated with ovulation. It usually lasts between 2 and 6 days.

Prognosis of the disease

Spotting may indicate the presence of serious conditions such as uterine tumors or cancer, among others. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Symptoms of breakthrough bleeding

The most obvious symptom is bleeding, but there may be other symptoms such as pain, tiredness, dizziness or even fever.

Medical tests for intermenstrual bleeding

A physical examination, transvaginal ultrasound and endometrial biopsy scraping may be required.

What are the causes of breakthrough bleeding?

The causes of this pathology can be, among others:

  • Uterine fibroids
  • Spontaneous miscarriage
  • Ectopic pregnancy
  • Underactive thyroid
  • Cancer or precancer of the cervix or uterus
  • Stress
  • Infection
  • Intrauterine device
  • Cervicitis
  • Polyps
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Vaginal lesions

The best way to determine the cause is to have a gynecological examination.

Can breakthrough bleeding be prevented?

Depending on its cause, breakthrough bleeding sometimes cannot be prevented. However, in some cases it can be prevented by taking the following measures:

  • Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and normal weight.
  • Follow your doctor’s instructions to prevent hormonal imbalances (if you take oral contraceptives).
  • Doing moderate physical activity
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What is the treatment for breakthrough bleeding?

Treatment will depend on the cause, but usually the following therapies are used:

  • Birth control pills, intrauterine device (IUD), progesterone pills and painkillers before the period to avoid discomfort.
  • Hormonal medications to reinstate ovulation or control bleeding.
  • Surgery to remove most of the endometrial tissue to decrease the amount of bleeding.
  • Surgery to treat a structural abnormality of the uterus or endometrium.
  • Iron supplementation for women who are anemic from excessive bleeding.

What specialist treats it?

The specialist to treat monthly bleeding are experts in Gynecology and Obstetrics.