Abnormal vaginal bleeding

Abnormal vaginal bleeding

Abnormal vaginal bleeding varies, depending on what is normal for a particular woman.

Vaginal bleeding is considered to be abnormal if it occurs:

  • When you are not expecting your menstrual period.
  • After sex.
  • When your menstrual flow is lighter or heavier than is normal for you.
  • At an unexpected time of life, such as before age 10 or after menopause.
Note:

Vaginal bleeding refers to bleeding coming from inside the vagina, not from a cut or scrape on the outside of the vagina (vulvar skin).

Credits

Author Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Updated November 28, 2006