The term 'vaginal bleeding between periods' is referred to bleeding before the beginning or after the end of menstruation. Vaginal bleeding after menstruation is normal and doesn't call for concern. It is also referred to as 'spotting' when the blood flow is light. There could be several reasons behind vaginal bleeding between periods such as hormonal changes, an underlying health issue, internal injury or injury on the private part, to name but a few. Oftentimes, it is spotting but in some cases, heavy blood flow may be seen resembling the condition of regular periods. This article contains all the details about vaginal bleeding, its causes and possible methods of prevention.
The alternate names for vaginal bleeding are breakthrough bleeding or spotting and the medical term for this condition is 'Metrorrhagia'. Monthly or about every 25-30 days, a woman gets periods that last for about 2-7 days. This cycle is different for each woman.
What Causes Vaginal Bleeding?
There are numerous reasons why some women suffer from vaginal bleeding. The major ones are explained here:
1. Hormonal contraceptives
Hormonal contraceptives like contraceptive pills, vaginal ring, birth control patch, intrauterine device, etc. are highly likely to cause vaginal bleeding during periods. Usually, this happens only in the initial months but if they persist for long, it is better to consult a doctor.
2. Emergency contraception
In some cases, using an emergency contraceptive pill may also cause irregular spotting.
3. Implantation bleeding
This is referred to as pregnancy bleeding that women suffer as they conceive. This happens when the fertilized female egg gets implanted on the uterus lining.
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4. Miscarriage
After a miscarriage, a woman is likely to suffer light or heavy vaginal bleeding as the body is discharging the remnants. If a pregnant woman suffers vaginal bleeding, she should consult a gynecologist.
5. Medical Termination of Pregnancy or Abortion
Just like miscarriage, vaginal bleeding can also happen in the case of abortion, the chances are less likely though. Spotting after an in-clinic abortion procedure is common but it shouldn't last long.
6. Menopause
Generally, the menopausal age in women is 45-55 years. During this period, spotting is common as your body slowly adapts the hormonal changes and therefore bleeding isn’t stopped completely. In some women, heavy vaginal bleeding may also occur.
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7. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Protected sex is very important as this could lead to STDs which may cause vaginal bleeding. Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that causes spotting between periods.
8. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Women with PCOS often suffer from vaginal bleeding between periods. This is a normal thing for them but it is better to consult a doctor during bleeding.
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9. Injury
When the skin tissue is damaged, your vagina may bleed. It mostly happens due to penetrative sex or due to dry vagina.
10. Cancer
Vaginal bleeding between periods could also be a warning sign of different types of cancer. If you sense something fishy with your healthy, consult a doctor immediately.
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