Darrick Robles “Spotting is very light vaginal bleeding that occurs outside of your menstrual period,” says Dr. Rhianna McClymont. It can show up as a reddish-brown discharge on toilet paper or in your panties, but it usually goes away after a few hours to days.
What is the difference between spotting and normal menstrual bleeding?
“A menstrual bleed typically lasts about 5 days,” says Dr. McClymont. “Most women have a regular bleed about every 28 days , but of course some have irregular cycles .”
It is common for menstrual bleeding to be heavy for a few days and very light at the end of the period. Spotting, on the other hand, is lighter bleeding between menstrual bleeding.
What is the cause of spotting?
There are a number of possible causes of spotting. Most of the time they are not necessarily a cause for concern. However, it’s always a good idea to talk to a doctor about spotting that is new or unusual to you.
1. A new method of contraception
“It’s not uncommon to have spotting when women switch to another method of hormonal birth control,” says Dr. McClymont. This spotting usually stops on its own after a few weeks or months. Spotting can also happen if you forget to take birth control pills .
“If the unusual or new type of spotting occurs even after several months of regular birth control, people should see a doctor,” adds Dr. McClymont.
2. Ovulation
“Some women experience spotting in the middle of their cycle, around the time of ovulation. This is usually very light, short-lived bleeding that can be seen by tracking ovulation through the cycle,” says Dr. McClymont.
3. A pregnancy
“Even in pregnancy, spotting is common,” says Dr. McClymont. It usually occurs in early pregnancy — around the time of implantation and in the first trimester.
However, if the spotting becomes heavier or accompanied by abdominal or pelvic pain, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
4. Sexually Transmitted Infections
“STIs can cause spotting,” says Dr. McClymont. There may be other associated symptoms, such as vaginal discharge, painful urination, or abdominal pain.
5. Fibroids or polyps
“Both fibroids and polyps can cause spotting,” says Dr. McClymont. Fibroids are benign growths that can develop in the muscles of the uterus. They can cause heavier or longer menstrual bleeding and aching stomach pains . If they cause symptoms, they can be surgically removed or removed be treated with hormone therapy.
Polyps are benign growths in the mucous membrane that can cause abdominal pain and bleeding between periods. However, those affected often have no symptoms at all.
6. Inflammation of the mucous membranes
If you have spotting after sex, your vagina or cervix could be inflamed. Sexual intercourse can further irritate the affected areas, leading to bleeding and pain during sex . This in itself is initially harmless. However, you should initially refrain from sex until the irritated mucous membranes have recovered – so that the inflammation does not worsen.
7. Gynecological cancers
In rare cases, spotting can unfortunately also be a sign of malignant changes in the cervix. Therefore, you should take bleeding that is new or unusual for you seriously and, if in doubt, always go to your gynecologist.
If you have these symptoms, you should consult a doctor
- Bleeding between periods that seems unusual to you
- spotting after sex
- Spotting after menopause
- Recurring spotting after using hormonal birth control or hormone replacement therapy for a while
- a rash that won’t heal or an ulcer on your vulva or vagina
- persistent itching or pain in the genital area
What is the best way to address the topic of spotting when visiting a doctor?
“It’s normal to feel nervous about going to the doctor, but you don’t have to,” says Dr. McClymont. “spotting is a common problem that in many cases should be checked out,” she says. Discussing the problem with a doctor and getting it checked out will ultimately give you certainty about what it is.
dr McClymont also emphasizes the importance of regular cervical screening (cervical smear screening). This is the only way to detect diseases of the cervix at an early stage.
