Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding

Emergencies

Yes	Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• Signs of shock
• Unexpected vaginal bleeding with lower abdominal pain and fainting

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Note:

If you are pregnant, go to the topic Pregnancy-Related Problems. Call your doctor to discuss your symptoms if you have: Given birth or had a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or abortion within the last 8 weeks. Had a hysterectomy within the last 6 weeks.

Yes	Do you think you might be pregnant?
Yes	Do you have severe vaginal bleeding?
Yes	Do you think vaginal bleeding may be caused by sexual abuse?
Yes	Do you have new lower abdominal pain with unexpected vaginal bleeding?
Yes	Do you have abnormal vaginal bleeding and a fever?
Yes	Do you have vaginal bleeding after intercourse or douching?
Yes	Are you using a hormonal birth control method, and your periods are different than what your doctor told you to expect?
Yes	Have you had abnormal vaginal bleeding after a hysterectomy, during perimenopause, or after menopause?
Yes	Has vaginal bleeding started before age 10?
Yes	Do you think that your vaginal bleeding is caused by a medicine?
Yes	Have you had unexpected vaginal bleeding while taking hormone replacement therapy?
Yes	Do you have minimal to moderate vaginal bleeding?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

• Abdominal pain: Go to the topic Abdominal Pain, Age 11 and Younger or Abdominal Pain, Age 12 and Older.
• Menstrual cramps: Go to the topic Menstrual Cramps.
• Two or more missed periods: Go to the topic Missed or Irregular Periods.
• Bleeding from a cut or scrape that you can see: Go to the topic Cuts or Scrapes.
• Vaginal problems: Go to the topic Vaginal Problems.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: August 29, 2007
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Donald Sproule, MD, CM, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
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