Question

which term refers to bleeding between menstrual periods

Answer 1

Females exhibit menstrual cycle. It is characterised by changes in the uterus that occur due to rise and fall of female hormones. It involves thickening of endometrium, ovulation and implantation of the egg in the uterus after fertilization. When the egg is not fertilised the endometrium degenerates resulting in commencement of menstruation every month.

Menstruation normally occurs at 24-30th day of reproductive cycle and lasts from 5-7 days.

Presence of bleeding in between menstruations is known as intermenstrual bleeding or metrorrhagia. It is the epidodes of vaginal bleeding that occur in between the menstrual period. It can vary from light spotting to heavy bleeding. In some females it can be a normal occuring.

Intermenstrual bleeding may indicate to an underlying pathology. Common causes for intermenstrual bleeding are:

1. Vaginal cancer

2. Cancer of cervix

3. Fallopian tube cancer

4. Ovarian cancer

5. Uterine cancer

6. Endometriosis

7. STD

8. Cervicitis

9. Pelvic inflammatory disease

10. Bleeding disorders

11. Use of oral contraceptives

12. Trauma