Vaginal Bleeding & Spotting Between Periods
There are a host of reasons why you could have had vaginal bleeding or spotting
Have you at times experienced bleeding or spotting between periods? You may be a little relieved to know that it's pretty common among women. Light vaginal bleeding, also known as spotting, between periods is not something to worry about usually, however you should seek medical help if you are concerned. There are a host of reasons why you could have had vaginal bleeding or spotting - ranging from hormonal changes to maybe an injury.
Whatever the reason may be, it is always better to stay prepared. In such situations, the Always Ultra Thin Pads are ideal, wherein you need protection in a comfortable and discrete manner. The pads come with Super Absorbent Core and an InstantDry System that absorbs menstrual discharge in just a few seconds. Its clean and dry top cover makes sure that you receive long-lasting dry comfort.
Reasons for spotting between periods
While most of these causes are temporary and aren't a cause for concern, some could be an indication of a potentially serious underlying condition. If you notice light spotting between your periods, remember to make a note of it and mention it to your doctor during your routine health check-up. Here are some of the most common reasons for spotting between periods.
Spotting may also occur if you don't use the birth control method as per given instructions
1. If you are using any birth control that contains hormones, you may have some spotting in the initial months as your body adjusts to the method. This type of spotting is called breakthrough bleeding. Some of typical hormonal contraceptives used by women are:
- intrauterine device (IUD)
- contraceptive pill
- contraceptive implant
- vaginal ring
Spotting may also occur if you don't use the birth control method as per given instructions or for instance, miss a contraceptive pill.
2. For some women, when they conceive and the fertilised egg gets implanted into the lining of the uterus, they tend to experience some bleeding. It is known as implantation bleeding and is often accompanied by some cramping.
3. Bleeding or spotting between periods is also an early sign of a miscarriage. It is possible that it could happen even before a woman knows that she is pregnant.
4. An injury to the skin or tissue of the vagina can also cause spotting or bleeding. It is common when you have penetrative sex when your vagina is dry. The reason for vaginal dryness can range from hormonal changes to diabetes or menopause.
5. If you've had an abortion, you may experience spotting for several weeks.
6. Certain sexually transmitted infections (STI) such as chlamydia can cause vaginal bleeding or spotting between periods.
When to seek medical assistance
If you experience heavy bleeding between your periods, it is important that you seek medical help. Noticing other symptoms along with the abnormal bleeding and conveying them to your doctor will help them diagnose any underlying condition. Here's when you must absolutely see your doctor:
1) If you have breakthrough bleeding, caused due to some form of hormone-based birth control method, for more than three months, you must inform your doctor.
2) Most women have spotting or bleeding after terminating their pregnancy. However, if the bleeding is heavy then you must consult your doctor.
3) If you suspect you have vaginal bleeding due to an STI, you must see your doctor.
4) If vaginal bleeding is accompanied by any of the below symptoms:
- Pain
- Fatigue
- fever
- dizziness
In most cases, vaginal bleeding or spotting between periods is temporary and gets resolved by itself, without any need of medical intervention. However, for some it may be an indication of something rather serious and must therefore not be ignored. So, trust your instincts and ask help whenever you feel you need it.
Read more about period symptoms, causes of irregular periods and what causes period pains.
FAQs
1. What does spotting blood between periods mean?
When you notice any vaginal bleeding after a period, it is considered spotting between periods. In most cases, spotting between periods is considered normal unless experienced on a regular basis. If so, the reasons behind it could be hormonal changes, an injury, or an underlying health condition such as endometriosis, polyps in cervix or vagina or polycystic ovary syndrome among others.
2. Why am I spotting after a week of my period?
If you notice spotting between periods, one of the reasons for this spotting could be because your uterus didn't completely flush out its unused inner lining. It is not considered normal if you experience spotting between periods on a regular basis.
3. Is it normal to bleed a bit between periods?
If you’re bleeding between periods or bleeding after your period, it is considered normal if it happens once in a while. In fact, it happens to most women at some point during their lives. However, bleeding after periods is not considered normal if it happens for several months. Do conuslt a doctor if you have any concerns regarding the spotting.
Disclaimer
Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Always is committed to ensuring that all of our products meet rigorous safety standards; Always pads prioritize safety, protection and comfort of its consumers.
