non-menstrual bleeding
Last reviewed 01/2018
Non-cyclical, patternless vaginal bleeding is often described as metrorrhagia. A useful classification is as:
- postcoital bleeding
- intermenstrual bleeding
- postmenopausal bleeding
The implication is that of a local lesion and the possibility of malignancy must be always be considered. However, non-focal causes are common, for example:
- abortion - especially in a young woman
- dysfunctional uterine bleeding
- break-through bleeding due to the progestogen only pill
Assessment may be approached through:
- history
- systematic examination
- diagnostic curettage
- biopsy of any visible lesion