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Gynecologic hemorrhage represents excessive bleeding of the female reproductive system. Such bleeding could be visible or external, namely bleeding from the vagina, or it could be internal into the pelvic cavity or form a hematoma. Normal menstruation is not considered a gynecologic hemorrhage, as it is not excessive. Hemorrhage associated with a pregnant state or during delivery is an obstetrical hemorrhage.
Contents
- 1 Definition
- 2 Types
- 3 Causes
- 3.1 Hormonal
- 3.2 Neoplasm
- 3.3 Trauma
- 3.4 Bleeding disorder
- 3.5 Other
- 4 Diagnosis
- 5 Prevention
- 6 First aid
- 7 Clinical treatment
- 8 References
- 9 See also
Definition
Menstruation occurs typically monthly, lasts 3–7 days, and involves up to 80 ml blood. Bleeding in excess of this norm in a nonpregnant woman constitutes gynecologic hemorrhage. In addition, early pregnancy bleeding has sometimes been included as gynecologic hemorrhage, namely bleeding from a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy, while it actually represents obstetrical bleeding. However, from a practical view, early pregnancy bleeding is usually handled like a gynecological hemorrhage.
Types
- Metrorrhagia (metro = womb, -rrhagia = excessive flow[1]) is uterine bleeding at irregular intervals, particularly between the expected menstrual periods.[2]
- Postcoital bleeding is vaginal bleeding triggered by sexual intercourse.
Causes
Causes of gynecologic bleeding include:
Hormonal
Anovulation is a common cause of gynecological hemorrhage. Under the influence of estrogen the endometrium (uterine lining) is stimulated and eventually such lining will be shed off (estrogen breakthrough bleeding). The anovulation chapter discusses its multiple possible causes. Longstanding anovulation can also lead to endometrial hyperplasia and facilitate the development of endometrial cancer.
Neoplasm
- Cancer of the uterus is always a concern, specifically when the bleeding occurs after menopause. Other types of cancer include cervical cancer; bleeding in that case can sometimes be triggered by postcoital bleeding. Cancers of the vagina or fallopian tubes are rare causes of hemorrhage.
- Uterine fibroids represent a common, benign condition that may lead to bleeding, specifically if the lesion affects the uterine cavity.
- Polyps of the uterine lining are a common cause of bleeding, but such bleeding tends to be light.
Trauma
- Sexual assault and rape can lead to injury and gynecological hemorrhage.
- Accidents to the lower abdomen may lead to internal or external bleeding.
Bleeding disorder
Women with a bleeding disorder may be prone to more excessive bleeding. A hematologic work-up should discover the cause.
Other
On occasion an ovarian cyst can rupture and give rise to internal hemorrhage. This may occur during ovulation or as a result of endometriosis.
If the pregnancy test is positive, consider pregnancy related bleeding (see obstetrical hemorrhage), including miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy.
Diagnosis
A history will establish if the condition is acute or chronic, and if external circumstances are involved. A gynecologic examination is usually complemented by a gynecologic ultrasonography. A blood count determines the degree of anemia and may point out bleeding problems. The pregnancy test is important, particularly as bleeding in early pregnancy presents as gynecological hemorrhage and ectopic pregnancy can be fatal. Diagnosis is broadly classified into supportive and definitive investigations: Supportive 1 Complete blood count to assess degree of anemia
2 ultrasonography to r/o uterine lesions,PID
Definitive 1 pregnancy test for those who are not yet post menopausal mandatory
2 speculum examination to take samples for PAP smear
3 D&C to get samples for histology and also control the bleeding if associated with
abortion.
4 colposcopy
Prevention
Generally gynecologic hemorrhage does not arise out of nowhere. Regular gynecologic examinations, cancer screening, and contraceptive measures go a long way in preventing and forestalling unsuspected acute bleeding events.
First aid
Gynecologic hemorrhage needs to be evaluated as soon as possible by a physician. The amount and duration of bleeding will dictate whether a bleeding event is an emergency event.
Clinical treatment
Treatment depends on diagnosis and may include hormonal therapy, iv fluids, blood transfusion, and/or a dilation and curettage. Internal bleeding requires laparoscopy or abdominal surgery.
References
- ^ "Rrhagia | Define Rrhagia at Dictionary.com". Dictionary.reference.com. Retrieved 2013-06-27.
- ^ MedicineNet.com > Definition of Metrorrhagia Last Editorial Review: 3/17/2003
See also
Female diseases of the pelvis and genitals (N70–N99, 614–629)
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Internal |
Adnexa |
Ovary |
- Oophoritis
- Ovarian cyst
- Follicular cyst of ovary
- Corpus luteum cyst
- Theca lutein cyst
- Endometriosis of ovary
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
- Ovarian torsion
- Ovarian apoplexy
- Mittelschmerz
- Female infertility
- Anovulation
- Poor ovarian reserve
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Fallopian tube |
- Salpingitis
- Hydrosalpinx
- Hematosalpinx
- Female infertility (Fallopian tube obstruction)
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Uterus |
Endometrium |
- Endometritis
- Endometriosis
- Endometrial polyp
- Endometrial hyperplasia
- Asherman's syndrome
- Dysfunctional uterine bleeding
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menstruation: |
- flow
- Amenorrhoea
- Hypomenorrhea
- Oligomenorrhea
- timing
- Menorrhagia
- Menometrorrhagia
- Metrorrhagia
- pain
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Myometrium |
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Parametrium |
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Cervix |
- Cervicitis
- Cervical polyp
- Nabothian cyst
- Cervical incompetence
- Female infertility (Cervical stenosis)
- Cervical dysplasia
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General |
- Hematometra/Pyometra
- Retroverted uterus
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Vagina |
- Vaginitis
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Atrophic vaginitis
- Candidal vulvovaginitis
- Leukorrhea/Vaginal discharge
- Hematocolpos/Hydrocolpos
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Sexual dysfunction |
- Dyspareunia
- Hypoactive sexual desire disorder
- Sexual arousal disorder
- Vaginismus
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- Prolapse
- Cystocele
- Rectocele
- Enterocele
- Sigmoidocele
- Urethrocele
- Fistulae
- Vesicovaginal
- Rectovaginal
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Other/general |
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Pelvic congestion syndrome
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External |
Vulva |
- Vulvitis
- Bartholin's cyst
- Kraurosis vulvae
- Vulvodynia
- Vestibular papillomatosis
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Clitoral hood or Clitoris |
- Clitoral phimosis
- Clitorism
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noco/cong/npls, sysi/epon
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proc/asst, drug (G1/G2B/G3CD)
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Pathology of pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O, 630–679)
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Pregnancy |
Pregnancy with
abortive outcome
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- Ectopic pregnancy
- Abdominal pregnancy
- Cervical pregnancy
- Interstitial pregnancy
- Ovarian pregnancy
- Molar pregnancy
- Miscarriage
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Oedema, proteinuria and
hypertensive disorders
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- Gestational diabetes
- Gestational hypertension
- Pre-eclampsia
- Eclampsia
- HELLP syndrome
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Other, predominantly
related to pregnancy
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Digestive system
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- Acute fatty liver of pregnancy
- Hepatitis E
- Hyperemesis gravidarum
- Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
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Integumentary system /
dermatoses of pregnancy
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- Gestational pemphigoid
- Impetigo herpetiformis
- Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
- Linea nigra
- Prurigo gestationis
- Pruritic folliculitis of pregnancy
- Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP)
- Striae gravidarum
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Nervous system
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Blood
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- Gestational thrombocytopenia
- Pregnancy-induced hypercoagulability
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Maternal care related to the
fetus and amniotic cavity
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- amniotic fluid
- Oligohydramnios
- Polyhydramnios
- Braxton Hicks contractions
- chorion / amnion
- Amniotic band syndrome
- Chorioamnionitis
- Chorionic hematoma
- Monoamniotic twins
- Premature rupture of membranes
- Obstetrical hemorrhage
- placenta
- Circumvallate placenta
- Monochorionic twins
- Placenta praevia
- Placental abruption
- Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome
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Labor |
- Amniotic fluid embolism
- Cephalopelvic disproportion
- Dystocia
- Fetal distress
- Obstetrical hemorrhage
- placenta
- Preterm birth
- Postmature birth
- Umbilical cord prolapse
- Uterine rupture
- Vasa praevia
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Puerperal |
- Breastfeeding difficulties
- Agalactia
- Fissure of the nipple
- Galactorrhea
- Breast engorgement
- Diastasis symphysis pubis
- Peripartum cardiomyopathy
- Postpartum depression
- Postpartum thyroiditis
- Puerperal fever
- Puerperal mastitis
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Other |
- Concomitant conditions
- Diabetes mellitus
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Thyroid disorders
- Maternal death
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