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Book

Vaginal Bleeding

In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan.
.
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Book

Vaginal Bleeding

Rebecca Jeanmonod et al.
Free Books & Documents

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:

  1. Any bleeding that occurs outside of normal menses in menstruating individuals

  2. A menstrual bleed that is abnormally heavy or prolonged

  3. Any bleeding during pregnancy

  4. Bleeding in postmenopausal people or prepubescent children

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure: Rebecca Jeanmonod declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Christy Skelly declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Suzanne Jenkins declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Darin Agresti declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

References

    1. 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
    1. 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
    1. 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
    1. Brosens I, Benagiano G. Clinical significance of neonatal menstruation. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2016 Jan;196:57-9. - PubMed
    1. 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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