Uterine Fibroids and Hysterectomy - Complications

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Highlights	Diagnosis	Resources
Introduction	Treatment	References
Risk Factors	Medications	Resources
Complications	Surgical Alternatives to Hysterectomy	References
Symptoms	Hysterectomy

Ruling out Other Conditions that Cause Heavy Bleeding

Almost all women, at some time in their reproductive life, experience heavy bleeding during menstrual periods.

A number of conditions can cause or contribute to the risk:

Menstrual disorders
Miscarriage
Having late periods or approaching menopause
Uterine polyps (small benign growths in the uterus)
Intrauterine device (IUD)

The intrauterine device (IUD) shown uses copper as the active contraceptive; others use progesterone in a plastic device. IUDs are very effective at preventing pregnancy (less than 2% chance per year for the progesterone IUD, less than 1% chance per year for the copper IUD). IUDs come with an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy and perforation of the uterus, and do not protect against sexually transmitted disease. IUDs are prescribed and placed in the uterus by a health care provider.

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Bleeding disorders that impair blood clotting, Von Willebrand disease
Uterine cancer
Pelvic infections
Adenomyosis. This condition occurs when glands from the uterine lining become embedded in the uterine muscle. Its symptoms are nearly identical to fibroids (heavy bleeding and pain).
A number of medical conditions, including thyroid problems and systemic lupus erythematosus
Certain drugs, including anticoagulants and anti-inflammatory medications.
Often, the cause of heavy bleeding is unknown.

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Review Date: 07/26/2010
Reviewed By: Reviewed by Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).