Severity of vaginal bleeding

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Severity of vaginal bleeding

For most women, saturating more than 8 pads or super tampons in an 8-hour period is not normal and is considered to be severe bleeding. Abnormal vaginal bleeding varies depending on what is normal for a particular woman.

When reviewing the following guidelines, take into account how heavy your normal menstrual flow is.

Severe bleeding: Soaking more than 8 maxi or super pads or super tampons in 8 hours, or passing blood clots for more than 8 hours
Moderate bleeding: Soaking more than 8 pads or super tampons in 24 hours
Mild bleeding: Soaking fewer than 8 pads or super tampons in 24 hours
Minimal bleeding: "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.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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