9 Causes Of Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding

Having to deal with bleeding once a month is, in itself, quite frustrating for most women. Which is why it’s completely natural to be baffled and annoyed at finding blood in your underwear when it’s not that time of the month.

It’s extremely difficult to tell exactly what the cause of abnormal bleeding is without heading to a gynecologist. But, knowing the possible factors can help you get a fair idea of things before you seek professional help. Here are a few that you should know of.

1. Pregnancy

Bleeding, or more specifically, spotting, during the first trimester is considered normal for the most part. In fact, approximately 20 percent of women experience this form of light bleeding during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Experts believe that it could be due to a few changes in the cervix or implantation of the placenta in the uterus. However, a few other factors that might be at play are

• Infection
• Bleeding between the uterine wall and placental membrane (also known as subchorionic hemorrhage or hematoma)
• Pregnancy in the fallopian tube (also known as ectopic pregnancy)
• Miscarriage
• Gestational trophoblastic disease (a rare condition in which a grape-like mass of fetal and placental tissues develop)

In addition to the above, heavy lifting, sexual intercourse, and vaginal examinations might cause spotting as well. If you’re bleeding towards late pregnancy, your placenta might be near the cervix or covering its opening.¹ Alternatively, it could occur when the placenta detaches prematurely from the uterus.²

2. Cervix- Or Pelvic-Related Complications

Disorders of the cervix, a donut-shaped opening to the uterus, can lead to bleeding in between periods and after intercourse. These include

• Cervical polyps: These are cherry-red, reddish-purple, or grayish-white growths that appear on the cervix right where it opens into the vagina. They vary in size (1–2 centimeters long) and often look like bulbs on thin stems. Although they are not cancerous, they look like certain cancerous conditions and hence must be examined and removed.³
• Cervicitis: This condition causes inflammation or irritation of the cervix. It could be caused due to trauma, frequent douching, or exposure to chemical irritants.⁴

In addition to this, if you experience pain during intercourse or bloody discharge then you should consult a professional at the earliest.

3. Contraceptives

If you’ve been taking birth control pills, then you might experience abnormal bleeding and spotting. This is especially true if you don’t take the pills at the same time every day. Additionally, going off of them can also lead to spotting.⁵

If you’ve got an IUD (Intrauterine Device), then you might experience abdominal cramping, spotting, and irregular bleeding. Most of these side effects are believed to improve over time, but others might not.⁶

4. Sexually Transmitted Diseases

These are infections that can be spread from one person to another during sexual contact. Often, they don’t have any specific symptoms.

However, chlamydia, which affects the vagina, anus, mouth, and throat causes bleeding after intercourse and between cycles. In addition to this, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis which cause pelvic inflammatory disease along with (which affects the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes) can lead to spotting and bloody discharge.^{7 8}

5. Vaginal Atrophy

This condition occurs when the vaginal walls become thin, dry, and inflamed. This generally happens around menopause, due to a decline in estrogen.

Mild cases of vaginal atrophy often come with no symptoms. However, more severe cases cause burning sensations in the vaginal region, urgency during urination, pain during intercourse, and light bleeding after intercourse. Hormonal treatments and topical lotions can provide relief from all of these symptoms.⁹

6. Low Thyroid Functioning

Hypothyroidism causes disruptions in the thyroid hormone and slows down the processes of the body. It also, however, leads to abnormal uterine bleeding and spotting.

Hence, if you’ve been experiencing constipation, brittle nails, dry skin, sluggishness, weight gain, or an unusual sensitivity to cold apart from irregular bleeding, you might have to consult a professional. This condition can occur in both adults and adolescents.¹⁰

7. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

This is a common condition that is characterized by the overproduction of the androgen testosterone, menstrual abnormalities, and enlarged ovaries with multiple follicles on them (polycystic ovaries). PCOS also causes abnormal spotting, heavy bleeding, and irregular menstruation.

Hence if you experience weight gain, extremely irregular cycles, and acne, do consult a professional. Treating PCOS can help you avoid these unexpected bouts of bleeding.¹¹

8.  Endometriosis

This condition is caused due to the endometrium (the type of tissue that lines the uterus) growing outside the uterus. And, although it isn’t usually serious, it could cause pain and infertility.

Women with endometriosis generally suffer from blood in their urine or stool as well as bleeding after sex or in between periods. If you experience unbearable pain during your period along with irregular bleeding, be sure to consult a professional.¹²

9. Cancer

Although uncommon, it is important to get checked if you have irregular and abnormal bleeding since it might be a sign of cancer. For instance, cancer of the uterus, cervix, or vagina leads to abnormal bleeding.

Additionally, if you have a family history of any of these cancers you should definitely consult a professional at the earliest.¹³

Apart from the factors stated above, diabetes and problems with blood clotting could also lead to abnormal bleeding. Always take this seriously and consult a professional instead of diagnosing yourself.