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Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Same- or next-day appointments with a GP or a consultant gynaecologist
- Access to the right tests and diagnostics for you
- Personalised treatment, led by your knowledge of your body
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ABNORMAL VAGINAL BLEEDING AT HCA HEALTHCARE UK
Why choose us?
We know that excessive vaginal bleeding can be confusing and worrying, and we’re here to help. We have decades of experience in women’s health, and our consultants, nurses and support staff are dedicated to making sure you’re treated with care, respect and expertise.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding is common, and usually isn’t a sign of anything serious, but it shouldn’t be dismissed. Our longer appointments are designed to give you time to share your concerns in full, and for your consultant to get a real understanding of your symptoms. They’ll have access to state-of-the-art technology for any tests or treatment you may need, and you’ll be an active partner in your own medical pathway at every step.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding is common, and usually isn’t a sign of anything serious, but it shouldn’t be dismissed. Our longer appointments are designed to give you time to share your concerns in full, and for your consultant to get a real understanding of your symptoms. They’ll have access to state-of-the-art technology for any tests or treatment you may need, and you’ll be an active partner in your own medical pathway at every step.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding, also known as abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), is a medical term for bleeding that’s heavier, lasts longer or is different from what you’d normally experience during your period.
There’s no such thing as a ‘standard’ period, and every woman is different. For example, many women have heavier or longer menstrual periods without any concerns.
If you’re trying to decide what’s abnormal or a cause for concern, it’s important to trust your own body and instincts, rather than trying to seek a comparison with other women or looking for a definitive external sign. If anything about your vaginal bleeding feels unexpected or worrying, then you should seek medical advice.
For example, if you’re bleeding more than usual during your menstrual cycle, or you’re bleeding when you’re not on your period, get in touch. Or if you’ve been through the menopause your periods will have stopped, so vaginal bleeding needs to be investigated.
Your periods also stop when you’re pregnant. While studies suggest random vaginal bleeding may occur in as many as 25% of pregnancies, it can also be an indicator of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, so you should seek help if this happens to you.
There’s no such thing as a ‘standard’ period, and every woman is different. For example, many women have heavier or longer menstrual periods without any concerns.
If you’re trying to decide what’s abnormal or a cause for concern, it’s important to trust your own body and instincts, rather than trying to seek a comparison with other women or looking for a definitive external sign. If anything about your vaginal bleeding feels unexpected or worrying, then you should seek medical advice.
For example, if you’re bleeding more than usual during your menstrual cycle, or you’re bleeding when you’re not on your period, get in touch. Or if you’ve been through the menopause your periods will have stopped, so vaginal bleeding needs to be investigated.
Your periods also stop when you’re pregnant. While studies suggest random vaginal bleeding may occur in as many as 25% of pregnancies, it can also be an indicator of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, so you should seek help if this happens to you.
Again, you’re the best judge of your own body and how you experience your period. You may regularly have a heavy period that doesn’t cause you any problems or require medical help. The key factor is when something about your vaginal bleeding is unexpected or feels different from what you normally experience.
For example, these might be signs that you’re having more than a heavy period, and should seek medical advice:
For example, these might be signs that you’re having more than a heavy period, and should seek medical advice:
- Bleeding from your vagina when you’re not on your period
- Blood soaking through your clothes or bedding when you’re on your period
- If you need to change your sanitary products more than usual
- If you need to use multiple sanitary products at the same time
- Unexpected vaginal bleeding that leaves you feeling weak, tired or short of breath
Abnormal vaginal bleeding should always be investigated by a doctor. It can be caused by conditions that need specialist investigation and treatment, such as:
- Hormonal changes: You’ll probably experience abnormal vaginal bleeding in some form during your life, particularly during the sudden hormone balance changes caused by puberty or perimenopause. However, abnormal vaginal bleeding can also be a sign that your hormonal balance has been changed by polycystic ovary syndrome, stress or obesity.
- Infections: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea can inflame your cervix and cause abnormal vaginal bleeding between periods.
- Non-cancerous growths: Fibroids, adenomyosis, polyps and endometriosis may cause irregular vaginal bleeding by damaging surrounding tissues or by bleeding themselves.
- Cancer: In rare cases, abnormal vaginal bleeding may be a sign of cancers in your uterus, cervix, vagina or ovaries.
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ABNORMAL VAGINAL BLEEDING TESTS AND SCANS AT HCA UK
Sympathetic, effective diagnosis
The first step in any diagnosis will be a conversation between you and your doctor. You know your own body best, so they’ll ask about your specific symptoms, your medical history and your overall health, and listen carefully to your concerns. If you’re able to keep a period diary before your appointment, it can help guide the conversation and give your doctor a fuller understanding of your condition.
If you’re referred to one of our dedicated consultants, they may recommend one of the following tests to help them make a more accurate diagnosis:
If you’re referred to one of our dedicated consultants, they may recommend one of the following tests to help them make a more accurate diagnosis:
- A pregnancy test
- Blood tests
- Tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- A physical examination of your vagina and cervix
- An ultrasound scan
- A hysteroscopy
- A colposcopy
ABNORMAL VAGINAL BLEEDING TREATMENTS AT HCA UK
Treatments we offer
Abnormal vaginal bleeding can sometimes just happen once. If your doctor or consultant doesn’t find any underlying cause and it’s not impacting your health, you may not need any treatment at all.
If you do need treatment, it will be focused on what’s causing the bleeding, and shaped by your specific symptoms, the impact they have on your life, and whether or not you want to get pregnant in the future.
Potential treatment and management approaches can include:
- Birth control medication
- An LNG-IUS implant like the contraceptive coil
- Iron tablets to combat anaemia
- A hysteroscopy to remove polyps or fibroids treat
- Endometrial ablation
- A hysterectomy
Some particularly complex cases can require surgery, but it’s rarely a first option.
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all of our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll give you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding FAQ
It’s very common and it’s estimated to be the reason for a fifth of all gynaecological referrals in the UK. Most people assigned female at birth will probably experience irregular vaginal bleeding at some point in their lives. Many people who experience it don’t recognise that it’s happening or seek medical help.
So, if you experience any kind of vaginal bleeding when you’re not on your period, or vaginal bleeding that feels unexpected in any way, you should see a doctor. Whether the underlying causes are serious or simple, you may be able to get help treating your symptoms and understanding your body better.
So, if you experience any kind of vaginal bleeding when you’re not on your period, or vaginal bleeding that feels unexpected in any way, you should see a doctor. Whether the underlying causes are serious or simple, you may be able to get help treating your symptoms and understanding your body better.
Some causes of abnormal vaginal bleeding can’t be prevented without specialist treatment. However, you can take steps to reduce your risk of developing some of the underlying conditions that can cause it. Those steps include trying to reduce your risk of developing an underlying condition that causes abnormal vaginal bleeding.
- Eating a balanced diet and exercising to maintain a healthy weight
- Practicing safe sex to reduce your risk of STIs
- Following directions for contraceptive treatment properly to help you avoid hormone imbalances
- If abnormal vaginal bleeding leads to anaemia symptoms, iron supplements or eating iron-rich foods like red meat, beans and nuts may help
Abnormal vaginal bleeding is common and can happen for a wide variety of reasons. Your doctor will talk to you in detail about your symptoms, but you’re the best judge of your own body, and so it can be useful to have some questions of your own. These can help determine the impact of your symptoms, what kind of treatment might be most effective, and what works best for you and your life.
Useful questions can include:
Useful questions can include:
- Is my bleeding considered abnormal?
- What tests are available?
- Am I at risk of developing other health conditions?
- What treatment options are available?
- How might different treatments impact fertility?
Yes, if you can. Everyone’s experience of the menstrual cycle is different, and what’s abnormal for one person might be totally normal for another. Keeping a period diary can provide your doctor with more clarity when they’re diagnosing your condition and advising you on any potential treatment. It can be as simple as noting the days when you have abnormal bleeding and any symptoms, but the more detail you can provide, the more insight your doctor will have.
Here are some examples of useful information you could note:
Here are some examples of useful information you could note:
- Cycle: Start date, end date, flow level, blood colour
- Symptoms: Cramps, bloating, mood swings, fatigue
- Ovulation: Cervical mucus, temperature changes, mid-cycle pain
- Lifestyle: Sleep, energy, diet, exercise, stress
- Medications: Pain relief, supplements, hormonal treatments
- Sexual activity: Activity, contraception
- Abnormalities: Spotting, irregular cycles, heavy bleeding
- Notes: Patterns, triggers, major life events
“By giving you the time and space to share your story, we ensure every decision is guided by your knowledge of your body, supported by our expert diagnostics and compassionate care.”
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.