Vaginal Bleeding

Identifying abnormal vaginal bleeding is important because it’s one of the first signs of several gynecological conditions that can cause complications if they go untreated. Why is Kevin Carson, MD, CAQ, a vascular surgeon and interventional radiologist at Georgia Vascular Institute, worried about vaginal bleeding? Because he’s an expert in a nonsurgical procedure that stops vaginal bleeding caused by uterine fibroids. Call the office in Atlanta or Stockbridge, Georgia, or use online booking today to schedule an appointment and learn more about healing the bleeding caused by fibroids.

What is vaginal bleeding?

Vaginal bleeding (abnormal uterine bleeding) refers to bleeding that’s different from a woman’s typical menstrual period.

Abnormal vaginal bleeding has three primary causes:

1. Heavy menstrual periods

Your periods are unusually heavy if you have any of the following:

• Bleeding lasting longer than seven days
• Needing to wear more than one pad or tampon (or a tampon plus a pad)
• Soaking through more than one pad or tampon every hour
• Needing to change your feminine protection during the night

You also have abnormal bleeding if you pass blood clots larger than a quarter.

2. Abnormal uterine bleeding

Abnormal uterine bleeding includes heavy periods and the following:

• Bleeding between periods
• Bleeding after sex
• Bleeding after menopause
• Not having a period for 3-6 months
• Having menstrual cycles shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days

Any of these problems could be signs of a gynecological condition.

3. Gynecological conditions

Vaginal bleeding is a symptom of the following:

• Uterine fibroids
• Uterine polyps
• Endometriosis
• Adenomyosis
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Uterine cancer (endometrial cancer)

Hormonal imbalances due to non-gynecological problems like thyroid disease also cause abnormal vaginal bleeding.

When would I need a vascular specialist for vaginal bleeding?

Always have your gynecologist evaluate unusual vaginal bleeding. They have the expertise to diagnose the cause and recommend the best treatment.

But there’s one exception. Dr. Carson specializes in a vascular procedure that effectively stops vaginal bleeding caused by uterine fibroids.

Gynecological treatments for fibroids typically include hormonal medications and surgery. If medications don’t work, meet with Dr. Carson to learn about a minimally invasive uterine fibroid embolization before having surgery.

How does uterine fibroid embolization treat vaginal bleeding?

Uterine fibroid embolization is performed using a catheter inside your blood vessels. Dr. Carson makes a tiny cut, inserts the catheter into a blood vessel, and navigates the catheter through the blood vessels to the artery that delivers blood to the fibroid.

At the artery, he releases tiny coils or particles into the blood vessel. They safely block the artery, cutting off the blood supply to the fibroid. Before long, the fibroid dies and disappears, and your bleeding stops.

Most women go home the same day and return to work within two weeks.

Call Georgia Vascular Institute today or connect online to schedule an appointment and learn about vascular treatment for vaginal bleeding caused by fibroids.