Spotting is a phenomenon wherein a woman experiences light bleeding in between her menstrual periods. While many experts claim that spotting is an entirely normal condition for women, some of us may still find it bothersome or worrying. That is totally understandable. After all, we are talking about our reproductive systems, right?
Well, we are here to help give you the peace of mind that you need. To clarify the confusion and to help you understand your body a little better, it would be best that you take a look at the following reasons for spotting.
1. Hormonal Imbalance
Our menstrual cycles are regulated by two major hormones—estrogen and progesterone. All throughout our entire cycle, there will be a chance when the levels of one or both of these hormones may fluctuate, and it will almost always be characterized by light bleeding (aka spotting).
The fluctuation in the hormone levels may come as a result of the body’s response to stress brought about by changes in diet, physical activities and other external factors.
2.Infection
Light bleeding in between period may also be a symptom of a reproductive system infection. Most common cause of infection would be vaginal douching so you should try to avoid it as much as possible. Another common vaginal infection is Thrush. It is a yeast infection caused by Candida albicans and is usually characterized by light bleeding, inflammation of the vagina or inflammation of the vulva, itchiness, white discharge and pain when urinating.
3. Contraceptive Pills
If you are taking contraceptive pills, then there is nothing that you should worry about. Light bleeding in between periods is a common side effect of such medications. This is because birth control pills contain small amounts of synthetic hormones. The immune system tries to adapt to the presence of these synthetic hormones which causes the spotting. In addition to that, missing a dose of these pills may also lead to light bleeding too.
4. Cancer
Certain types of cancers, like cancer of cervix or uterus, may cause vaginal bleeding in between periods. This comes as a result of the cancer cells trying to invade its neighboring normal cells. If it is cancer, it is most likely be accompanied by the presence of a foul smell before the bleeding takes place. But please bear in mind that not all women who have cancer may exhibit these symptoms. That is why it is recommended that you have regular visits with your gynecologist for cancer screening.
5. Ovulation
Ovulation almost always comes with light bleeding. Bleeding usually takes place when the ovarian follicle bursts while the ovary is being released. Ovulation spotting does not have any significant effects on your health, but it can be a confirmation of fertility. Ovulation spotting usually occurs 10 to 14 days before your menstrual period takes place.
6. Uterine Fibroids
One of the common reasons for spotting is the presence of uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus and is characterized by spotting, frequent or obstructed urination, pelvic pain, and pain during intercourse. Symptoms may occur depending on its location in the uterus, the size of growth and its proximity to neighboring pelvic organs.
7. Sexually Transmitted Diseases
If you have STD’s or STI’s, your internal sexual organs are inflamed which may lead to bleeding. If you have an active sex life and you experience spotting along with other symptoms like pelvic pain, unusual colored vaginal discharges and foul odor, a visit to your gynecologist is in order.
8. Intrauterine Devices
Almost all birth control options have light bleeding as their side effect, and IUD’s are no exceptions. These birth control devices are inserted into the uterus which makes them highly vulnerable to experiencing spotting in between periods. If you are only using IUDs for a few months, you can expect spotting, but its effect may diminish later on.
However, you should keep in mind that not all types of IUD’s have spotting as their side effects. That’s why it is best that you read the product label carefully. If the product that you are using does not have this type of side effect and you experience spotting in between periods, it would be best that you visit your gynecologist.
Now that you already have an idea of what causes spotting, it would be easier to determine if the spotting that you are experiencing is normal or not. If you are still not that confident that everything is okay, it would be best if you pay a visit to your gynecologist.
