Vaginal Bleeding Between Periods

Alternate Names : Intermenstrual Bleeding, Spotting, Metrorrhagia

What are the treatments for the condition?

If bleeding is heavy, medications may be given to help stop the bleeding. Progesterone medicines are often given. Blood transfusions are rarely needed.

Other treatment is directed at the cause. For instance, an infection may need to be treated with antibiotics. Women with cancer may need surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Women with adenomyosis may need a hysterectomy, or surgery to remove the uterus.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Side effects depend on the treatments used. All medications have possible side effects. For instance, progesterone drugs can cause headache and nausea. Antibiotics can cause allergic reactions and stomach upset. Specific side effects depend on the drugs used. All surgery carries a risk of bleeding, infection, and reactions to any pain medications used.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

This depends on the cause. If the cause is an infection and the infection is treated with antibiotics, no further treatment or monitoring may be needed. If the cause is cancer, close monitoring and treatment may be needed for life.

How is the condition monitored?

For heavy bleeding, a CBC to measure the blood counts are used. Other monitoring depends on the underlying cause. For instance, a woman found to have an early pregnancy might need frequent monitoring to determine whether or not she has lost the fetus.