Why is spotting between periods

If you suspect you may be pregnant and are experiencing pain and spotting, call your doctor. Sexually transmitted infections, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, can cause bleeding between periods.

Other infections, like pelvic inflammatory disease or an infection of the cervix, can also cause unexpected vaginal bleeding. Cervical cancer is most common in sexually active women between ages , while uterine cancer typically affects menopausal or postmenopausal women. Morales will be able to better diagnose the cause of your spotting and identify any underlying condition with a clear picture of all of your symptoms.

But since intermenstrual bleeding is never normal, you should talk to Dr. Morales about any spotting at your regular visit. Ready to talk to us about spotting between periods? Contact our San Antonio office by calling to schedule an appointment. Confused about when menopause symptoms begin and what to look for? Feeling overwhelmed by the many types of birth control available?

If you need surgery to treat a gynecological condition, the da Vinci robot-assisted surgery system offers many benefits over conventional surgery options. Take a moment to learn about this amazing technology and its benefits. Vaginal bleeding between periods may indicate an infection of your reproductive organs. Infection can cause inflammation and bleeding. Causes include:. You should consult your doctor any time you have abnormal vaginal bleeding.

The cause of the bleeding could be serious and should be determined. If you have other serious symptoms in addition to bleeding, you may need emergency medical attention. When you see your doctor about bleeding between periods, be prepared to answer questions about your symptoms.

Take note of when your periods begin and end, the heaviness and duration of your flow, and when and how much you bleed between periods. Your doctor will also likely give you a physical exam, including a pelvic exam. Diagnostic tests can help your doctor find the cause of the bleeding. Your doctor may draw blood to check hormone levels. You may need to have cultures taken or tissue removed from your cervix or the lining of your uterus for testing, which is called a biopsy.

Your doctor may also want to perform an ultrasound. There is no specific treatment for 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.

You may not be able to prevent bleeding between periods depending on the cause. However, in some cases, preventive measures can help. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and a normal weight because being overweight can lead to abnormal periods. If you take birth control pills, do so as directed to avoid a hormonal imbalance. Exercise moderately to maintain health and reduce stress. With excess thyroid hormones, women may experience very heavy periods. Sometimes women battling a simple illness like the flu can experience spotting, but more serious infections could also be triggering sporadic bleeding.

If you suspect you may have an STD, visit your specialist. Serious infections in the uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes known as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease can also produce spotting, making it even more important to schedule regular screenings with Mid-City OB-GYN.

Yes, having sex can cause some spotting or bleeding afterward. This is nothing to be concerned about unless it happens frequently. Some of the more serious causes of bleeding and spotting can be cancer of the cervix or endometrial cancer.

This could be a sign of reproductive cancer. Most women know their bodies and can recognize when something changes. Seek medical care with any of the following:. Most sporadic spotting between periods is usually not cause for alarm, but it is always best to err on the side of caution. If you have any further questions, or would like to set an appointment with Mid-City OB-GYN today, call to schedule an appointment. Starting Or Changing Birth Control Methods In this particular case, you may see spotting throughout your cycle or right before your period, which is also known as breakthrough bleeding.