Spotting is light vaginal bleeding that occurs between periods and can be caused by various factors. Some causes of spotting are quite dangerous and should be treated by a doctor while others may only manifest some process in your body. In this article, we have gathered 10 common causes of spotting that every woman should be aware of.
1. Ovulation
Ovulation is a process in which the ovaries release an egg that can be fertilized. Spotting during ovulation occurs in up to 3 percent of women. If the bleeding is not heavy and lasts about 1 to 2 days, it can be deemed normal. But in the case of prolonged bleeding or heavy blood flow, it is better to contact a gynecologist.
2. Pregnancy
When a fertilized egg implants in the uterus, it can cause mild bleeding. In most cases, it is harmless, but it is still better to undergo an exam to be sure that everything is okay. The bleeding during pregnancy is often light, and the color may be pink, red, or brown.
3. Uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that develop on the uterine walls. Many women have asymptomatic fibroids and others can experience pelvic pressure, pelvic pain, spotting, lower back pain, and fertility issues. If you experience some symptoms, you can undergo fibroid removal or take medications prescribed by a doctor to ease your symptoms.
4. Endsometriopsis
Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when the endometrial tissue that usually grows inside the uterus starts to spread on pelvic organs. This condition can cause pelvic pain, pain during sex, severe periods, spotting, and fertility issues. There is no cure for endometriosis but some medications and surgical treatments can manage its symptoms.
5. Cervical polyps
Cervical polyps are small abnormal tissue growths that develop on the cervix. They can be asymptomatic or cause spotting (especially during sex) and abnormal vaginal discharge. Treatment for cervical polyps includes surgical removal that is usually easy and not painful.
6. Sexually transmitted infections
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may develop asymptomatically for months or even years in some women while in others, they can cause the following symptoms:
- Abnormal vaginal discharge with an unpleasant smell
- Spotting
- Pelvic pain
- Vaginal itching
- Pain during sex
Timely and proper treatment of STDs can help prevent their further transmission and development of severe complications.
7. Pelvic inflammatory disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a condition that develops when the vaginal infection (like bacterial vaginosis or some STDs) was left untreated. This condition can cause severe pelvic pain, spotting, abnormal discharge, fever, and pain during sex. PID should be treated as soon as possible since it can cause infertility and other complications.
8. Polycystic ovary syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition caused by increased levels of male hormones in women. Women with PCOS usually have multiple cysts on the ovaries that interfere with egg release and fertilization. Other symptoms of PCOS include irregular periods, spotting, weight gain, acne, and increased hair growth.
9. Cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is a quite serious condition that occurs when the cells of the cervix change and overgrow. In the initial stages, cervical cancer may develop asymptomatically. But when it becomes advanced, a woman can experience pain during sex, spotting, and abnormal discharge. It is essential to undergo regular gynecological exams to detect cancer in the early stages.
10. Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a hormonal condition that occurs when the thyroid gland produces too few hormones. Symptoms of hypothyroidism can include spotting, missed periods, infertility, weight gain, high cholesterol levels, and depression. Hormonal therapy usually helps ease the symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Comments