Abnormal uterine bleeding is the condition where irregular bleeding from the uterus takes place. The bleeding is heavier or lighter than usual and occurs for a longer duration and is the cause of much distress. It can occur at any time of the monthly cycle of a woman and even occur during the normal menstrual period. However, abnormal uterine bleeding does not occur during pregnancy. Bleeding during pregnancy occurs due to other causes.

One of the symptoms of this disorder is bleeding from the vagina in between periods. Abnormal uterine bleeding can also result in extremely heavy bleeding during the periods. If extreme bleeding occurs for more than 7 days during periods or otherwise, the condition is known as menorrhagia. AUB can occur due to polyps or fibroids, which are irregular growths in the uterus. Some other causes of AUB can include infection in the cervix, a thyroid problem or cancer of the uterus. Another cause of abnormal uterine bleeding is a hormone imbalance. When abnormal bleeding occurs due to hormonal imbalance, the condition is called dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Teenagers and women, who are approaching menopause, are more susceptible to dysfunctional uterine bleeding.

The treatment for abnormal uterine bleeding depends on age, the cause of the bleeding and whether the person wants to get pregnant in the future or not. However, the different treatment options include the use of an intrauterine device, birth control pills, D&C or dilatation and curettage, endometrial ablation and hysterectomy.

IUD or intrauterine device is a small, plastic device that is inserted into the uterus through the vagina of a woman getting treated. The IUD releases hormones that help to reduce abnormal bleeding. Another way to prevent abnormal bleeding is by using birth control pills. They prevent the lining of the uterus from getting too thick and also help to regularize the menstrual cycle and even reduces cramping.

Another effective method of treating abnormal uterine bleeding is the D&C or dilatation and curettage procedure. In this method, the opening of the cervix is stretched so that a surgical tool can be inserted into the uterus. The lining of the uterus is scraped away with the help of this tool. The doctor then checks the removed lining for any abnormality and to determine the cause of the abnormal bleeding. D&C is performed to find out the cause of bleeding and also to address it in patients who suffer from heavy bleeding from the uterus.

Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure whereby the uterus is removed. It does not allow the patient to have any more periods and does not allow her to get pregnant. It is normally performed under general anesthesia and requires a person to stay at a hospital.

Endometrial ablation does not remove the uterus but destroys the lining of the uterus. All types of menstrual bleeding are halted as a result of the procedure.

IUD or intrauterine device is a small, plastic device that is inserted into the uterus through the vagina of a woman getting treated. The IUD releases hormones that help to reduce abnormal bleeding. Another way to prevent abnormal bleeding is by using birth control pills. They prevent the lining of the uterus from getting too thick and also help to regularize the menstrual cycle and even reduces cramping.

Another effective method of treating abnormal uterine bleeding is the D&C or dilatation and curettage procedure. In this method, the opening of the cervix is stretched so that a surgical tool can be inserted into the uterus. The lining of the uterus is scraped away with the help of this tool. The doctor then checks the removed lining for any abnormality and to determine the cause of the abnormal bleeding. D&C is performed to find out the cause of bleeding and also to address it in patients who suffer from heavy bleeding from the uterus.

Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure whereby the uterus is removed. It does not allow the patient to have any more periods and does not allow her to get pregnant. It is normally performed under general anesthesia and requires a person to stay at a hospital.

Endometrial ablation does not remove the uterus but destroys the lining of the uterus. All types of menstrual bleeding are halted as a result of the procedure.