Not every drop of blood is called "period"! These 5 "blood alarms" require prompt medical attention

Vaginal bleeding is a common symptom in women and can be caused by a variety of reasons. Whether it is abnormal bleeding outside of the menstrual cycle or bleeding related to sexual intercourse or pregnancy, it needs to be taken seriously.

Director Cai Yu of the Department of Gynecology at the Hunan Provincial Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine (Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine) will give you some popular science information.

1. What are the common causes of vaginal bleeding?

1. Physiological bleeding: Menstruation is a normal physiological phenomenon for women, but if the menstrual flow is too heavy, the menstrual period is too long or the cycle is irregular, it may be a signal of endocrine disorders, uterine fibroids and other problems.

2. Pregnancy-related bleeding: Vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy may be a sign of threatened abortion, ectopic pregnancy, etc., and you need to seek medical attention immediately.

3. Inflammation or infection: Inflammatory diseases such as vaginitis and cervicitis may cause vaginal bleeding, often accompanied by abnormal discharge, odor or itching.

4. Cervical lesions: Cervical polyps, cervical erosion or cervical precancerous lesions may also cause vaginal bleeding, especially bleeding after sexual intercourse.

5. Endometrial lesions: Diseases such as endometrial polyps, endometrial hyperplasia or endometrial cancer may cause abnormal bleeding.

6. Fluctuations in hormone levels: Menopausal women may experience irregular vaginal bleeding due to changes in hormone levels.

7. Trauma or foreign objects: Excessively intense sexual intercourse, improper use of tampons, or foreign objects in the vagina may also cause bleeding.

2. Under what circumstances do you need to seek medical attention promptly?

1. Unexplained vaginal bleeding outside the menstrual cycle.

2. Bleeding after sexual intercourse.

3. Vaginal bleeding occurs again after menopause.

4. Bleeding is heavy, lasts for a long time, or is accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain and fever.

5. Any form of vaginal bleeding during pregnancy.

3. How to prevent and deal with vaginal bleeding?

Director Cai Yu of the Department of Gynecology at the Hunan Provincial Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine (Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine) reminds everyone to take preventive measures from the following aspects:

1. Regular gynecological examinations: A gynecological examination once a year, including cervical cancer screening (such as TCT and HPV testing), can help detect lesions early.

2. Pay attention to personal hygiene: keep the vulva clean, avoid using irritating lotions, and choose underwear with good breathability.

3. Healthy lifestyle: A balanced diet, moderate exercise and a good attitude will help maintain endocrine balance.

4. Avoid high-risk sexual behavior: Use condoms to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.

4. What preparations do you need to make before seeking medical treatment?

During the consultation, the doctor will ask detailed questions to understand the time, amount, frequency and accompanying symptoms of bleeding. For those who are sexually active, a gynecological examination will be performed, and the vulva, vagina and cervix will be examined through inspection and palpation. Some other examinations will also be completed, such as B-ultrasound, hormone level testing, cervical cytology, etc., to help clarify the diagnosis.

Therefore, before seeing a doctor, please record your vaginal bleeding, wear loose clothing, and bring sanitary napkins.

Cai Yu, director of the Department of Gynecology at Hunan Provincial Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine (affiliated hospital of Hunan Provincial Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine) , reminds that vaginal bleeding may be a "red alarm" sent by the body and should not be ignored. See a doctor in time and identify the cause of the disease in order to effectively treat it.

Female friends should take care of their health, have regular physical examinations, and diagnose and treat problems early. Health is the foundation of a happy life. Let us protect women's health together!

Hunan Medical Chat Special Author: Sun Menglin, Department of Gynecology, Hunan Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine (Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine)

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(Edited by ZS)