Spotting is very light bleeding that leaves only spots of blood on underwear or toilet paper and can’t fill a panty liner. Vaginal bleeding involves a heavier flow.
What causes vaginal spotting and bleeding?
Spotting or bleeding between periods can be caused by a few different conditions, some of which are more serious than others. Spotting or bleeding that isn’t related to your period might be a result of your birth control, especially if you have recently started taking the birth control pill or have recently had an intrauterine device (IUD) inserted. If you are not on birth control, ovulation can sometimes cause spotting or bleeding in the middle of your cycle. These causes may not need treatment, but it’s worth having them checked out if they disrupt your life or don’t improve. Spotting after intercourse can sometimes be caused by small or more serious growths near the cervix.
Other more serious causes of spotting are sexually transmitted infections (STIs), certain infections like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), endometriosis, or other growths, bleeding disorders and structural problems.
Tips!
Try to wear a panty liner or pad so that you can keep mental track of how much blood there is. This is really helpful if you need to talk to your provider – hearing “I use one pad in an hour” is so different from “I spot when I wipe, but the pantyliner stays clean.” While you’re noticing new bleeding or spotting between periods, don’t put in a tampon, have sex, or use anything that introduce bacteria into the vagina. Pay attention to how you’re feeling, too – for example, if you feel dizzy or have cramps. These are important symptoms that your healthcare provider will want to know about.
If you feel dizziness, pain, or if you have a fever, or if your bleeding gets worse or lasts for more than 7 days, you should call your healthcare provider so that they can support you and rule out any serious conditions.
Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
Sources
- “Abnormal Uterine Bleeding.” ACOG. FAQ 95 from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, April 2023. Web.
- Wouk, N. and Helton, M. “Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in Premenopausal Women.” Am Fam Physician. 2019;99(7):435-443
