Severe vaginal bleeding

Content provided by Healthwise

Severe vaginal bleeding

When reviewing the following guidelines, take into account how heavy your normal menstrual flow is. Abnormal vaginal bleeding varies depending on what is normal for a particular woman.

Severe bleeding: You have continuous bleeding that soaks 1 or 2 pads or tampons in 1 or 2 hours.
Moderate bleeding: You soak more than 1 pad or tampon in 3 hours.
Mild bleeding: You soak less than 1 pad or tampon in more than 3 hours.
Minimal bleeding: You have "spotting" or just a few drops of blood from the vagina.

Note:

Vaginal bleeding refers to bleeding from inside the vagina, not from a cut or scrape near the vagina.

For most women, soaking more than 2 maxi pads, super pads, or super tampons in 2 hours is not normal and is severe bleeding. This is more serious if you have the following symptoms:

New lightheadedness or feeling as if you may pass out
Lightheadedness or fainting when you change position
Passage of several blood clots that are larger than a quarter

Severe abnormal vaginal bleeding usually requires a visit to a health professional. The more bleeding there is, the more urgent the need for medical attention.

Credits

Print Email SHARE

Author	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Updated	July 11, 2007

Print Email Twitter Facebook MySpace AIM More

Last updated:	July 11, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.