Vaginal Bleeding
- PMID: 29261898
- Bookshelf ID: NBK470230
Vaginal Bleeding
Excerpt
Vaginal bleeding is a common complaint with a broad differential diagnosis. Vaginal bleeding can be classified as acute or chronic and can occur in all age groups. This article reviews the general approach to evaluating a patient with vaginal bleeding and the initial management steps that should be taken.
Within this article, the term "vaginal bleeding" will be used to describe any abnormal (ie, nonmenstrual) bleeding, including:
Any bleeding that occurs outside of normal menses in menstruating individuals
A menstrual bleed that is abnormally heavy or prolonged
Any bleeding during pregnancy
Bleeding in postmenopausal people or prepubescent children
Copyright © 2025, StatPearls Publishing LLC.
Conflict of interest statement
Sections
- Continuing Education Activity
- Introduction
- Etiology
- Epidemiology
- History and Physical
- Evaluation
- Treatment / Management
- Differential Diagnosis
- Prognosis
- Complications
- Consultations
- Deterrence and Patient Education
- Pearls and Other Issues
- Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes
- Review Questions
- References
References
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- Munro MG, Critchley HO, Broder MS, Fraser IS, FIGO Working Group on Menstrual Disorders FIGO classification system (PALM-COEIN) for causes of abnormal uterine bleeding in nongravid women of reproductive age. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2011 Apr;113(1):3-13. - PubMed
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- Munro MG, Critchley HOD, Fraser IS, FIGO Menstrual Disorders Committee The two FIGO systems for normal and abnormal uterine bleeding symptoms and classification of causes of abnormal uterine bleeding in the reproductive years: 2018 revisions. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2018 Dec;143(3):393-408. - PubMed
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- Committee on Practice Bulletins—Gynecology. Practice bulletin no. 128: diagnosis of abnormal uterine bleeding in reproductive-aged women. Obstet Gynecol. 2012 Jul;120(1):197-206. - PubMed
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- Brosens I, Benagiano G. Clinical significance of neonatal menstruation. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2016 Jan;196:57-9. - PubMed
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- Hendriks E, MacNaughton H, MacKenzie MC. First Trimester Bleeding: Evaluation and Management. Am Fam Physician. 2019 Feb 01;99(3):166-174. - PubMed
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