Bleeding in-between menstrual period

Vaginal bleeding between periods is also called inter-menstrual bleeding, spotting, and metrorrhagia. This condition, of course, is not a normal part of the menstrual cycle. On an average, woman’s menstrual cycle could be 28 days, with a four-day period of bleeding, or a cycle between 21 and 35 days long and a period that lasts between two and seven.

Any bleeding outside this is considered abnormal and can be caused by a variety of factors: Which could include growths in the uterus or cervix, miscarriage, uterine fibroid, cervical erosion, vaginal dryness, uterine bleeding, hormone imbalance, contraceptive use (emergency contraceptive) post coital or after sex bleeding and cancer.

According to Dr. Fasasi, a Gynecologist and obstetrician, with Teju Hospital, Ring Road, Ibadan, expantiated on reasons why a woman could bleed in-between her normal menstrual period. These are:-

Hormonal imbalance; occurs when Estrogen and progesterone, the two hormones which regulate the cycle get out of balance, this may lead to spotting, dysfunctional ovaries, thyroid gland problems also starting and stopping birth control pills, can all affect hormone balance.

Intrauterine device; plastic birth control or contraceptive device inserted into the uterus, can also cause abnormal bleeding.

Pregnancy complications can cause spotting in women as well, Fasasi said. Both miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies, a situation where the fertilised egg implants itself in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus, can cause bleeding.

Uterine fibroids or polyps: these are non cancerous growths that form in the uterus. They are not uncommon in women who have had children.

Infections: Vaginal bleeding between periods may indicate an infection of the reproductive organs. Infection can cause inflammation and bleeding and may be from a sexually transmitted infection, it may occur after douching or after intercourse, or may be due to pelvic inflammatory disease (marked by inflammation of the reproductive organs leading to scarring).

Cancer: Less commonly, cancer of the cervix, vagina, uterus, or ovaries may cause bleeding.

Other causes: Other possible causes of vaginal bleeding are rare, for example, having an object in the vagina, extreme stress, and diabetes.

Source: tribune.com.ng