What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB) - Triage

Audience: adult

After a telemedicine visit for abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), you will usually receive guidance on managing your symptoms and next steps. The healthcare provider may recommend further tests, such as blood work or imaging, to better understand the cause of bleeding. Depending on your symptoms and risk factors, you may be advised to see a specialist in person for a physical exam or treatment. It's important to watch for warning signs like very heavy bleeding, severe pain, or dizziness, which require urgent care. Telemedicine can help you get timely advice and coordinate follow-up care, but it often cannot replace hands-on exams or emergency treatment. Following your tele-visit, you may be given instructions on tracking your bleeding, medications to take, or lifestyle changes to try. If your symptoms change or worsen, contacting your healthcare provider promptly is important. This guide helps you understand what to expect after a telemedicine visit for AUB and how to prepare and follow up safely.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Bleeding that soaks through one or more pads or tampons every hour for 2 or more hours — seek emergency care immediately.
• Severe pelvic or abdominal pain that does not improve with pain relief — contact healthcare provider urgently.
• Feeling faint, dizzy, or experiencing rapid heartbeat along with bleeding — get emergency medical attention right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of abnormal uterine bleeding symptoms.
• Providing education about AUB and symptom management.
• Ordering preliminary laboratory or imaging tests.
• Guiding when to seek in-person or emergency care.
• Coordinating referrals to specialists.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical pelvic or abdominal examinations.
• Providing emergency treatment for heavy bleeding or severe pain.
• Administering procedures such as biopsies or surgical interventions.
• Directly monitoring vital signs or acute changes in condition.

Understanding Your Telemedicine Visit for AUB

During your telemedicine visit, your healthcare provider will ask about your bleeding patterns, medical history, and any other symptoms. This helps them assess how urgent your condition might be and decide if you need further tests or in-person care. You might discuss possible causes like hormonal changes, infections, or other health issues. The provider will also explain what to watch for and how to manage symptoms at home.

Common Next Steps After the Visit

Often, the provider will recommend tests such as blood tests to check your blood count or hormone levels, or an ultrasound to look at your uterus. These tests may be done at a local clinic or hospital. Based on results, you might be referred to a gynecologist for an in-person exam or treatment. Your provider may also suggest medications to help control bleeding or relieve pain.

When to Seek Immediate Care

If you experience very heavy bleeding soaking through pads or tampons every hour for several hours, severe pelvic pain, dizziness, fainting, or rapid heartbeat, seek emergency care immediately. These signs may indicate a serious problem that needs urgent treatment. Telemedicine providers can help triage symptoms but cannot provide emergency care remotely.

How to Prepare for Follow-Up Care

Keep a detailed record of your bleeding, including how often and how much you bleed, and any pain or other symptoms. Bring this information to any follow-up appointments. Follow instructions for any prescribed medications and attend all recommended tests or specialist visits. Communicate openly with your healthcare team about any changes or concerns.

Supporting Your Health at Home

You can often manage mild symptoms at home by resting, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter pain relief if advised. Avoid heavy physical activity if you feel weak or dizzy. Eating a balanced diet and managing stress can also support your overall health. Always follow your provider's advice about medications and lifestyle changes.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down details about your bleeding: start date, duration, flow amount, and any clots.
• Note any other symptoms like pain, dizziness, or fatigue.
• List current medications and any medical conditions.
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss during your visit.
• Ensure a private, quiet space with a reliable internet or phone connection for the telemedicine session.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any instructions given by your healthcare provider regarding medications or symptom tracking.
• Schedule and attend any recommended laboratory or imaging tests.
• Keep a daily record of bleeding and symptoms to share at follow-up visits.
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop.
• Attend any referred in-person appointments with specialists as advised.

FAQs

What causes abnormal uterine bleeding?

Abnormal uterine bleeding can have many causes including hormonal imbalances, uterine fibroids, infections, or other medical conditions. Sometimes the exact cause is not immediately clear and requires further testing.

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of my bleeding?

Telemedicine providers can assess your symptoms and medical history but often cannot make a definitive diagnosis without physical exams or tests. They help decide what further steps or tests you may need.

What should I do if my bleeding suddenly gets much heavier?

If your bleeding becomes very heavy, soaking through pads or tampons quickly, or if you experience severe pain, dizziness, or fainting, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Will I need to see a doctor in person after a telemedicine visit?

Often, yes. You may need in-person exams, tests, or treatments depending on your symptoms and initial evaluation. Telemedicine helps guide you on when and why to get in-person care.

How can I prepare for my telemedicine visit?

Prepare by noting your bleeding details, symptoms, medical history, and any questions you have. Choose a quiet, private place with a good internet or phone connection for your visit.

Sources

1. Abnormal Uterine Bleeding — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: Diagnosis and Management — Mayo Clinic.
3. Abnormal Uterine Bleeding — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: Clinical Overview — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have urgent or severe symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention.