Definition

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Unusual vaginal bleeding is any vaginal blood that is different from your period. This might include small amounts of blood, also called spotting, between your periods. You might notice this on toilet tissue when you wipe. Or it could include a very heavy period. You know you have a very heavy period if blood is soaking through one or more tampons or pads every hour for more than four hours.

Vaginal bleeding from a period usually happens every 21 to 35 days. This is called the menstrual cycle. The blood comes from the lining of the uterus, which is shed through the vagina. When this happens, a new reproductive cycle has started.

Periods may last for just a few days or up to a week. Bleeding could be heavy or light. Menstrual cycles tend to be longer for teens and women nearing menopause. Also, menstrual flow might be heavier at those ages.

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May 02, 2023

See also

  1. Bacterial vaginosis
  2. Blighted ovum: What causes it?
  3. Cervicitis
  4. Ectopic pregnancy
  5. Miscarriage
  6. Molar pregnancy
  7. Placenta accreta
  8. Placenta previa
  9. Placental abruption
  10. Preterm labor
  11. Sex during vaginal infection: Is it harmful?
  12. STD symptoms
  13. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
  14. STD testing
  15. Vaginitis
  16. Yeast infection during pregnancy