Spotting
Spotting occurs when the uterus sheds blood intermittently between periods. Alternative names for spotting include: abnormal uterine bleeding, bleeding between periods, intermenstrual bleeding, and metrorrhagia. Many women experience spotting and the situation can sometimes be alarming for them.
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Normal menstrual bleeding lasts anywhere from 2 to 7 days, produces a total blood loss of 30 to 80 ml (about 2 to 8 tablespoons), and recurs normally every 28 days (+/- 7 days).
If a woman is experiencing spotting, she should first make certain that the bleeding is coming from the vagina (and not from the rectum or in the urine) so that she may properly understand the situation and relay accurate information to a doctor if necessary. A good way to check if the bleeding is coming from the uterus is to insert a clean tampon, remove it, and inspect it for any traces of blood. It is important not to douche in an effort to clean the vagina and rid it of blood or discharge. Spotting is a natural process and should be left to run its course or be evaluated by a physician.
Spotting may occur for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to: stress, changes in hormone levels (which may be linked to hormonal birth control use), IUD use, poor diet, excessive exercise, or lack of proper lubrication during sex. Improper lubrication can cause small tears inside the vagina that lead to bleeding. This problem can easily be remedied by using a lubricant, such as KY Jelly or Astroglide. Some females experience spotting for a few days before or after their period, which is considered normal. Usually spotting stops once the problem is fixed, or it may stop naturally after a time.
Spotting is normal during the first month or two of starting hormonal birth control pills or when switching birth control methods. When a woman has an IUD inserted, cramping and spotting are also common.
If spotting becomes incessant, painful, or problematic, you should consult a physician who can ascertain the cause of the bleeding through a careful exam. It is essential to know that a doctor can best give an evaluation while the bleeding is occurring, so it is important not to wait until the bleeding stops. In order to keep track of how much bleeding is occurring, a woman can count the number of pads and/or tampons used to control the bleeding. This is important information to share with her physician if the bleeding becomes heavy, painful, or problematic. You should see a doctor to find out whether or not your spotting is the sign of a larger problem.
Problematic occurrences for vaginal spotting are:
- Ectopic Pregnancy.
- Low Thyroid Function.
- Injury or disease to the vaginal opening caused by intercourse, infection, uterine fibroids/polyps, genital warts, ulcers, varicose veins, insertion of foreign objects, or malignancy.
- Cervical Conization or cauterization procedures.
- Drugs such as anticoagulants.
The following individuals should contact their physician at first notice of the bleeding: women who are pregnant, women who experience bleeding after menopause, or if the bleeding is accompanied by other unusual symptoms. Any vaginal bleeding may be something to worry about for women who are postmenopausal (generally women over the age of 50), since the risk of malignancy increases steadily with age.
At a young age, and especially for the first few years after menarche, it is normal for menstruation to still be fluctuating. Sometimes the distinction between spotting and a "light period" may be unclear. A light period is not as heavy as your normal period but still requires you to change your regular pads or tampons a few times during the day. Spotting would be wearing light tampons or pantyliners and having to change them only a couple times during the day.
If a woman is experiencing pain along with spotting, she should refrain from taking aspirin, because it acts as a blood thinner. Instead, she should contact her physician for immediate care.
Related Articles:
The Menstrual Cycle
Menstrual Difficulties
References:
What is Spotting?
Ectopic Pregnancy