Vaginal bleeding between periods: Causes and management

Vaginal bleeding between periods which is also known as inter-menstrual bleeding or  spotting can happen due to a number of reasons. Many women can  have spotting or bleeding between their periods at some point of their lives and  usually, it’s not a cause of worry. It’s important to address this issue, understand the root cause and take proper guidance from your doctor.

Most of the time the reasons might not be very serious, and it’s easily treatable but sometimes vaginal bleeding can indicate a serious underlying issue especially during pregnancy. 

1. Hormonal imbalances 

Oestrogen and progesterone are the two main hormones that regulate your menstrual cycle, and when these hormones get imbalanced you may get spotting between your periods. Your hormone level might get disrupted because of:

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• Improper functioning of ovaries
• thyroid gland problems like hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism
• Being on birth control pills

2. Hormonal contraceptives

Hormonal  birth control contains hormones, which might cause spotting or vaginal bleeding during the first 3 months of beginning, according to the NHS, UK.

These hormonal contraceptives are available in many forms like:

• Birth control pills
• Patches (transdermal patch)
• Intrauterine device (IUDs)
• contraceptive implants
• Contraceptive rings

If the bleeding lasts longer than a few months, you should consult a doctor.

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3. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) –  STIs like chlamydia can cause vaginal bleeding, it's always better to schedule regular check ups for STI.

4. Pregnancy complications

Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy is very dangerous and needs immediate assistance from a doctor. Miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy are common cause of cause vaginal bleeding during pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy occurs as a result of the implantation of the fertilised egg into the fallopian tube instead of the uterus. 

5. Uterine fibroids

These are noncancerous tumours that can grow in the lining of the uterus. Cervical or endometrial polyps can also be the cause of vaginal bleeding.

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5. Cancer

Although it is less common , cancer of the cervix, vagina or uterus can lead to vaginal bleeding. You should have regular cervical screening tests to detect precancerous cells and take a cervical cancer vaccine after consulting a doctor. 

Few more causes of bleeding between periods are:   

• Any trauma to the vagina while having penetrative sex
• Recent abortion 
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Vaginal dryness
• Certain Infection of the reproductive tract 

If you notice any kind of vaginal bleeding or spotting between periods, it’s important to consult your doctor for the right diagnosis, and treatment.