Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding: Prevention

Content provided by Healthwise

Prevention

You may be able to prevent abnormal vaginal bleeding.

• Maintain a healthy weight. Women who are overweight or underweight have more problems with abnormal vaginal bleeding. For more information, see the topic Healthy Weight.
• If you are using birth control pills, be sure to take them as directed and at the same time every day. For more information, see the topic Birth Control.
• If you are taking hormone replacement therapy, take your pills as directed and at the same time every month.
• Learn to practice relaxation exercises to reduce and cope with stress. Stress may cause abnormal vaginal bleeding. For more information, see the topic Stress Management.
• Take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as naproxen or ibuprofen. NSAIDs reduce menstrual bleeding by decreasing the production of substances called prostaglandins. The usual recommended dose of ibuprofen is 400 mg every 6 hours. Begin taking the medicine on the first day of your period and continue taking it until your menstrual bleeding stops. Be sure to follow these nonprescription medicine precautions.
  • Carefully read and follow all label directions on the medicine bottle and box.
  • Use, but do not exceed, the maximum recommended doses.
  • Do not take a medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it in the past.
  • If you have been told to avoid a medicine, call your doctor before taking it.
  • If you are or could be pregnant, call your doctor before using any medicine.

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