Vaginal bleeding

Vaginal bleeding is blood passing from the vagina, including menstrual flow and bleeding unrelated to menstruation. Its significance depends on timing, amount, pregnancy status, and other symptoms.

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Menstruation: The periodic shedding of the uterine lining, producing blood and tissue that pass through the vagina. It is the most common expected source of vaginal bleeding during reproductive years.
Anovulation: The absence of ovulation during a menstrual cycle. Without regular ovulation, unstable uterine lining can shed unpredictably.
Pregnancy test: A test that detects human chorionic gonadotropin to identify pregnancy. Checking for pregnancy changes the urgent causes and next steps for bleeding.
Heavy menstrual bleeding: Menstrual blood loss that is excessive or disrupts physical, social, or daily functioning. Heavy or prolonged flow can cause iron deficiency and anemia.
Menstrual cycle: Recurring hormonal changes that prepare the ovaries and uterus for possible pregnancy. Cycle timing helps classify bleeding as expected menstruation or an altered pattern.
Uterine fibroid: A noncancerous growth of smooth muscle in or around the uterus. Fibroids can increase menstrual bleeding or cause bleeding between periods.
Pelvic examination: A clinical examination of the external and internal reproductive organs, including the vagina and cervix. It can identify visible vaginal or cervical sources of bleeding.
Iron-deficiency anemia: A condition in which insufficient iron limits hemoglobin production and oxygen transport. Ongoing blood loss can deplete iron and produce fatigue or breathlessness.
Abnormal uterine bleeding: Bleeding from the uterus that differs from normal menstrual timing, duration, regularity, or volume. This clinical category includes many nonmenstrual episodes perceived as vaginal bleeding.
Endometrial polyp: A usually benign growth of the uterine lining projecting into the uterine cavity. Its fragile surface can cause irregular or postmenopausal bleeding.