Do you have to change your tampon or pad several times a day? You may be experiencing abnormal uterine bleeding, which refers to excessive menstrual bleeding or a cycle that lasts longer than seven days. Dr. Young Kim is a highly experienced OBGYN at Youngs OBGYN clinic in Antioch, California. He provides the best care for women suffering from abnormal uterine bleeding. Call or schedule your appointment online today.
When you experience bleeding between your menstrual cycles or if your period lasts longer than seven days, you may have abnormal uterine bleeding (metrorrhagia). During your period, if you have to change your pad or tampons often due to excessive bleeding, you may be experiencing abnormal uterine bleeding.
Bleeding during pregnancy may be another sign. But it could be a symptom of a deeper, underlying issue. If you experience bleeding while pregnant, consult Dr. Kim immediately for an examination.
Additionally, once you’re diagnosed as menopausal, bleeding during this time is considered abnormal, and you should bring it to Dr. Kim’s attention.
There are several causes of abnormal uterine bleeding:
In rare cases of abnormal uterine bleeding, it might be a sign of:
Abnormal bleeding can cause iron deficiencies in your body, also known as anemia.
Abnormal uterine bleeding is diagnosed by a physical examination. During the exam, you’ll need to discuss your medical history with Dr. Kim. Based on the provided information, he may determine that additional testing is necessary to diagnose the condition such as:
Common treatment options include:
While birth control can be a cause of abnormal bleeding, a different type may help alleviate it. Birth control is often the first recommended treatment for abnormal bleeding. If it’s not effective for you, Dr. Kim may recommend surgical options, particularly endometrial ablation. This procedure uses tools to destroy the lining of your uterus, which reduces abnormal bleeding. As a result, women stop having their menstrual cycles completely.
If previous treatments are unsuccessful, Dr. Kim may recommend a hysterectomy, which requires surgery, to remove your uterus. But this is usually only recommended as a last-resort option.
