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February 10, 2010
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Vaginal Bleeding

Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

What is normal vaginal bleeding?

Normal vaginal bleeding is the periodic blood that flows as a discharge from the woman's uterus. Normal vaginal bleeding is also called menorrhea. The process by which menorrhea occurs is called menstruation.

Normal vaginal bleeding occurs as a result of cyclic hormonal changes. The ovaries are the main source of female hormones, which control the development of female body characteristics such as the breasts, body shape, and body hair. The hormones also regulate the menstrual cycle. The ovary, or female gonad, is one of a pair of reproductive glands in women. They are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus. Each ovary is about the size and shape of an almond. The ovaries produce eggs (ova) and female hormones. During each monthly menstrual cycle, an egg is released from one ovary. The egg travels from the ovary through a Fallopian tube to the uterus.

Picture of the female reproductive system

Unless pregnancy occurs, the cycle ends with the shedding of part of the inner lining of uterus, which results in menstruation. Although it is actually the end of the physical cycle, the first day of menstrual bleeding is designated as "day 1" of the menstrual cycle in medical jargon.

The time of the cycle during which menstruation occurs is referred to as menses. The menses occurs at approximately four week intervals, representing the menstrual cycle.

Menarche is the time in a girl's life when menstruation first begins. Menopause is the time in a woman's life when the function of the ovaries ceases. The average age of menopause is 51 years old.



Next: What is abnormal vaginal bleeding? »

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Vaginal Bleeding

What causes toxic shock syndrome?

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a life-threatening condition caused by toxins produced by certain types of infecting bacteria. The condition has been most often associated with the use of tampons in menstruating women. In 1980, an outbreak of TSS was linked to the use of one brand of superabsorbent tampons. Although this outbreak was linked to toxins produced by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, TSS can also be caused by toxins from the group A Streptococcus bacteria. The condition is sometimes subdivided and referred to as staphylococcal TSS and streptococcal TSS.

Although this disease has been frequently linked to the use of tampons in menstruating women, it can affect people of any gender and any age. About half of the reported cases have been linked to the use of tampons in menstruating women, while the remaining cases are due to other situations. Tampons, especially when left in place for a lo...

Read the Toxic Shock Syndrome article »











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