All people with vaginas should see an OB-GYN doctor regularly. These doctors can help people maintain healthy reproductive systems. It's especially important to see a gynecologist if you have been experiencing vaginal bleeding between periods. Here are five things that an OB-GYN doctor will do when trying to diagnose and treat the cause of your abnormal bleeding:

1. Determine if you're pregnant

Most people stop menstruating when they become pregnant. However, vaginal bleeding can still occur for a number of reasons. Some people experience breakthrough bleeding during the early months of pregnancy, and this is not necessarily a cause for alarm. However, bleeding can also indicate a miscarriage, so it's important to be evaluated by your doctor as soon as possible.

2. Rule out cancer

Some types of cancer can also cause abnormal bleeding. Cervical cancer and uterine cancer can cause bleeding between menstrual periods. An OB-GYN doctor can perform a pap smear and biopsy to check your body for the presence of cancer. 

3. Perform an ultrasound

Once cancer and pregnancy have been ruled out as possible causes, your OB-GYN doctor will likely perform an ultrasound. A transvaginal ultrasound can be used to find ovarian cysts and uterine polyps that may be causing your bleeding. Ultrasound tests are quick and painless, and many gynecologists have the necessary equipment to perform these tests in their offices.

4. Correct abnormal menstrual cycles

Some people experience bleeding between their normal periods due to hormonal imbalances. Fortunately, this problem is easy to correct. If your abnormal bleeding is hormonal in nature, your doctor may prescribe birth control pills. Birth control pills contain estrogen and progesterone, two reproductive hormones that govern the menstrual cycle. Regular use of these pills can stop abnormal bleeding and give you a less painful, more regular period. 

5. Explore surgical treatment options

Some people experience abnormal vaginal bleeding due to the presence of polyps or fibroids in their uteruses. Non-cancerous uterine growths are not dangerous, but many people find the symptoms that they cause are bothersome. If you have uterine polyps or fibroids, your OB-GYN doctor may recommend surgery to remove them. The surgery used to remove these growths is minimally invasive and usually does not even leave a scar. If you choose surgery, you will be put under general anesthesia for the duration of your procedure, and when you awake, you will find that your abnormal bleeding problem has been resolved. 

Contact a local OB-GYN to learn more about abnormal bleeding treatment.