Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Treated by Expert Doctors at Mercy
The gynecologists of The Institute for Gynecologic Care at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland, have particular expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding, the most common gynecologic condition among women. Mercy’s doctors and clinical teams help patients determine what treatments are best suited for their particular needs.
Abnormal uterine bleeding refers to irregular bleeding from the vagina due to changes in hormone levels and most commonly occurs when the ovaries do not release an egg. Changes in hormone levels cause periods to occur later or earlier and sometimes heavier than normal. The causes and severity of abnormal uterine bleeding typically depend on the patient’s reproductive age.
Symptoms range from mild to severe and include:
- Bleeding between periods
- Bleeding after sex
- Bleeding heavier or more than usual
- Spotting anytime in the menstrual cycle
- Bleeding after menopause
Physical exams, blood and pregnancy tests, as well as a review of your medical history and menstrual cycle, may be part of the initial diagnostic process. Based on your symptoms, further testing may be necessary, including ultrasounds and diagnostic hysteroscopy, in which a thin device is inserted through the vagina and the opening of the cervix to provide doctors a view inside the uterus.
Medications are often used to control abnormal uterine bleeding. In some cases, surgery such as operative hysteroscopy may be necessary to remove growths that cause bleeding. When other forms of treatment don’t present the desired results, a hysterectomy may be performed.