Vaginal bleeding

Vaginal bleeding may be a normal period, but bleeding between periods, after sex, during pregnancy, after the menopause or in a child needs assessment. Severity depends on pregnancy, pain, dizziness, fever, age and medicines, as well as the amount.

• Heavy bleeding with fainting, becoming pale and clammy, severe abdominal pain or pregnancy may be life-threatening.
• Take a pregnancy test for a missed period or possible pregnancy, even when using contraception.
• Bleeding after the menopause must always be investigated, even if it happens only once or is a small amount.
• Bleeding after sex or between periods often has a benign cause, but infection and cervical abnormalities need to be ruled out.
• Keep a bleeding diary and report all medicines, contraception and blood thinners.
• Treatment targets the cause and may range from monitoring or hormones to treatment for infection, a polyp, a pregnancy-related cause or cancer.