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
| 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 |
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1989, Boise, ID 83701. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. For more information, click here. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed.