Vaginal Bleeding Between Periods
Alternate Names : Abnormal Uterine Bleeding, Bleeding Between Periods, Intermenstrual Bleeding, Metrorrhagia, Spotting
Definition Intermenstrual bleeding is uterine bleeding that occurs between menstrual periods.
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Overview & Considerations
Normal menstrual flow lasts about 4 days, produces a total blood loss of 30 to 80 ml (about 2 to 8 tablespoons), and occurs normally every 28 days (+/-7 days).
Vaginal bleeding may be something to worry about for women over age 50 (postmenopausal). The risk of malignancy increases with age.
Make sure that bleeding is coming from the vagina and is not from the rectum or in the urine. Inserting a tampon into the vagina will confirm the vagina/cervix/uterus as the source of bleeding.
A careful exam by your health care provider is frequently the best way to sort out the source of the bleeding. This exam can be accomplished even while you are bleeding. Do not delay getting an exam just because you are currently bleeding.
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