Unexpected bleeding between periods – latest advice from women’s health experts

Gynaecological cancer expert, Miss Adeola Olaitan from University College Hospital, provides the latest advice for any woman worried about abnormal vaginal bleeding.

She says:
“Bleeding from the vagina should always be considered abnormal if it happens when you are not having a period.”

Adeola goes on to set out the number of different types of abnormal vaginal bleeding:

1. Bleeding after the menopause has taken place (post-menopausal)
2. Bleeding after sex - post-coital bleeding
3. Intermenstrual bleeding (bleeding between periods)

This important article explains the causes and medical approaches as well as warning that bleeding can also be a sign for a cancer of the lining of the womb (endometrial cancer), particularly when it occurs in women in their mid to late forties. You should see your doctor if you get this symptom. The doctor will organise an ultrasound scan of your pelvis and may recommend a hysteroscopy if the lining of the womb appears unduly thick. As long as it is detected sufficiently early, endometrial cancer can be successfully treated.

For further information and access to the women’s health experts click here.
 

Abnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. Full medical glossary
The process of determining which condition a patient may have. Full medical glossary
Relating to the endometrium. Full medical glossary
Examination of the inside of the uterus by endoscopy, using an instrument called a hysteroscope inserted through the vagina and cervix. Full medical glossary
Relating to the menopause, the time of a woman’s life when her ovaries stop releasing an egg (ovum) on a monthly cycle. Full medical glossary

The time of a woman’s life when her ovaries stop releasing an egg (ovum) on a monthly cycle, and her periods cease

Full medical glossary
Excess accumulation of fat in the body. Full medical glossary
The bony basin formed by the hip bones and the lower vertebrae of the spine; also refers to the lower part of the abdomen. Full medical glossary
Occurring after coitus (sexual intercourse). Full medical glossary
A diagnostic method in which very high frequency sound waves are passed into the body and the reflective echoes analysed to build a picture of the internal organs – or of the foetus in the uterus. Full medical glossary
The muscula passage, forming part of the femal reproductive system, between the cervix and the external genitalia. Full medical glossary
The uterus. Full medical glossary