Lets talk spotting…
Spotting is light vaginal bleeding that occurs outside of your regular period and typically involves small amounts of blood that wouldn't fill a panty liner.
Most cases are harmless and require no medical intervention.
Is it spotting or your period?
Spotting is different from the bleeding you experience during your period, with several differences between the two.
Typically, spotting:
is lighter in flow
is pink, reddish, or brown
doesn’t last longer than 1 or 2 days
has one or more days without bleeding before or after menstruation.
is not accompanied by cramps or clots
can occur at any time of your cycle and is often linked to ovulation, but can also be a signal of other changes in your body.
Although spotting is a very common occurrence, it can still be worrying for many people. Particularly if you’re used to having a regular period, it can be a bit of a surprise to find a small amount of blood in your underwear.
Before you start to worry, just remember that most cases of spotting are completely normal, harmless, and won’t require any further investigations or treatment. If you do need to visit a doctor, seeking expert advice as soon as possible will make sure you receive appropriate advice and treatment.
Causes of Spotting
Hormonal contraceptives
Spotting is common between periods during the first few months of starting hormonal contraception, such as the combined oral contraceptive pill, the progesterone only pill, contraceptive implant or injection and intrauterine system (IUS). You may also experience spotting if you miss a pill or experience vomiting or diarrhoea while taking the pill.
Pregnancy
If you think you could be pregnant, it’s important to take a test as soon as possible. Spotting can be a common occurrence during pregnancy and does not necessarily mean something is wrong. Bleeding during pregnancy however should always be taken seriously, and you should call your medical professional straight away so that anything more serious can be ruled out.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Endometriosis can affect women of any age, including teenagers. Symptoms include serve period pain (that stops normal activities), pain during or after sex or difficulty getting pregnant. Endometriosis can be treated with hormonal medicines and/or surgery.
Trauma
Examples of trauma can include sexual assault, rough sex or an object, such as a tampon, causing trauma to the cervix.
If you've experienced any kind of sexual assault, you should seek care from a trained professional. Organisations offering such support include: The Survivors Trust (08088 010818), Safeline (01926 402 498) and Rape Crisis (0808 802 9999).
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the UK. Symptoms can include spotting, pain when peeing and unusual discharge. If you think you're at risk of having any STI, visit your local sexual health clinic or GP.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is thought to be very common, affecting about 1 in every 10 women in the UK, and often running in families. While more than half of women will not have any symptoms, symptoms can include irregular periods, excessive hair grown (particularly on the face, back, chest, buttocks) or hair loss from the head, weight gain, excessive oily skin or ache.
PCOS can be managed with lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, hormonal contraception, as well as a range of solutions to support women with POCS as they try to get pregnant.
Stress
Stress has a negative impact on your body in many ways. It activates your body’s fight-or-flight response. While this instinct is designed to keep you safe in an emergency situation, experiencing these feelings over and over long-term can take a significant toll, with physical manifestations such as headaches, insomnia, weakened immune system, stomach problems and menstrual irregularities including spotting.
Managing stress can look different to different people, although common tips to reduce stress include regular exercise, taking fresh air breaks, talking with friends, family or a therapist and listening to music.
Fibroids
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the womb (uterus). Symptoms of fibroids include heavy and/or painful periods, tummy or lower back pain, frequent need to pee, pain or discomfort during sex. There are a range of treatments available however these may not be necessary if you do not have any symptoms, with fibroids often shrinking after the menopause.
Cancers
Spotting can be a sign of some cancers such as cervical cancer, womb cancer, vaginal cancer and vulval cancer. It is important to see a GP if you think you may have any of these.
When to see a doctor
If you're concerned about any spotting or irregular bleeding you should seek medical advice from a qualified medical professional.