Vaginal Bleeding Treatment

Vaginal bleeding treatment
Treatment of abnormal vaginal and uterine bleeding will depend on many factors, including the cause of the bleeding.  Once the cause is found, it often can be treated with success.  Just remember that there is no way to tell why your bleeding is abnormal until
your doctor examines you.

Causes of vaginal bleeding
Common causes of abnormal vaginal bleeding include:

• Hormone problems
• Hormone pills, such as birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy
• Uterine fibroids or polyps
• Cancer of the cervix, ovaries, uterus or vagina
• Thyroid problems

Treatment of abnormal vaginal bleeding falls into three main categories: Medications, Surgery, or "Watch and wait". Most women can be treated with medications.  Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen, may help control heavy bleeding. Or if you have an infection, you will be given antibiotics.  But the most popular treatment medication prescribed for vaginal bleeding is hormones. 

Hormones
In some women, too much or not enough of a certain hormone can cause abnormal or heavy bleeding. This imbalance can be controlled some types of hormones such as birth control pills, injections, vaginal creams or via an IUD. The type of hormone you take will depend on whether you want to get pregnant as well as your age.

Hormone therapy may take a few months before you start to notice effects. Your periods may be heavier at first. However, they usually will lighten over time. If they do not, let your doctor know.

Surgery
Some women may need to have surgery to remove polyps or fibroids that cause bleeding. Or, your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure to help control bleeding.  A Hysterectomy may be performed when other forms of treatment have failed or they are not an option.

Watch and Wait
Your doctor might also recommend that you watch your symptoms over time.  A Menstrual Flow Diary can help you keep track of menstrual cycle and any bleeding abnormalities.  Note the dates, length, and type of any vaginal bleeding on a calendar (light, medium, heavy, or spotting).  Then, report your findings to your doctor.

In the end, discuss all treatment options with your doctor before choosing a specific type treatment.  If you think you might be pregnant, let your doctor know before you start any form of treatment for vaginal bleeding.  After you choose a treatment method, evaluate how well treatment is working by taking follow up exams. Let the doctor know if you have concerns about a particular treatment or change in your daily life.  You and your doctor can work together to examine, diagnose and treat the causes of irregular vaginal bleeding.