Expelling Old Endometrial Tissues
Are you still bleeding right after your period ends? Then its likely due to the removal of old endometrial tissues. During menstruation, not all endometrial tissues may be expelled out of your womb.
These remaining endometrial tissues may comes out as brown discharge after period. Are you worried it is bright red? It could also be pink discharge after period. If you are spotting after period, then this could be the cause.
However, it resolves quickly and it is lighter than your flow during period.
You Are Experiencing Ovulation Spotting
Ovulation spotting is very regular for certain women and is nothing to be worried about. Women can notice spotting a day or two into ovulating. When you ovulate, it is common to experience light spotting, usually pale pink in color. There are several potential reasons for ovulation spotting. For example, it can be caused by the surfacing of ovarian follicles. When a follicle matures and bursts, it can cause mild pain and some light bleeding. An increase in your estrogen levels during ovulation can result in light spotting or bleeding. It is also important to note that ovulation time is when you are most fertile. Be sure not to mistake this type of spotting with menstrual spotting!
You Are Taking Certain Drugs Such As Anticoagulants
Anticoagulants are drugs that help prevent your blood from clotting or prevent existing clots from growing. These drugs help keep clots from forming in your heart, veins, or arteries. These drugs should only be taken if advised by your doctor. While anticoagulants help with clotting, one side effect is spotting before your period or bleeding more than normal on your period.
Also medications like phenothiazides, which are antipsychotic tranquilizers and tricyclic antidepressants which affect serotonin uptake can as well result to spotting. Spotting is also common in women who are taking corticosteroids medications. Taking blood thinning medications like Heparin, Warfarin or Aspirin also result to spotting.
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How To Deal With Periods Every Two Weeks
There are wholesome habits that can help women manage having a period every two weeks. They include:
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Staying hydrated to flush the body properly
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Keeping a period calendar with the exact dates of your periods to help you make sense of your menstrual patterns
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Carrying sanitary pads and tampons with you at all times so as not to be caught off guard in public
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Trying gentle, regular exercises, such as calisthenics, long walks, or stretching routines. Restorative yoga can also relieve muscle tension and cramping as well as greatly help with premenstrual syndrome .
However, some women who receive a period every other week for an extended period of time without reprieve may want to consider treatment for long-term effectiveness.
What Is Spotting A Sign Of
Most common reasons for spotting:
- PCOS, Uterine Fibroids or polyps
- Premenopause
Is Spotting After Period a Sign of Pregnancy?
Spotting in between periods can be a sign of pregnancy. If you are pregnant and experience light bleeding, its most likely due to the embryo implanting into the uterine wall. Cramping can also occur during this time.
If you are pregnant and notice spotting, contact our OB/GYN Specialists for an appointment today.
What Does Mid-Cycle Spotting Mean?
According to UpToDate.com, in a study of women with regular menstrual cycles, mid-cycle transient spotting was reported by 4.8 percent. This may be due to a rapid decrease in estradiol , the rise of LH surge, and in the context of the low levels of progesterone at the point in the cycle.
How Long Should Spotting Last After Period?
Typically, spotting in between periods can last a few hours to a couple days but every womans experience is different.
If you have prolonged spotting or bleeding, it can be caused by a more serious underlying problem. If you are experiencing this, see your OB/GYN immediately or you can walk-in 24/7 to see one of our GYN specialists.
Is It Normal to Bleed When Not on My Period?
Any time outside of a womans menstrual cycle that uterine bleeding occurs, it is considered abnormal.Examples of Menorrhagia may include:
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How Is Vaginal Cancer Diagnosed
Vaginal cancer may be found unexpectedly during a yearly pelvic exam or Pap smear. As part of every pelvic exam, your doctor will insert a gloved finger into your vagina while pressing down on your abdomen to look for unusual growths, pain, and tenderness.
During a Pap smear, your doctor will take a swab of cells from your cervix and vagina, to be tested for abnormalities. Unusual pain, tenderness, growths, or abnormal cells are all cause for concern, as they may be symptoms of vaginal cancer.
If your doctor suspects you have cancer, they may take a biopsy, which is a small sample of tissue, from your vagina to see if cancer cells are present. Your doctor may also order a vaginoscopy. The endoscope, or small microscope, used in this procedure will allow your doctor to examine your vagina in greater detail. CT scans and MRIs of the area may also be performed.
If your doctor diagnoses vaginal cancer, theyll determine its stage. The staging system classifies cancers based on how far theyve spread in your body. According to the Mayo Clinic, the following are the stages of vaginal cancer:
- Stage 1 vaginal cancer is limited to the vaginal wall.
- Stage 2 vaginal cancer has spread to tissue next to the vagina.
- Stage 3 vaginal cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the area, the pelvis, or both.
- Stage 4A vaginal cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the area and the bladder, rectum, or pelvis.
- Stage 4B vaginal cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
When Do I Need Medical Attention For Spotting Between Periods
Most times, spotting between periods isnt a cause for an emergency visit. But since intermenstrual bleeding is never normal, you should talk to Dr. Morales about any spotting at your regular visit. If you have heavy or persistent bleeding or spotting between periods, its important to call for medical advice sooner.
Ready to talk to us about spotting between periods? Our compassionate team at Kelly Morales OB/GYB can help. Contact our San Antonio office by calling 210-570-7277 to schedule an appointment.
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You Have An Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy, also known as eccyesis or tubal pregnancy, is a complication in pregnancy where the embryo forms and attaches outside the uterus. In a normal pregnancy, a fertilized egg attaches itself to the lining of the uterus. In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg occurs in one of the tubes that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy cannot end normally. The fertilized egg has no chance for survival, and the growing tissues might destroy some reproductive parts. It can lead to extensive blood loss and can be life threatening for the mother. In the beginning, an ectopic pregnancy might not show any symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they are usually the same as any pregnancy, such as missed period, tenderness in the breasts, and nausea. However, spotting and light vaginal bleeding and pain in your pelvis and abdomen are the first signs of an ectopic pregnancy. See a doctor immediately if you are experiencing severe pain in your abdomen or pelvis, vaginal bleeding, extreme lightheadedness, fainting, and shoulder pain. Ectopic pregnancies can occur for a few reasons, including inflammation, infection, fertility issues, structural concerns in your body, contraceptives, and smoking.
How Is Vaginal Dryness Treated
There are many over-the-counter lubricants that can be applied to the vaginal area to reduce dryness and discomfort. These lubricants and moisturizing creams can also change the vaginas pH, reducing the likelihood of getting a UTI.
Women should choose a lubricant specifically intended for vaginal use. The lubricant should be water-based. They shouldnt contain perfumes, herbal extracts, or artificial colors. These can cause irritation.
Lubricants such as petroleum jelly and mineral oil can damage latex condoms and diaphragms used for birth control.
In some instances, a healthcare provider will prescribe estrogen therapy in the form of a pill, cream, or ring, which release estrogen.
Creams and rings release estrogen directly to the tissues. Pills are more likely to be used when you have other uncomfortable menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes.
Because many products can irritate delicate vaginal skin, its important to seek evaluation and treatment advice at a physicians office if the condition persists.
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Causes For Bleeding Between Periods
There are many causes for bleeding between periods. Some of these reasons are:
- Functional
- Related to medication use
When spotting occurs at the beginning or near the end of a womans reproductive years, such as puberty or near menopause, it may be related to hormones.
During a womans late reproductive years, such as in a womans 40s, the bleeding can be due to a benign growth, such as a polyp, fibroid, or growth on the cervix, vulva or vagina.
Other possible causes for spotting are bleeding disorders, pregnancy, cigarette smoking, infection or trauma. Rarely, bleeding between periods is due to cancer of the female genitalia or reproductive system.
Consequences Of Ignoring Vaginal Bleeding Between Periods
In some cases, this kind of abnormal bleeding will resolve on its own. However, for some women, the underlying cause requires treatment. Ignoring the problem and failing to see a doctor can lead to a worsening of the problem. If the cause of the bleeding is an infection, cancer, or another serious disorder, the consequences could be life-threatening.
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Forgetting To Take The Pill
If you accidentally forget to take the combined pill there is a sudden drop in the oestrogen level which stimulates the womb lining to shed, causing a withdrawal bleed. This may not happen to all women. When the pill is missed on on one day, you are still protected from pregnancy, and you can just take the missed pill as soon as possible, even if this means taking two pills on the same day.5 Then continue to take the rest of the pack as normal.
However, if the pill is missed on two or more days then you may not be protected against pregnancy. Similar to missing one pill, just take the last pill that is missed or follow the guidelines on the pack, and continue with the rest of the pack as normal. You will need to use extra protection such as condoms for the following seven days to ensure that you are protected against pregnancy.6
Changes In Hormone Levels
A common cause of spotting before or between periods is changes in hormone levels. Womens cycles are ruled by hormones and any sudden fluctuations in those hormone levels can cause unexpected bleeding or spotting.
Among the reasons for hormonal changesmany of which are entirely benignis the use of hormonal birth control. If you have recently started a new birth control pill or other hormonal birth control it may take a few months for your body to adjust. The changing levels of hormones can cause spotting for a week or a few days. Failing to take your pill at the same time every day may also lead to spotting.
Many women report spotting during ovulation, which is attributable to the changes in estrogen levels at that time of the month. Just before ovulation , levels of estrogen rise. Once the egg is released, estrogen decreases as progesterone increases. It is this shift in balance between the two hormones that can cause ovulation spotting. For some women who are trying to conceive, this can be a useful sign to help them know when ovulation is occurring.
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Use Of Hormonal Contraception
Bleeding between periods often happens when you start to take hormonal contraceptives. This is because your hormone levels drop. It is also called breakthrough bleeding, and usually happens about 2 weeks after your last period.
Breakthrough bleeding should stop after 1 or 2 months. Your periods will usually become more regular within 6 months. Bleeding between periods can also happen if you forget to take one of your oral contraceptive pills.
However, if bleeding occurs at other points during your menstrual cycle, you should consult your doctor in order to rule out the possibility of other conditions.
Other hormonal contraceptives such as hormone containing intra-uterine devices contraceptive injections or rods can also cause breakthrough bleeding or irregular periods. Sometimes this may be because the device isnt inserted properly, especially if its also painful. Check with your doctor as they may be able to give you medicine to control the bleeding and rule out other causes, like an infection.
Uterine Fibroids Or Polyps
Uterine fibroids are growths of the uterus. They are not cancerous and may not cause symptoms.
If symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding like spotting
- Lower back pain that persists
- Pelvic pain
- Pain during sex
- Urinary issues
Uterine polyps are growths in the lining of the uterus that are usually noncancerous . They may also cause spotting.
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How To Manage Breakthrough Bleeding And When To See A Doctor
Hopefully the reasons above helped you parse through when spotting is simply a passing occurrence and when it might need a bit more investigation. But as we said above, if youre experiencing spotting along with other symptoms like pain or fever, its a good idea to check in with your doctor. This is especially important because breakthrough bleeding is a common symptom, but different conditions require different treatments.
Even if you think you know whats wrong but youre still worried, its totally fine to talk to your provider to address your concerns. While youre working to figure out the underlying cause, you can try to manage your breakthrough bleeding with whichever productstampons, pads, pantyliners, menstrual cupsnormally work for your period.
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You Recently Started A New Birth Control Pill
Spotting during the first three months after going on a new birth control pill is considered fairly normal, Dr. Moritz says. It may take three months for your body to get used to the medicine and the lining of your uterus to adjust to it.
Spotting can also occur when you switch from a brand name to a generic, Dr. Moritz says. Some gynecologists think that generics may not perfectly match brand-name formulations and that the slight difference may be enough to cause breakthrough bleeding. The United States Food and Drug Administration says all generic drugs work the same as their brand-name counterparts but allow for a slight, natural variability that wont change the main function of the drug. If after three months on a new pill youre still spotting, or you suddenly start spotting on a pill youve taken for longer than that, ask your ob-gyn about switching medications if its really bothering you.
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