Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB)  also known as Abnormal Uterine Bleeding is the most common cause of abnormal vaginal bleeding during a woman’s reproductive years. 

• Heavy periods
• Irregular bleeding and spotting
• Bleeding after sexual intercourse
• Continuous bleeding
• Bleeding/spotting after menopause
• Bleeding associated with pregnancy states.

Causes may be many and a proper work up and clinical approach is required in each woman to reach a proper diagnoses.

• Hormonal imbalance (as in PCOD)
• Presence of polyps /fibroids/infection in the uterus
• Pregnancy related bleeding problems
• Gynecologic Cancers
• Rarely some medical diseases like thyroid problems ,liver diseases, medications, stress etc.

Apart from basic blood investigations, a few special investigations may be needed according to each patient’s special case, like

• USG (Sonography)
• Special blood hormonal assays
• Hysteroscopy
• (This is the visualization of the uterus through endoscope, which gives a definite picture of the inside of a woman’s uterus)
• Pap smear or Colposcopy
• (These are special tests to examine the mouth of the uterus under magnification and take biopsy of the abnormal area)
• D & C (Dilatation and Curettage)
• (This is scraping the inside lining of the uterus and sending it for microscopic examination

• Intrauterine device (IUD).
• Birth control pills.
• Hysterectomy.
• Endometrial ablation.