Unexpected Bleeding After Vaginal Inflammation Diagnosis: What to Know

Ten days after being diagnosed with vaginitis, there was a sudden onset of bleeding?

Hello: On July 14, I had a Pap smear, and after the doctor's examination, there was some bleeding (black in color).
An injection was given on-site to alleviate the inflammation.
On July 19, I was diagnosed with vaginitis, and there has been no itching or bleeding since then.
My recent menstrual period was from July 16 to July 20, but on July 29, I suddenly started bleeding (black in color), using one pad in a night.
Is this considered a heavy flow? I had a similar experience before, but after taking the medication prescribed by the doctor for one day, it resolved.
However, this time it feels more like my menstrual period, with slight lower abdominal pain (in the same area as menstrual cramps).
What could be the cause? The Pap smear report indicated ; should I undergo another Pap smear?

Ms. Lin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/07/30

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

On July 14, a Pap smear was performed, and after the doctor's examination, black bleeding was observed.
An injection was administered on-site to alleviate the inflammation symptoms.
On July 19, a diagnosis of vaginitis was confirmed, and there were no itching or bleeding during that period.
The recent menstrual period was from July 16 to July 20, but on July 29, there was a sudden onset of black bleeding, with one pad used in a night, which could be considered a significant amount of bleeding.
There was a previous similar experience, but after taking medication prescribed by the doctor for one day, the issue resolved.
However, this time it feels more like a menstrual period, with slight lower abdominal pain (in the same area as menstrual cramps).
What could be the possible cause?
Answer: The menstrual period was from July 16 to July 20, and the sudden onset of black bleeding on July 29 could be due to ovulation, as the Pap smear report indicated the absence of cervical components.
Should another Pap smear be performed?
Answer: Consider switching to a different hospital for the procedure next year.

Reply Date: 2017/07/30

More Info

Unexpected bleeding after a diagnosis of vaginal inflammation can be concerning, and it’s important to understand the potential causes and necessary steps to take. Based on your description, it seems you experienced a series of events that led to this unexpected bleeding, including a Pap smear and a diagnosis of vaginal inflammation.

Firstly, the black color of the blood you observed can be indicative of older blood, which may have taken longer to exit the body. This can happen for various reasons, including the shedding of the uterine lining or residual blood from a previous menstrual cycle. The fact that you experienced this bleeding after a recent Pap smear and treatment for vaginal inflammation suggests that your body might still be adjusting or healing from the inflammation.

The timing of your bleeding, occurring shortly after your menstrual period, could also be related to hormonal fluctuations. It’s not uncommon for women to experience irregular bleeding or spotting between periods, especially if there have been recent changes in their health status, such as inflammation or infection. The slight abdominal pain you mentioned, similar to menstrual cramps, could be a normal response to the uterine lining shedding or could indicate that your body is still recovering from the inflammation.

Regarding the Pap smear report indicating "no cervical components," this could mean that the sample collected did not include cells from the cervix, which is essential for a comprehensive evaluation. It’s advisable to discuss this result with your healthcare provider. They may recommend repeating the Pap smear to ensure that all necessary components are assessed, especially if you have a history of abnormal results or if there are concerns about cervical health.

In terms of your bleeding, if it is heavy enough to fill a pad in one night, it could be considered significant. Heavy bleeding can sometimes indicate an underlying issue that may require further investigation, such as hormonal imbalances, fibroids, or other gynecological conditions. Given your history of vaginal inflammation and the recent changes in your menstrual cycle, it would be prudent to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may suggest additional tests, such as an ultrasound or blood tests, to evaluate your hormone levels and check for any abnormalities in your reproductive organs.

In summary, while some irregular bleeding can be normal, especially after an episode of inflammation, it’s essential to monitor your symptoms closely. If the bleeding persists, increases in volume, or is accompanied by severe pain, you should seek medical attention promptly. Open communication with your healthcare provider about your symptoms, concerns, and any previous medical history will help ensure you receive the appropriate care and guidance.

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