9 Most Common Causes of Spotting Between Periods

Information may not be reliable

However, sometimes it is can be a signal of a serious illness or side effect of taking certain medications. Knowing the common causes of spotting will help you recognize the disease in a timely manner and seek professional care. 

Here are some reasons why you may experience vaginal bleeding between your periods.

1. Ovulation

Some hormonal changes during ovulation may cause the uterine lining to break down too early. This is what may cause spotting between periods. If during vaginal bleeding you experience mild pain, then maybe a mittelschmerz is to blame. This is a type of ovulation pain when the follicle breaks.

2. Hormonal contraception

Hormonal contraceptives have many different side effects and unscheduled spotting is one of them. The spotting will disappear after a few months if you are taking combined oral contraceptives. If spotting lasts for a long period of time this is likely that this contraceptive is not suitable for you. In this case, you may ask your health care provider for another option.

3. Infections 

When left untreated, STI’s may cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). For this reason, you may experience unscheduled spotting. Some other PID symptoms are fever and abdominal pain. If you suspect you have PID it is important to contact your health care provider immediately.

If you feel pain during urination and regularly notice some blood on your toilet paper after you wipe, then you might have a urinary tract infection. 

4. Pregnancy

About 25% of pregnant women face spotting in the first few weeks. As soon as fertilized egg sticks to the uterine lining, some blood may flow out of your vagina. This is considered one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. 

5. Noncancerous growths

Noncancerous growth like uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, uterine and cervical polyps may cause vaginal bleeding between your periods. Along with spotting, you may also experience abdominal pain of different degrees. But bleeding doesn’t necessarily come with all these diseases.

6. Sex 

Insufficient lubrication during vaginal sex may also contribute to vaginal bleeding. And vaginal dryness will only compound this issue. Childbirth, perimenopause or menopause, and certain medications all may cause vaginal dryness. 

Perimenopause and menopause increase your risk of vulvovaginal atrophy. Along with a decrease in estrogen, you may experience vaginal irritation, soreness, dryness, and incontinence. 

In the case that vaginal dryness causes spotting after sex, vaginal moisturizers and lubricants can help you. If these don’t help ask your gynecologist for other options.

7. Perimenopausal state

If you are between ages of 45-55 than changes in menstrual cycle and spotting may be associated with coming menopause. Perimenopause can last for several years. The hormone level will gradually decrease. Along with spotting your periods may change in duration, heaviness or regularity.

8. IUD

As well as hormonal contraceptives, IUD may also contribute to unscheduled spotting. Such a body reaction considered normal when it lasts up to 6 months after insertion. This may happen because IUD irritates the uterus. You should give your body time to get used to the IUD. If spotting doesn’t stop after  6 months or is accompanied by fever and abdominal pain, then contact your gynecologist.

9. Miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy

Bleeding is one of the first symptoms of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. If a miscarriage happens than along with bleeding you may experience cramps. It occurs in about 10% of pregnancies.

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when fertilized egg implants somewhere outside the uterus. Ectopic pregnancy is a rare and life-threatening condition. Other symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy include abdominal, shoulder and pelvic pain. If you suspect that you have an ectopic pregnancy, call your health provider immediately.