PMB – Why is bleeding after the menopause important?
Bleeding after the menopause (post-menopausal bleeding or PMB) almost always needs to be investigated, as it may sometimes be a sign of cancer. In most cases cancer can be ruled out after tests. If it is cancer, detecting it early can often result in good prospects for a cure.
What causes PMB?
In 90% of cases there won’t be a serious cause. The common causes are:
Atrophic vaginitis - which is when the vagina becomes inflamed due to the lower levels of hormones seen after menopause.
Cervical and endometrial polyps - small growths that are usually benign.
Endometrial (uterine) or cervical cancer - 10 % of cases – both are very serious conditions.
What should I do now?
Call us if you have PMB and we’ll fit you in as soon as we can.
What tests are needed?
Tests that we do may include
- PAP smear test
- colposcopy examination
- vaginal ultrasound scan
- Pipelle biopsy of the womb
- Direct examination of the womb using a thin telescope called a hysteroscope, under an anaesthetic, in operating theatre.
