Metrorrhagia is vaginal bleeding that occurs outside of the menstrual period, between different rules. Generally, menstruation lasts between 3 and 7 days and between each rule, between 24 and 35 days pass, approximately. If during this period you suffer any vaginal bleeding, it is what is known as metrorrhagia. This gynecological disorder can be caused by different reasons, although the most common is that it is a minor condition.
However, to know the specific cause, it is best to go to your gynecologist for an examination. That way, you can make sure there is no major problem and receive the appropriate treatment according to your case.
Causes of metrorrhagia
These are some of the most common causes of metrorrhagia:
Contraceptive treatments
Some estrogen-based treatments or pregnancy control pills can cause vaginal bleeding outside of the menstrual period. Also el IUD (the intrauterine device) can cause irritation in the vaginal mucosa and this in turn, produce slight occasional bleeding.
An ectopic pregnancy
El ectopic pregnancy is he who occurs outside the uterine cavityIn most cases, it is an unviable pregnancy and it can be very serious for the mother. Metrorrhagia is one of the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy and it is vitally important to detect and treat it as urgently as possible.
Miscarriage
Another of the most common causes of bleeding between periods or metrorrhagia is a miscarriage. Many women suffer the loss of a pregnancy and sometimes it is difficult to discover the exact reason. The spontaneous abortion It can be caused by different reasons, some can come from the fetus and in other cases from the mother.
Hypothyroidism
Una poor thyroid gland function It can cause various hormonal problems, including vaginal bleeding between periods or metrorrhagia.
Cervicitis
Is inflammation of the cervix. Cervicitis is usually caused by an infection, often caused by a sexually transmitted disease.
Injuries to the vagina
Different lesions can occur in the vaginal opening, such as polyps, genital warts, trauma, unsafe sex or infections, among other. All of these lesions can cause vaginal bleeding outside of menstruation.
Polyps in the uterus
Polyps are small tumors that can grow in different parts of the bodyWhen they develop in utero, one of the first symptoms is metrorrhagia. In most cases they are benign tumors, however, it is essential to detect and treat them in time to avoid complications.
Endometrial hyperplasia
In some cases, the endometrium grows abnormally, leading to vaginal bleeding. The endometrium is the layer of mucosa found in the upper area of the uterus. Endometrial hyperplasia can be caused by different reasons, but one of its features is vaginal bleeding.
STDs
The most common sexually transmitted diseases, like gonorrhea or chlamydia, usually produce lesions in the vagina such as those mentioned in previous points. Polyps, genital warts etc, cause vaginal bleeding, especially after having sexual intercourse.
Cancer
In most cases, metrorrhagia is caused by easily treatable and minor causes, however, there are also important causes. Cancer is one of the possible causes of vaginal bleeding between periods, in this case it can be cancer in the uterus, in the cervix or in the fallopian tubes.
Menopause
When menopause comes, there is a drastic drop in estrogen levels, this in turn produces vaginal dryness which is the main cause of bleeding between periods.
When to go to the doctor
Vaginal bleeding between periods is always a sign that something is wrong. Most likely, it is something unimportant, however, it is essential diagnose the reason for the metrorrhagia as soon as possible. In this way, you can avoid complications and other major problems.
If you have bleeding outside of menstruation or after intercourse, request an appointment with your gynecologist as soon as possible.