Does gestational trophoblastic disease cause bleeding between periods?

Gestational trophoblastic disease involves abnormal growth of tissue related to pregnancy. It can cause vaginal bleeding outside an expected period, bleeding after a pregnancy, or bleeding that continues when it should be settling. Other causes include hormonal contraception, infection, polyps, fibroids, or changes around ovulation. The appearance of bleeding cannot identify the cause by itself. Assessment may include a pregnancy test, examination, ultrasound, and blood tests.

Contact a gynaecology or pregnancy clinician about bleeding between periods, particularly if you recently had a pregnancy, miscarriage, or pregnancy-related treatment. Record when the bleeding started, how it compares with your usual period, whether clots or pain are present, and any medicines or contraception you use. Use sanitary protection so you can observe changes, and avoid inserting products if an examination is planned.

Seek emergency care for heavy bleeding, severe or one-sided pelvic pain, dizziness, fainting, shoulder-tip pain, fever, or feeling weak and unwell. Urgent assessment is also needed after a recent pregnancy when bleeding is increasing or accompanied by pain. Do not assume that light spotting is harmless or that it confirms a particular diagnosis; timely testing helps distinguish causes and guides treatment.

Ask whether you need pregnancy hormone testing, an ultrasound, or an examination; what symptoms should prompt emergency help; and when results and follow-up will be discussed.