Understanding Intermenstrual Bleeding
Vaginal bleeding between periods is usually no cause for concern. If the blood flow is light, it is called a 'spot'. Bleeding between periods can have some causes, including hormonal changes, injuries, or an underlying health condition.
Intermenstrual bleeding between periods is also called abnormal vaginal bleeding, spots, and menorrhea. If bleeding occurs between periods, it has many causes. Some causes are easy to treat, but others may indicate a serious underlying condition. Whether you experience severe bleeding between periods, it is important to visit your doctor for tests, diagnoses, and treatment options. Any woman who believes she has an irregular menstrual bleeding pattern should think carefully about the specific characteristics of her vaginal bleeding to help. Your doctor assesses your specific situation.
Your doctor needs the details of your menstrual history. Bleeding during cycles can be caused by several reasons, including:
- A growth in your uterus or cervix
- Tension
- A change in medication
- A miscarriage
- Vaginal dryness
- A hormonal imbalance
- Cancer
Causes
Birth Control
Between periods, hormonal contraceptive pills, patches, injections, rings, and implants can be detected. Detection can occur spontaneously or if:
- Start with hormone-based contraceptives first
- To skip doses or not to correct birth control
- Change the type or dose of your birth control method
- Use contraception for a long time
Complications of Pregnancy
Complications during pregnancy can cause scarring. Bleeding may occur because of both a miscarriage and an ectopic pregnancy. When a fertilized egg is inserted into the fallopian tube rather than the uterus, it is considered an ectopic pregnancy. Detection during pregnancy may not mean that you have had a miscarriage. However, if you are pregnant and experience vaginal bleeding, contact your doctor immediately.
Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus. This is not uncommon in women who have given birth.
Infection
Vaginal bleeding between periods may show an infection in your genitals. The infection can cause inflammation and bleeding. The causes include:
- Sexually transmitted infection
- Showers
- Community
- Pelvic inflammatory disease , characterized by inflammation of the reproductive organs leading to scarring
Cancer
Less commonly, cancers of these organs can cause bleeding:
- Cervix
- Vagina
- Uterus
- Ovaries
Rare Causes
Other common causes of vaginal bleeding include:
- Inserting an object in the vagina
- Extreme voltage
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disorders
- Significant weight gain or loss
Diagnosis
If you are pregnant, your doctor may order a pregnancy test. If your bleeding is heavy, your doctor may, in addition to other tests, also monitor your blood count to make sure you do not have a low blood count due to blood loss. This can lead to iron deficiency and anemia. An ultrasound examination of your pelvic area shows both the uterus and the ovaries. It can also show the cause of your bleeding. An endometrial biopsy could be recommended by your doctor. This is a test of the lining of the uterus. This is done by inserting a thin plastic tube (called a catheter) into your uterus. Your doctor will use the catheter to remove a small portion of the uterine wall. He or she will send the cover to the laboratory for analysis. The test will show if you have cancer or a change in cells. A biopsy is painless and can be performed in the doctor's office. Another test is a hysteroscopy , a thin tube with a small camera is placed in the uterus. The camera shows your doctor on the inside of your uterus. If something abnormal pops up, your doctor may get tissue for a biopsy.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause. If you notice when the bleeding occurs, how often and how much blood is lost, it can help your doctor diagnose the cause. The cervical cancer test, known as a screening test or pap smear, looks for something unusual in the cervix's tissue. PCOS may not have a solution, but it can be controlled. Treatment may include weight loss, the use of hormonal contraceptives, and the use of metabolic therapies.
When to visit a Doctor?
- Bleeding that requires over one tampon or pads within an hour, for several hours in a row
- Bleeding or detection between periods
- Bleeding after sex
- Severe pain
- Fever
- Dismissal or abnormal color
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Unusual hair growth
- The new appearance of acne
- Nipple discharge
Prevention
- Damage to the dry skin of the vagina can cause small tears and bleeding. Using an artificial lubricant and arousal before having sex can prevent damage to the vagina during sexual activity.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle and a normal weight, because being overweight can lead to abnormal periods.
- If you are taking contraceptive pills, do so, as shown to prevent a hormonal imbalance. Maintain your health and ease depression by exercising moderately.
- Use ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), which can help with pain, which can help reduce bleeding. Stop taking aspirin (Bufferin) because it can induce bleeding.
Citations
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0029784498003147https://europepmc.org/article/med/7877394
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/1105075
