Having irregular bleeding between your regular periods can be frightening. There are a range of causes for irregular vaginal bleeding, some of which are perfectly normal and some of which are potentially deadly. If you've been experiencing irregular bleeding, consult with your doctor. She can help you figure out what has been causing your symptoms.
Ovulation
Some women experience vaginal bleeding midcycle because of ovulation. This bleeding, which is usually accompanied by lower abdominal cramps or pain on one side of the body, is part of "mittelschmerz." Mittelschmerz simply means "middle pain," and it happens as a normal part of ovulation. During ovulation, the follicle that holds the egg swells and bursts. This can irritate the ovary and other parts of the abdomen, causing pain. The blood and fluid from the burst follicle causes vaginal discharge and mild bleeding.
Birth Control
Some birth control methods can cause spotting or an irregular cycle. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) can cause excess bleeding, especially nonhormonal copper models. Hormonal IUDs can reduce or eliminate menstruation. Other forms of hormonal birth control, like pills and shots, can produce midcycle bleeding. This is common among women who have just started hormonal contraception and women who forget to take their pills. If midcycle bleeding continues, it may be a sign that the hormonal contraceptive isn't strong enough and that a higher dose or different form of medication is needed.
Tumors and Polyps
Vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of cancers of the reproductive system, such as cervical cancer, uterine cancer and ovarian cancer. It can also be a symptom of cancer of the fallopian tubes or vaginal cancer, although these types of cancer are rare. Tumors usually cause heavy bleeding or bleeding after sex. Uterine polyps and uterine fibroids are two noncancerous growths that can also cause abnormal vaginal bleeding.
Pregnancy
Abnormal bleeding between cycles can be a sign of a start or end of a pregnancy. Bleeding can be a sign of an early miscarriage, especially if it's heavy and clotted. It can also be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy, a dangerous medical condition that occurs when a embryo begins to develop in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus. Other signs of ectopic pregnancy include abdominal and pelvic pain, shoulder pain and in extreme cases shock (dizziness, clammy skin and a weak, fast pulse). Finally, some women bleed when they become pregnant. When the embryo implants on the uterine wall, it can cause vaginal bleeding.
Other Medical Conditions
Other medical conditions that can cause vaginal bleeding include infection of the vagina or cervix or infection with a sexually transmitted disease (STD) like chlamydia or gonorrhea. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) occurs when the entire reproductive system becomes infected and inflamed, often as a result of an untreated STD. Like an STD, one of the symptoms of PID is irregular bleeding. Hypothyroidism, also known as underactive thyroid, can also cause irregular vaginal bleeding.
