What is Spotting? What are the symptoms of Spotting?
December 13, 2020 Womens Health 1056 ViewsCauses of Spotting
Most of the women may have experienced spotting or abnormal bleeding during periods. They must have wondered if it is a normal reaction or not. As we know that menstruation is a normal function of the body. Often women have spotting or menstrual periods in the early stages of pregnancy. This is normal. Few women experience spotting right after interior. Many women do not have much information about the problem of spotting. Through today’s article, let us look into the causes and symptoms of spotting. Let us also learn about the differences between spotting and normal menstrual periods.
- What is Spotting?
- What causes Spotting?
- What are the symptoms of Spotting?
- What are the differences between Spotting and Menstrual periods?
What is Spotting?
Spotting is a common problem among women. It results due to infection, injury or other reasons. Spotting in women is not a major illness, but consult a doctor if there is a lot of bleeding. If the color of the blood is black instead of red, it might be a sign of a disease. If such symptoms are seen in a pregnant woman, the doctor may recommend some tests. These symptoms can be common for few women while they can be serious for some. If you have a lot of spotting, contact a doctor. (Read more- What are the symptoms of Ovulation)
What causes Spotting?
The following are the common causes of Spotting:
- Ovulation and hormonal problems: Spotting can occur around the time of ovulation. The exact cause of this not known. According to certain researches, women with high levels of hormones experience ovulation bleeding. There may be low progesterone levels in the women before the onset of menstruation. Multiple studies are being carried out.
- Pregnancy: Spotting is a common symptom in pregnant women. It is mostly experienced by 1 to 4 women, in the fifth or eight weeks of pregnancy. Usually spotting is not a major ailment. A research shows that women with the problem of spotting are more likely to carry out abortions. Heavy blemishes and bleeding might be a serious issue. If pregnant women have bleeding, they must consult a doctor. Spotting can be a symptom of abnormal pregnancy. It may be an indication that the fetus is growing at the fallopian tube and not in the uterus. Ectopic pregnancy can have signs and symptoms like abdominal pain, shoulder ache and dizziness. Contact a doctor in case of such symptoms.
- Hormonal contraception: Spotting is a side-effect of hormonal contraception. You may have spots for a few months if you take oral contraceptives. If the bleeding continues even between the periods, the pill may not be correct for you. Spotting may be a result of missing a pill which causes irregularity in the hormonal secretion.
Physical condition and infection:
- Spotting can be a result of physical changes in the reproductive tract and hormonal changes. Physical conditions cause episodes of Uterine fibroids, cervical polyps or endometriosis.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) cause urethral bleeding. Pain while urinating and blood stains on the toilet paper are the symptoms of a UTI.
- Continuous spotting in the women post intercourse is not normal. Post sex bleeding (post-coital spotting) is a result of ailments related to the cervix or polyps. A few women may experience spotting after their first orgasm, which is normal. If you do not experience spotting after sexual intercourse, contact a doctor. (Read about- Sexual Health Diseases)
What are the symptoms of Spotting?
Larger pads and tampons are supposed to be used in the case of excessive bleeding during menstruation. There is less bleeding in spotting as compared to menstruation. Spotting is common among women. The color of blood in spotting and menstruation is light.
The following symptoms of spotting can be observed during menstruation:
- Mood swings
- Swelling
- Tiredness
- Breast pain
- Cramps
- Nausea
- Some people have the symptoms of spotting during menstruation:
- Stomach ache
- Weight gain
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Irregular menstruation (Read about- Irregular menstruation problems)
- Vaginal itching
What are the differences between Spotting and Menstrual periods?
- Menstruation occurs at regular intervals of time while spotting can occur anytime. There is a difference in the color of blood. The color blood is red in menstruation and light brown in spotting.
- Menstruation is a normal process while spotting is an abnormal activity, but it does not cause any disease.
- There is excessive bleeding during menstruation, which requires a pad which is not required in the case of spotting. There is a less secretion of blood in spotting. (Read more- Excessive Menstrual bleeding)
If you face any irregularity or problem related to menstrual periods, contact a Gynecologist immediately.
Our aim is to provide information about ailments. We do not recommend any kind of medicine, treatment or surgery. Contact a doctor for advice.
