Vaginal Bleeding Specialist Q&A

Bleeding that occurs between your periods can look like light brown spotting up to a regular period flow, or even a heavy flow. The medical term known for this is called metrorrhagia. There are many different reasons why you may be bleeding between the time your period ends to when it begins.

Hormonal contraceptives
Hormonal contraceptives are a common cause of vaginal bleeding between periods and often occur during the first 3 months of using a new contraceptive. A few examples of contraceptives include:

– Intrauterine device (IUD)
– Birth control patch
– Vaginal birth control ring
– Contraceptive pill
– Contraceptive implant

If the bleeding between periods is heavier than your average period or lasts longer than 3 months, we highly recommend visiting your primary care physician for an appointment.

Emergency contraception
When you use emergency contraception, it can cause bleeding. This applies to both the morning after pill and the IUD.

Implantation bleeding
Women who become pregnant may often experience spotting which is known as implantation bleeding, this occurs when the fertilized eggs implant into the lining of your uterus. You may also feel some slight cramping occurring at this time as well.

Miscarriage
Bleeding between menstrual periods is an early sign of miscarriage. Miscarriage can occur at any time during a women’s pregnancy and can happen before she is even aware she is pregnant.

Termination
Many have experienced bleeding that occurs after termination or abortion. It can last up to several weeks after the in-clinic procedure, or if you took an abortion pill. The bleeding that occurs can be quite heavy, seek out medical advice if you feel it is abnormally heavy.

STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection)
Sexually transmitted infections can also cause vaginal bleeding.

Injury
If the skin or tissue that is within the vagina becomes damaged, it can begin to bleed. For many, it can happen due to penetrative sex. This most likely occurs when the vagina is dry.

Menopause or Perimenopause
Perimenopause is what leads up to menopause, and bleeding can occur at this stage. Often this stage can last up to 10 years before the hormone levels in your body change. After perimenopause comes menopause. This on average occurs between the ages of 45 to 55 in women. This is noted when a woman does not have her period for up to 1 year.

Polyps that have developed in the cervix or vagina
Polyps are known as small growths that develop in the cervix or the vagina. Polyps can often cause bleeding and may need to be removed by a healthcare professional.

Certain cancers
Usually bleeding between periods is usually not a cause for concern; however, it can be a symptom of certain cancers including cervical cancer.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a condition in which irregular periods, as well as some bleeding between periods, occurs. Other symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome include fertility issues, oily skin, weight gain, and acne.

Endometriosis or adenomyosis
Chronic conditions that can affect the uterus include endometriosis or adenomyosis. These conditions can also cause painful menstruation periods and cramping between periods.

The main difference between spotting and a period is the amount of blood you notice. Periods will often last for several days and will need a tampon, pad, or menstrual cup to control the flow. Spotting on the other hand will produce much less, and will typically not need these feminine hygiene products.

Absolutely stress can cause vaginal bleeding as well as many other changes within your body, including fluctuations in your menstrual cycle. Many women have noted they experience vaginal spotting during high-stress periods.

It is highly recommended you visit a primary care physician when you experience bleeding that needs more than one tampon, pad or menstrual cup per hour, for several hours in a row.

For more information, please call us. We serve patients from Portland OR, PDX, Tigard OR, Milwaukie OR, Cedar Hills OR, Cedar Mill OR, Lake Oswego OR, Oak Grove OR, Vancouver WA, Aloha OR, Minnehaha WA, Gladstone OR, Tualatin OR, West Linn OR, Fairview OR, Oregon City OR.