The uterus is the carrier organ of the female reproductive system. The ovaries release an egg to the uterus, by the process of ovulation, wherein it will wait for fertilization by the male sperm or else be discarded from the uterus in the monthly period of the woman. This monthly period is the menstrual cycle.Menstruation is classified normal when the uterine bleeding happens every 21 to 35 days and the bleeding is not excessively heavy. The normal duration of the menstrual period is anything between two to seven days.
What is abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) ?
A woman is said to have abnormal uterine bleeding if either the frequency or the quantity of uterine bleeding differs from the usual. Even if there is spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods, it is abnormal.
What is the cause for abnormal uterine bleeding ?
Abnormal uterine bleeding can be caused by various factors. However, the two most common causes of heavy bleeding are structural abnormalities of the reproductive system and disorders of ovulation. The common structural causes of abnormal uterine bleeding include benign (that is non-cancerous) lesions of the uterus such as polyps, fibroids (a focal muscle growth), or adenomyosis (thickening of the uterine walls caused by overgrowth of endometrial tissue). Other causes are bleeding associated with early pregnancy, miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Bleeding disorders also affect the blood’s clotting capability. Abnormal Uterine Bleeding is also seen with lesions of the cervix or vagina (benign and cancerous), chronic endometrial infections (endometritis), scar tissue or adhesions of the endometrium and the use of intrauterine devices (IUDs) can also be associated with abnormal uterine bleeding. Post-menopausal women will have different causes for uterine bleeding as women of reproductive age, so they should seek prompt care from a doctor for immediate treatment.
What are the types of abnormal uterine bleeding ?
It is classified into two types :
- Abnormal uterine bleeding : the occurrence of uterine bleeding related to structural abnormalities of the uterus or the endometrial lining.
- Anovulatory or dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) : the occurrence of uterine bleeding unrelated to structural abnormalities of the uterus or the endometrial lining. The cause of Dysfunctional bleeding is anovulation (absence of ovulation) and the absence of regulated estrogen and progesterone.
What are the clinical features of abnormal uterine bleeding ?
Symptoms of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding include severe uterine bleeding during menstruation. Spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods also can be noted at times. It is associated with significant psychological, physical, behavioural and social distress as well. It is a primary cause of absenteeism from work, schools and colleges amongst women. Associated symptoms include back pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and fatigue.
How is abnormal uterine bleeding diagnosed ?
- A complete physical examination of the body is mandatory.
- A thorough menstrual history including the age of onset at menarche, the menstrual cycle length and regularity, the duration and amount of blood flow is vital in the diagnosis of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding.History helps to establish the diagnosis of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding.
- An ultrasound and endoscopic examination may have to be done, for diagnosis of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding and to check presence of underlying problem.
- Ultrasound of the uterus : This will have to be undergone to study the uterus and its lining. The uterine check-up involves pelvic ultrasonography, trans-vaginal ultrasound and other imaging tests. Mostly, MRIs are more of use than CTs in imaging pelvic structures, especially in cases of adenomyosis.
- Hysteroscopy : This is a way the doctors can scan and examine the uterus. The doctor with the help of a miniature telescope inserted through the cervix, can see the entire uterus.
- Dilatation and Curettage (D&C) : A Dilatation And Curettage or a D & C may have to be performed. The patient’s cervix is opened or dilated and a particular curettage instrument removes tissue from the uterus. This is done in the operating room, when patient is under general anaesthesia. It helps in assessing endometrial tissue.
How is abnormal uterine bleeding treated ?
Abnormal uterine bleeding is seen commonly in women of reproductive age that generally can be corrected either by surgery or medication. Surgery will help correct the structural causes of abnormal uterine bleeding, whilst medicines help restore the usual menstrual cycles. Whatever may be the cause, there are many treatments to resolve the abnormal uterine bleeding.
How to find gynecologists for the treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding ?
Now you can find gynecologists for the treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from multiple gynecologists, get approximate cost for the treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding from different hospitals, compare things and then choose a gynecologist for the treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding.
Find and choose a gynecologist for the treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
