Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

What is abnormal uterine bleeding?

Abnormal bleeding means irregular bleeding between normal menstrual periods, or bleeding after menopause. If you notice abnormal bleeding, it is important to talk to your GP or gynaecologist. A simple female pelvic exam and an up-to-date pap smear can help to look for any possible source of bleeding from the vulva, vagina and cervix.

What are the causes of abnormal uterine bleeding?

Non-cancerous (benign) growths inside the uterus, such as fibroids and polyps are commonly a cause.   Other conditions that we need to exclude are precancerous changes to the womb (endometrial hyperplasia) or endometrial cancer.

What further test are often done for abnormal uterine bleeding?

Following a pelvic US, a hysteroscopy dilatation and curretage may be performed to obtain a sample of the endometrial lining or remove a polyp identified at the time.