It is not uncommon for women to experience spotting between periods. Although there are some instances in which this may be normal, there are other times when it may indicate a serious health condition, such as cancer. Therefore, women should be aware of the potential causes of irregular vaginal bleeding.
Pregnancy can Cause Spotting Between Periods
For some women, light spotting, which is also known as implantation bleeding, can be one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. Others may not notice irregular vaginal bleeding when they conceive. Implantation happens when the embryo is implanted into the uterus.
This possible cause of spotting between periods generally occurs within six to 12 days after conception, according to the American Pregnancy Association.
Birth Control Methods and Irregular Vaginal Bleeding
Women who have switched to a new method of birth control should know that spotting may be one of the possible side effects. Almost any birth control pill can increase the risk of spotting between periods, but the problem tends to be more common among women who use extended-cycle birth control pills, such as Seasonique and Seasonale.
The intrauterine device (IUD) and the birth control shot are two other methods of contraception which both cause this problem. With most birth control methods, irregular vaginal bleeding will stop over time. Also note that discontinuing use of hormonal birth control methods can also cause spotting.
Cancer can Cause Spotting Between Periods
Cancer of the female reproductive organs can play a role in spotting. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some of the types of cancer which can cause irregular vaginal bleeding include:
- Endometrial (uterine) cancer;
- Cervical cancer; and
- Fallopian tube cancer.
Some women who develop cancer of the reproductive organs do not experience any symptoms aside from irregular vaginal bleeding. Other symptoms that you should watch out for include sexual intercourse, pain, cloudy or bloody vaginal discharge, or bleeding after menopause, according to the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center College of Medicine at Penn State University. If you experience one or more of these symptoms, be sure to talk to your doctor right away.
It is also important to note that diagnostic procedures may also may cause spotting between periods. Cervical or endometrial biopsies can cause women to experience abnormal spotting for a few days after the procedure.
Other Possible Causes of Irregular Vaginal Bleeding
There are a number of other reasons why women may notice spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, other possible causes include:
- Abrasion from sexual intercourse
- Blood thinner usage
- Genital warts (often following sexual intercourse)
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
- Stress
- Uterine polyps or fibroids
- Vaginal dryness
- Vaginal infection or STD
- Varicose veins
There are many possible causes of spotting between periods. The only way to find out for sure what could be causing yours is to consult your health care provider. If irregular vaginal bleeding persists for more than a few days or seems to occur every month, it is ideal to seek medical attention.
When to Seek Help for Spotting Between Periods
It is important to always take irregular vaginal bleeding seriously. Any time you notice a change in menstruation, be sure to talk to your doctor. That said, there are certain instances in which it is more important to seek help right away.
Postmenopausal women who experience vaginal bleeding or spotting should always visit a healthcare provider right away, as there is a chance that it could be due to endometrial. Women who have not had a Pap test within the past two years are at a greater risk of developing cervical cancer.
If spotting between periods is heavy, it is also important to seek medical attention. According to the Mayo Clinic, vaginal bleeding is considered heavy if you soak a pad for one hour for several hours. Also note that it is considered abnormal to experience bleeding or spotting for more than a week at a time.
Women who experience symptoms in addition to spotting between periods should seek medical attention. Nausea, vomiting, a fever, headache, dizziness/faintness, pain, distended abdomen, lower back pain, a sharp pain on the right or left side and any other uncomfortable symptoms all may be indicative of a serious health problem.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only; it should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his/her health should contact a licensed medical professional.
Sources:
American Pregnancy Association, “Pregnancy Symptoms – Early Signs of Pregnancy” (accessed January 16, 2011).
Mayo Clinic, "Vaginal Bleeding" (accessed January 22, 2011).
Milton S. Hershey Medical Center College of Medicine, “Reproductive Cancers” (accessed January 22, 2011).
Planned Parenthood, “Birth Control Shot (Depo-Provera)” (accessed January 16, 2011).
University of Maryland Medical Center, “Vaginal bleeding between periods – Overview” (accessed January 16, 2011).
Web MD, “Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding – Topic Overview” (accessed January 16, 2011).
Jody Morse - Jody Morse is a freelance writer from the Poconos. She earned her B.A. in English from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania in ...
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