When to See a Doctor About Vaginal Bleeding
Bleeding between your menstrual cycles could be due to a number of reasons. While some reasons are harmless, others warrant a trip to the doctor. Vaginal bleeding out of the normal realm of your period isn't something you should ignore.
At our facility in Plano, Texas, board-certified OB/GYN John Paul Roberts, MD, determines why you're experiencing irregular bleeding and provides the treatment that you need.
Here are some of the reasons for such bleeding and when you should seek medical treatment.
Conditions that lead to irregular bleeding
If you’re like many women, your period comes like clockwork. A variation of a few days doesn’t necessarily signal a problem.
But when you begin bleeding between your periods or spotting beforehand, something else could be going on. It might be nothing of concern, or it could be a condition that requires treatment.
Your menstrual cycle is very sensitive and can vary by several days if the circumstances are right. Sometimes intense exercising or extreme stress may be the culprit, but there are other conditions that can cause irregular bleeding, including:
- Uterine fibroids
- Cancer
- Hormone imbalance
- Infection
- Complications during pregnancy
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Perimenopause
Endometriosis is another medical condition that may lead to bleeding outside of your normal menstrual cycle. Many of the reasons for irregular bleeding are a nuisance, but nonetheless should be treated appropriately.
Signs that you need to see a doctor
Not all causes of irregular vaginal bleeding are a cause for concern, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. See Dr. Roberts as soon as you can if you have:
Pain
Any time you experience a significant amount of pain with abnormal vaginal bleeding, it can be a concern. If you have pain that coincides with bleeding outside of your menstrual cycle, call us for an appointment.
Fatigue
Too much vaginal bleeding can lead to problems like anemia, which may lead to extreme fatigue. If you’re bleeding heavily between your periods and you often feel tired, it’s definitely time to make an appointment.
Dizziness
Along with fatigue, heavy bleeding can also lead to dizziness, and in some instances, fainting. Whether you have very heavy menstrual cycles or you’re just bleeding constantly, even when you don’t have your period, dizziness is a sign that you should see Dr. Roberts for an exam.
Fever
A fever traditionally signals that there’s an infection brewing in your body. If you notice you have a fever and it happens when you’re having irregular bleeding, it’s definitely a cause for concern. You may also notice that you have an irregular vaginal discharge or pelvic pain.
If you’re pregnant and begin to have vaginal bleeding, it’s crucial that you see Dr. Roberts right away. Even if all you notice is spotting, make an appointment to ensure the health of you and your baby.
Your period can exhibit abnormal signs as well. For instance, if you notice a significant change in the bleeding patterns of your menstrual cycle, make an appointment with Dr. Roberts to rule out any medical problems.
The same goes if you’re soaking through more than one tampon or pad in an hour. If this continues for more than a few hours, call us right away. You never want to let heavy or irregular bleeding go without making sure there’s not a medical reason behind it.
Don't let irregular vaginal bleeding go without treatment. Call our office in Plano, Texas, to make an appointment. You can also use the online booking tool here on our website.