Period · 5 min read
Spotting: everything you need to know
Before we look at the reasons for spotting, we would first like to briefly explain what it actually is.
What is spotting?
Spotting is a pink to brownish vaginal discharge. It can occur independently of your regular period. Spotting is often much lighter than your monthly bleed and does not cause cramps. You usually only notice it on the toilet paper or in your underwear. Spotting typically lasts one to three days and often occurs in the middle of your menstrual cycle.
Spotting or period - the differences
Depending on how heavy your period is, you lose between 25 and 80 ml of blood - most of it in the first two days. Spotting, in contrast to your period, is usually much lighter and is accompanied by brownish discharge from the vagina. Its consistency tends to be smeary and mucous-like. Spotting can occur at any time, while your period follows its own cycle. Spotting is closely linked to ovulation and often occurs mid-cycle. But other processes in your body can also trigger spotting - and we will take a closer look at what these can be below.
Reasons for spotting
Hormones, hormones, hormones - they are among the most common triggers of spotting. Hormonal contraceptives (the pill, the coil, etc.) can be one reason. These add hormones such as oestrogen and progestin to the body, which leads to spotting in many menstruating people, especially at the beginning. The hormonal changes of puberty or the menopause can also be a cause.
Spotting can also occur at the start of a pregnancy, as small blood vessels are often damaged when the fertilised egg implants in the uterine lining. If spotting occurs later in pregnancy, however, you should have it checked by a gynaecologist.
Psychological stress - such as being overworked, grief, heartbreak and the like - can also be a trigger. Less commonly, infections or tumours are the cause of spotting. But there is no need to panic! Do you regularly notice light bleeding like this shortly before your period, for example? Then there is no cause for concern. If this bleeding occurs suddenly and for the first time, play it safe and make an appointment with your gynaecologist. As mentioned, the triggers are usually harmless and can be treated quickly and effectively.
Inflammation can also trigger spotting
Inflammation of the internal reproductive organs - which include the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the uterus - can cause spotting. In these cases, however, spotting is often not the only symptom; the inflammation is usually accompanied by fever, abdominal pain and vomiting.
Inflammation of the fallopian tubes (salpingitis) and inflammation of the ovaries (adnexitis): This often affects sexually active women between 25 and 40. If the ovaries are chronically inflamed, pain during sex and during ovulation as well as spotting frequently occur.
Inflammation of the uterus (endometritis) and inflammation of the vagina (colpitis): If inflammation spreads from the vagina to the uterus, this can lead to spotting alongside abdominal pain and foul-smelling discharge.
Other causes that can trigger spotting
Endometriosis: Although the growths of uterine lining tissue are benign, they are very painful. Severe pain during menstruation and sexual intercourse, as well as cycle fluctuations and spotting, are signs of endometriosis.
Thyroid conditions: As mentioned, hormones are frequently responsible for spotting. Both an excess and a deficiency of thyroid hormones affect the entire metabolism, and with it your period. Anything is possible, from missed periods to prolonged spotting.
Burst blood vessels: During sexual intercourse, small blood vessels can burst and lead to spotting.
Your mind: Extreme situations accompanied by strong emotions, positive as well as negative, can trigger spotting.
Spotting - when should I see a doctor?
You should get checked by a gynaecologist if ...
The advantages of washable liners for spotting
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