Periods are different for every woman. Hormonal contraceptives are a common cause of vaginal bleeding between periods. If they do cause irregular bleeding, it usually only occurs for the first 3 months of using the contraceptive.
If bleeding between periods is very heavy or lasts for longer than 3 months, it may be a good idea to seek medical advice. Changing to an alternative form of contraception can often stop breakthrough bleeding. Bleeding between periods can happen if a person does not take their hormonal contraception according to the instructions. For example, a woman may miss taking a contraceptive pill, or have a problem with a birth control patch.
This can sometimes cause spotting. Using emergency contraceptive may also cause bleeding. This applies to both forms of emergency contraceptive: the morning after pill and the IUD. Some women experience spotting shortly after becoming pregnant, marking the moment when the fertilized egg implants into the lining of the uterus. This is called implantation bleeding. They may also feel a slight cramping in the uterus.
Bleeding between menstrual periods is one early sign of a miscarriage. Miscarriages can occur at any time during pregnancy and may happen before a woman is aware that she is pregnant. Many people experience some bleeding after having a termination or abortion. Spotting may last for several weeks after having an in-clinic procedure or taking the abortion pill.
If bleeding is very heavy, seek medical advice. Some sexually transmitted infections STIs can cause vaginal bleeding. Chlamydia is a typical example. As well as spotting between periods, chlamydia can cause bleeding during or after sex. If the skin or tissue of the vagina is damaged, it can bleed.
The most common way for this to happen is during penetrative sex. It is much more likely if the vagina is dry. The body produces a natural lubricant that prepares the vagina for penetrative sex. Vaginal dryness can be caused by many factors including a lack of arousal, changing hormone levels due to menopause , diabetes , or cancer treatment. Menopause usually happens between the ages of 45 and It is marked as the time at which a woman has not had a period for 1 year.
Perimenopause is the period leading up to menopause. This can last for up to 10 years as hormone levels in the body change. Hormone levels are often unstable during perimenopause. This can cause irregular periods , spotting, and heavy bleeding. Polyps are small growths. They can develop in the uterus or on the cervix, which is the structure between the vagina and uterus.
In some cases, polyps can cause bleeding and may need to be removed. Stroke is not just a man's disease. Know the indicators and risk factors for women. By clicking "Subscribe" you agree to our Terms of Use. We'll be in touch every so often with health tips, patient stories, important resources and other information you need to keep you and your family healthy. Bleeding or spotting between regular monthly periods can be alarming.
I often get questions about spotting between periods from my patients. Normal menstrual bleeding lasts about five to seven days. While your period usually occurs an average of every 28 days, anywhere from 21 to 35 days between periods is considered normal. About 14 days after the start of your period, you ovulate and release an egg from the ovary. This spotting can last for one to two days and is typically light bleeding. The uterine lining is ready for the implantation of a fertilized egg, and there can be spotting at the time of implantation if that occurs and pregnancy begins.
What conditions might cause someone to bleed between periods? Bleeding between menstrual cycles can be due to structural issues within the uterus or womb, including endometrial polyps or fibroids. Causes include:. You should consult your doctor any time you have abnormal vaginal bleeding. The cause of the bleeding could be serious and should be determined. If you have other serious symptoms in addition to bleeding, you may need emergency medical attention.
When you see your doctor about bleeding between periods, be prepared to answer questions about your symptoms. Take note of when your periods begin and end, the heaviness and duration of your flow, and when and how much you bleed between periods. Your doctor will also likely give you a physical exam, including a pelvic exam.
Diagnostic tests can help your doctor find the cause of the bleeding. Your doctor may draw blood to check hormone levels. You may need to have cultures taken or tissue removed from your cervix or the lining of your uterus for testing, which is called a biopsy.
Your doctor may also want to perform an ultrasound. There is no specific treatment for vaginal bleeding between periods. In some cases, this kind of abnormal bleeding will resolve on its own.
However, for some women, the underlying cause requires treatment. Ignoring the problem and failing to see a doctor can lead to a worsening of the problem. If the cause of the bleeding is an infection, cancer, or another serious disorder, the consequences could be life-threatening.
You may not be able to prevent bleeding between periods depending on the cause. However, in some cases, preventive measures can help. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and a normal weight because being overweight can lead to abnormal periods. If you take birth control pills, do so as directed to avoid a hormonal imbalance.
Exercise moderately to maintain health and reduce stress. To manage pain, use ibuprofen Advil or naproxen Aleve, Naprosyn , which can actually help reduce bleeding. Avoid taking aspirin Bufferin , which may increase your risk of bleeding.
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