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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 1/30/2012 4:48 PM (GMT 0)
I have a question for you ladies out there.  Do you seem to bleed vaginally or get your period a lot more often when you're flaring? I even get my period after I have to push for a bowel movement.  I've been to the gynocologist over the past 3 years to figure out why this is happening.  I get a period twice a month with about 5 or 6 days in between with absolutely no bleeding.  Then once I have a strained bowel movement or have complete D I bleed.  Blood work, hormones, pap are all normal.  Does anyone else have this experience?  Thank you smilewinkgrin
Posted 1/30/2012 4:54 PM (GMT 0)
No, this doesn't make sense. Are you sure you don't have a recto-vaginal fistula that's making bowel bleeding exit through your vagina?
Posted 1/30/2012 6:34 PM (GMT 0)
I, too, doubt that bleeding is a periods. Most likely inflammation/irritation of the uterus/vagina, caused by CD, or fistula. Maybe get an ultrasound to see the uterus size/lining, etc.
Posted 1/30/2012 6:43 PM (GMT 0)
No, no matter how severe my flares have been, no matter how much weight I lost during really bad flares, my periods have always stayed fairly regular (definitely nothing like you've experianced)....you should see your gyno/gp about this....and probably even your GI if it turns out to be a recto/vaginal fistula.
Posted 1/30/2012 9:55 PM (GMT 0)
Def not norm for me either if anything mine stops during then my only prob with increased freq was when i was on my first BCP then was placed on Pred for a flare I had to change my BCP since post pred I was getting my period every 2 weeks
Posted 1/30/2012 10:57 PM (GMT 0)
I've been to the gyn about this issue multiple times.  They don't seem to have an answer for it.  They usually tell me it's b/c of the crohn's disease and then they recommend I take a bcp.  That's not the answer.  We need to find out why I am bleeding.  I've had paps come back normal, hormones, thyroid, everything normal.  I've also had multiple sonograms all completely normal.  I've also had a endometrial biopsy done about a year ago to check for endometriosis and again normal.  I got pregnant in july of 2011 and I miscarried 7 weeks later.  I also bled during the 7 weeks.  I just won't stop bleeding.  I just ended my "period" 6 days ago and today while having a bowel movement I started bleeding lightly.  It's so frustrating.  Nobody seems to have an answer for me.  As far as the vaginal fistula, would that been seen during a colonoscopy or during a routine gyno visit?  Nobody has ever said anything to me about it.  Idk i'm frustrated and I'm going to the gyno tomorrow.  Hopefully I can get some answers.  Thank you again ladies for all your feedback. :-)
Posted 1/30/2012 11:55 PM (GMT 0)
the gyno is probably not going to see a fistula. The gi might. Are you having rectal bleeding?
Posted 1/31/2012 12:00 AM (GMT 0)
Have you had an mri of the area?
Posted 1/31/2012 12:29 AM (GMT 0)
Bella, do you take any BC pills or have an IUD for birth control? How old are you if you don't mind my asking? When I had an IUD, that would happen to me but I didn't have IBD at the time. But that's exactly what would happen to me when I had an IUD. I would keep pushing and at least get an ultrasound of the uterus. If your current doctor isn't concerned, get a 2nd opinion.
Posted 1/31/2012 12:39 AM (GMT 0)
I am 30 yrs old.  This problem started about 5 yrs ago and it's been getting worse.  I am not currently on any bcp, haven't been on any in 5 yrs.  Never had an IUD.  The only MRI i've ever had was for the crohn's disease when it was thought that I might have a blockage.  I had a colonoscopy in november and he didn't say anything about a fistula.  He knows about my bleeding issues.  I've been to several different gynocologists and nobody has the answer. 
Posted 1/31/2012 1:03 AM (GMT 0)
bella, I had uterine bleeding issues for years, periods all the time, extremely heavy, even 2 high-risk pregnancies with bleeding, and multiple ultrasounds and a colposcopy didn't show anything too too severe.

When I had to have a hysterectomy, my gyn was shocked at how inflamed my uterus was. CD related, and apparently quite common among women with CD. CD was probably most of what was going on the whole time and affecting my fallopian tubes and uterus. I had no idea until they took em out.
Posted 1/31/2012 1:24 AM (GMT 0)
Wow Roni.  That's kinda frightening.  To think that the whole time there was inflammation going on and it wasn't detected.  I need to ask the doc tomorrow if there is any way that we could see if my stuff is inflamed due to the cd.  amazing.
Posted 1/31/2012 1:48 AM (GMT 0)
Actually, I'm the opposite! I quit having my period completely or am very irregular. My doctors finally got all in agreement to put me on birthcontrol so I can get them regulated.

   That doesn't sound like a period to me! Seems scary and painful! Please get help soon & don't take no for an answer from doctors! You're the patient.

Praying for you! Get well (((Hugs!)))

Posted 1/31/2012 2:37 AM (GMT 0)
A period is a period and is a part of a normal hormonal cycle. Irregular bleeding is irregular bleeding and is not a period. Don't tell your DR you are getting a period every 6 days because that just does not make sense.

A hysterosalpingogram can look at the fallopian tubes. A hysteroscopy can look into the uterus. Neither is a painless procedure but they're not that bad either.
Posted 1/31/2012 7:43 AM (GMT 0)
Wow, I was surprised to see someone else with a similar problem.  I, too, have vaginal spotting and sometimes bright red bleeding also after a BM.  The difference with me is that I am post menopausal, so there should be no sign of any bleeding at all!  I also have been to my gyn about four times in the past 2 years for this problem.  I have had 3 ultrasounds, 2 endometrial biopsies and a pap smear.  All have been normal and both my gyn and GI doctors have no idea what is causing the problem. I was given hormones for a while but they didn't help. I have blamed the bleeding on suppositories, inflammation etc. to ease my fears, but have no idea what is really causing the problem. It is very unnerving for me to see vaginal bleeding at my age but I also have come to the conclusion that it must be crohn's related.  I mentioned a possible fistula to my gyn but he said I would have vaginal infections if that was the case. So, I remain mystified, but I will be starting Humira soon and am hoping that it will make a difference. 
Posted 7/27/2013 6:33 PM (GMT 0)
I have a similar problem after BM but instead of bright red blood it dark, almost blackish. I have been bleeding almost non stop for last 9 months and have done every possible test that my gyn gave me, transvaginal ultrasound, Hysteroscopy, pap, thyroid, biopsy to name a few. Surprisingly when I take Utovlan (norethisterone) the bleeding stops and doesn't occur even after BM. I have no other symptoms to indicate a fistula. I am not taking any bcp but when i did take the mini pill for a while the bleeding got worse so i had to stop.

This is a very scary problem. I have no idea what's going on and I have practically stopped eating everything just not to agitate my stomach, but even when my BM is normal it starts bleeding dark liquid if I push to hard.

---------------------------------------------
colitis diagnosed in 2006

Post Edited (bsmith28) : 7/27/2013 12:45:19 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/27/2013 6:43 PM (GMT 0)
Wow. I have had vaginal bleeding non-stop for some time now. Gyno doesn't know why. The difference is I am on hormonal BC. I mentioned CD and she said it was possible...

I think it is inflammation and possible infection.... but what do i know?
Posted 7/27/2013 10:56 PM (GMT 0)
I am having a hysteroscopy to look at my uterus for inflammation and remove polyps in September. I also learned I have a posterior prolapse (rectocele) which was causing BM problems so am getting that repaired at the same time. They are saying it's not CD related.

I do have D during my periods, which feels hormone-related to me, and very heavy bleeding in general, including up to 15 days at a time of flow. Anemic as a result.

I have both a GYN and a GI, but it was not until I visited a uro-gynecologist at a major teaching hospital that all these issues are being addressed seriously and wholly. (Though the uro-gyn really doubts Crohn's inflammation, she's willing to look when she's in there.)

I recommend a uro-gyn. And, good luck.
Posted 7/30/2013 4:15 PM (GMT 0)
I am thinking it might be a fistula after all, but i don't have the other common symptoms that indicates a possible fistula. I haven't been passing stool through my vagina, neither have i had any infection or foul smell. The doctors are very reluctant and think that I am being a hypochondriac since I can't show them that I am actually bleeding after BM. SO FRUSTRATING!
Posted 8/14/2013 10:15 PM (GMT 0)
Peace and goodwill be upon you all on this pilgrimage. My first time to this forum. Happy to know that such support exist. I was diagnosed with CD at age 30. I am now 43 and just recently undergone a right upper hemicolectomy. After the surgery I noticed, when ever I had a bowel movement or even whilst urinating on occasion, I have experienced vaginal bleeding as well. BM normal and soft. I reported to both surgeon and gyne. They all just seem stunned. So indeed I agree there seems to be a trend here. Need to be educated on this one.
Posted 8/14/2013 10:52 PM (GMT 0)
I have a recto-vaginal fistula and I think you will see at least traces of bowel content if it's a fistula. I never experienced bleeding with my fistula history, but I don't pass a lot of blood with flaring.

I also had endometriosis, adenomyosis, and a prolapsed uterus but I had scant periods instead of heavy bleeding. But I had a hysterectomy at 30.

I would think that your gynecologist would be wanting to do some more checking as kazbern suggested. That doesn't seem to be the "norm" even for us women "Crohnies".
Posted 8/25/2013 10:47 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the reply. I have not had any traces of bowel content at all, but the bleeding after bowel movement has not stopped. I didn't happen for almost 15 days but then it started happening again since I had my last period. and this time after a constipated BM, I had some blood from my behind as well, only on toilet paper though, i checked, none with the stool. I have had fever as well but not anymore. Went to the doctor again, but they gave me another long lecture on how I am way better off than some other colitis patients. But they gave me loads of blood test, Do you think blood tests will help to figure this out?
Posted 8/26/2013 5:24 AM (GMT 0)
I find my period jumps by 5 days each month and if I'm flaring it's really painful but nothing like you have to deal with. I hope they work it out for you. Blood tests should help and maybe testing the blood you are losing?
Posted 8/28/2013 4:11 AM (GMT 0)
Ladies I too am having the same problem with the bleeding vaginally, when I have a flare or am having to strain to have a BM most of the time it is when I have to strain. I would like to also ask if any of you have a burning in the vaginal area when you get a flare and at times do any of you every have problems with burning in the vaginal area. I have at times. What medication do they give you for the fistula? I have heard that Flagyl was given to heal them and for vaginal infection from too. Has any one every heard of it or used this medication. My gastro Dr. has treated me for this before. Thanks for all the infor you ladies have given it is a help to know that we aren't along in this CD. I have had it since 1985. I too am post menopausal. All of this can be more than a person can handle. I am a diabetic also.
Posted 8/30/2013 3:57 PM (GMT 0)
Okay, so after reading your post my jaw dropped. I have been on my period for 20 days now and I'm flaring bad. I recently had a clot the size of a golf ball come out and it scared me. Every time I feel as though it is letting up I have an episode and its right back. I think there are many more side effects to this disease then even the doctors know about.
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