Abnormal vaginal bleeding.
The complaint of abnormal vaginal bleeding in a non-pregnant patient is not a common presentation to a general ED. However, the bleeding may in itself be significant or it may be a harbinger of serious underlying pathology. A systematic approach to diagnosis is required. An initial approach to vaginal bleeding can be to categorize the bleeding by the anatomical site. This article discusses some of the common causes of upper tract or uterine bleeding and outlines the basic approach to diagnosis and management.
Bryan
Sheila
S
Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. sheila.bryan@rwh.org.au
D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D016889:Endometrial Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D004716:Endometritis / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000150:complications; D008595:Menorrhagia; D014592:Uterine Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*